Washington politicians are using a crisis as an opportunity to increase government involvement in the energy sector.

A grab bag of new spending and bureaucracy expanding is labeled as “innovation.” We need a restraining order on the word innovation within 100 yards of government.

Innovation comes from reduced government interference and micro-management so individuals pick the winners and losers.

Government actions crowd out, stifle and supersede potential market developments.

Right now, the economy is enjoying lowcost, plentiful energy supplies in spite of already massive regulation. The artificial, government-created losers -- renewables, uneconomic efficiency and electric vehicles – are taking a beating and demonstrating they can never pass the market test.

Jim Clarkson, Columbia

Titles are important

We read most of our Chronicle after lunch since we are joyfully retired.

Dan Williams’ article “A merry heart doeth good” was excellent. I loved the joke and will tell it to some of our friends.

I must say that I almost didn’t read Dan’s article last week due to the title, “Are you afraid of dying?” It sent a sense of dread over me. I thought why read about dying?

I read it anyway because I was curious how he’d approach the subject. He had a sweet memory story about “The Ride.”

If he had titled it “The Merry-go-round”, I would have been eager to read it.

What I enjoy most about the Chronicle is his articles and Tom Poland’s.

May God bless all of you and keep you safe and well.

Kathleene Little, Lexington