I remember the good old days when extortion was secretive and not printed in the newspaper for all to read. I refer to the April 29 story “Oil trade group rejects heating assistance proposal.”

Sen. Jack Reed suggests that if the American Petroleum Institute refuses to offer low-income residents assistance, “Congress should re-examine the tax breaks given to oil companies to encourage exploration.”

I have also noticed this trend of extortion in the banking sector. Legislators threaten the banking industry with more regulations if they do not voluntary write down subprime mortgages.

If the banking industry needs more regulation or the oil industry fewer tax breaks, I am all for reforms. What I am against is our legislators’ flat-out saying they will leave flawed rules in place if the industries pay a kickback.

Senator Reed should look up the definition of extortion. As a matter of fact, we should all look up the definition. Maybe there would be a bit more outrage.

Senator Reed’s actions would make Tony Soprano blush.

MICHAEL PANASUIK

Barrington