Posted on 08/31/2005 11:37:33 AM PDT by kddid
Raising it to 50 cents or $1 per gallon would push conservation and send a signal to America's enemies. It's the surest way to cut oil dependence
Thanks to rising oil prices, the price of running a modern economy keeps spiraling higher. Crude has more than doubled since 2003, to some $65 a barrel, hitting a peak of $67-plus earlier this month. The average price for a gallon of gas has climbed to a record national average of $2.55. From Los Angeles to Boston, we're all suffering from price shock when we pull into a gas station.
What sort of action should government take in response to high energy prices? How about hiking the federal tax on gasoline? Yes, you read that right. Washington should raise the federal tax on gasoline from its current 18.4 cents a gallon to 50 cents -- or even $1.
STUFFED WITH PORK. The payoff from a steep gas tax could be huge, ranging from reduced reliance on Persian Gulf oil producers to a surge in technological innovation in energy. What's more, an audacious gas-tax initiative would give comfort to our allies and unsettle our enemies -- two big pluses during the war against terror and the fighting in Iraq.
True, Congress recently passed new energy legislation. But to call it pork-laden would be an insult to the sausage-making industry. The bill had little to do with savvy national energy policy and everything to do with rewarding well-heeled constituencies, such as the oil and gas industry, ethanol farmers, and nuclear power companies -- not to mention indulging in such ludicrous moves as extending daylight savings time.
(Excerpt) Read more at businessweek.com ...
I think it is a good idea. Until we wean ourselves off the Saudi teat, we're playing their game.
Raising gas prices by a dollar, for taxes? That's the ticket? Surely there is some sarcasm in your post.
The bill had little to do with savvy national energy policy and everything to do with rewarding well-heeled constituencies, such as the oil and gas industry, ethanol farmers, and nuclear power companies -- not to mention indulging in such ludicrous moves as extending daylight savings...
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Exactly and so pork-laden, it actually got voted for by the far left, even though it was Bush's creation. The domestic policy in this country is still IN GRAVE TROUBLE and the cause is Washington politics. With all the major issues revolving around energy, the best the lame Congress could do was this -- it shows who they are working for and it sure as hell is not the people of America and the betterment of the country.
What am I missing here. There is a giant gap I have between, we raise gas prices $1 for taxes and less reliance on saudi oil. How again is raising taxes going to make us use less oil, because people won't use as much due to insane prices?? That hasn't stopped anyone yet.
Yep. Let's raise taxes on gas by $5 a gallon...and the minimum wage while we're at it. /sarcasm
I just love it when New Yokers tell me that gasoline needs higher taxes. When I tell them that would hurt too many people they say you can just ride the subway or take a cab or even a bus. When i query them about those of us without those tools, they just think I am dumb for not living in New York.
It is a certain way to weaken our economy and make us more vulnerable to our enemies.
If that thinking worked Europe would be driving no gas cars.
It is precisely because higher gas prices hasn't made us use less oil, that they will keep rising higher still.
They will rise to whatever level is necessary for us to finally react to the price and use less of it.
What do you expect from sheeple that pay 8$ a pack for cigarettes?
Did you forget your sarcasm tag?
I think it is a good idea. Until we wean ourselves off the Saudi teat, we're playing their game.
Why not a $250.00 a gallon tax then?
That’ll sure smack the Saudi tits around!
How again is raising taxes going to make us use less oil, because people won't use as much due to insane prices?? That hasn't stopped anyone yet.
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And it won't...this asinine idea has zero merit and would only serve to negatively impact the economy in a great way. People have to have gas to get where they need to go and they still have to pay for it. Maybe less of it, but they still need it. Only the freakin' liberals would do such a draconian thing as raise gasoline taxes.
What these idiots don't get, is that people do not have alternatives in most cases. This is insane.
I hope this is heavy sarcasm in your comments and post. Because if it is not...UR an IDIOT!!!!
Someone at that bussiness journal needs a vigorous application of a fence post upside their head just to get their attention. Then someone needs to explain to this college educated idiot that hosing the people by raising the taxes so that the political class can line their pockets with even more pork money for PC projects is not gonna get us off the Saudi teat.
I did say I was hoping gas taxes could be cut. I thought it was obvious, but maybe it wasn't. I surprised you aren't busy wiping the sarcasm off of you keyboard. On the same subject, if President Bush were to cut gasoline taxes, how much difference would it make per gallon? Anyone know?
Americas enemies are killing us with the gas we must have
to survive..
We either need to find something else fast
or take it from them by force.
imo
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