“You do realize that every last penny ....”
Yes, and that’s why I called the carbon tax a “least bad” policy, rather than a “good” one. I also said that it would be just plain “bad”, if the revenues are earmarked for wasteful “green energy” projects, rather than being used to offset other taxes.
It’s hard to pick the “worst” policies — but, I’d probably start with government subsidies and mandates to induce the burning of food for fuel (e.g. corn ethanol). The CAFE would be high up there. CAFE will create all sorts of distortions and inefficiencies in the auto industry — all of which will be passed on to consumers (particularly those who need larger vehicles). Shutting down coal plants, the oil sands, pipelines, etc. are all very bad policies, when measured against costs to the consumer. And on, and on ....
As I alluded in my original post with the reference to "temporary" taxes, this lying horse manure about "offsetting other taxes" is a laughable eye-roller. Genuine "offsets" never happens and never will. With scumbag big government and politicians, it's ALWAYS about grabbing MORE money. Any new tax (in this case a "carbon tax") is strictly a politician money grab. The taxes that are "offset" WILL go back up, and (surprise, surprise) so will the "carbon tax". It is all a cynical con job.
This "carbon tax" is not "the least bad" - - it is a duplicitous abomination designed to facilitate massive additional confiscation from society's producers. There is no shrugging this off and surrendering with the conclusion that, "well, it could be worse", and this nightmarish new tax is, "the least bad", anymore than you would prefer pancreatic cancer to lung cancer.
Good luck up there, eh.
FRegards,
LH