According to the federal Energy Information Agency, bituminous coal prices per ton went up about 49 percent between 1996 and 2006, and the total increase for all types of coal was less than 30 percent.

Although there has been a recent spike in prices, coal price increases have been far less than the "400 percent" increase suggested by Hanger, who unfairly lumped in coal with sources helping inflict "economic pain" through our energy bills. Inflation in resources such as oil, gasoline and natural gas has been much higher than coal during the last decade.

Coal also has provided us with increasingly clean energy. Although use of coal for electric generation has increased in the United States, resultant emissions have decreased.

Let's stick to the facts in our energy debate. Knowing the facts is vital to help us meet environmental goals as well as to make sure policies and legislative actions don't create an unnecessary, additional economic burden for individuals, families and businesses.

Joe Lucas
Executive Director,
American Coalition for
Clean Coal Electricity
Alexandria, Va.

Don't blame girls

How about this: "Students' behavior on the dance floor is something that every chaperone talks about: the three guys who dance with one girl, grinding her from behind; the guys egging on a girl dancing with her hands on the floor; the guy who never sees the face of his date while they dance. It's become our version of Double Standard."

Since when are girls the only teenagers of whom we expect responsible sexual behavior? Since always. The moral tenor of proms - and music videos - won't change until boys and men are held accountable, too.

Ruth Larkin
Moorestown

ADHD drugs danger

The Federal Drug Administration, again, proved itself to be less than an effective monitoring agency. The ADHD drugs are another gateway drug. There's nothing like getting your kids to solve their behavior problems by just saying: "Just swallow this pill."

Dr. Stan Broskey
Holland