Question to DUers

[tama]

If Obama proposed tax increase on gasoline in order to get out of oil addiction gradually (while also promising to take care of basic needs of poorest), to fund infrastucture based on renewable energy and other good ideas, would you support your president or tell him to go stuff it?

[Skittles]

1. I'd prefer a tax penalty on gas guzzler vehicles

[Oceansaway]

2. after the Leiberman stunt today, i bought me a

jar of vasoline...i'm ready for anything...for the next 4 years anyway

[babylonsister]

5. Why the drama?

You might want to measure that outrage; he's not even president yet.

[ZombieHorde]

12. Party at Oceansaway's house!

Sorry, I couldn't help it.

[Greyhound]

3. If that's the only option available, probably. n/t

[dflprincess]

4. I would prefer he roll back the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy

the gas tax is regressive and would be a greater burden to those who can least afford it.

[babylonsister]

6. Let's tax oil company profits! nt

[NoSheep]

7. Ding!

[Lil Missy]

14. ......

:applause:

[daninthemoon]

8. energy is the key to every problem we have. bailout of the auto industry

must be structured around a fed co-ordinated infrastructure that supports new energy driven cars, at the same time that detroit retools to build the cars that run on whatever the new tech grid supports. the infrastructure is built by the fed like eisenhower's highways. Europe has had obsenely high fuel taxes for decades, their roads are wonderful, and people think efore they drive. America has stupidly subzidised fuel costs while Europe made many advances. Yes, tax the hell out of the oil to pay to get us off the oil. hell yes. it should have been done long ago.

[tama]

10. Not to mention

that European cars are much more energy efficient than American, as result of both gasoline taxes and strict regulation. And not to mention, European car is a status symbol in America, where as American auto industry is bankrupt. What was good for GM (as long as it lasted) was the ruin of America.

But nice to see at least one passing the litmust test for support of Obama's promise to get rid of oil addiction and with good common and enviromental sense. Congrats!

[Lil Missy]

9. Fuck. NO! That is taxing the poor, and Obama would never do that.

Let's eliminate corporate welfare and tax breaks for the rich instead.

[tama]

11. How do you propose

Obama keeps his promise to liberate America from oil addiction in 10 years?

[Lil Missy]

13. By providing more energy efficient technologies and alternatives.

Put the extra expense and onus on the oil companies making the record profits instead of the poor schmucks paying through the nose to get to work and otherwise survive.

If big oil has to live with 95 Billion in profits yearly instead of 100 Billion, they will figure out how to do it. Trust me.

[tama]

16. And do you support

bailing out the auto-industry in it's current form? If not central planning and command economy but trusting market forces, then what behaviour changing guidance and incentives do you propose for the consumers and corporations, in order to promote efficiency and alternatives?

[Motown_Johnny]

15. Yes, I don't have a problem with an increased gas tax. Assuming the revenue is spent properly

I know.. it would be a tax increase on everyone who uses gasoline, and people who make under 200K a year use gasoline. Therefore it is a tax increase on people making under 200K a year and he promised not to do that.



I would support it but I don't think he will do it. I think his approach is to get more money out of the big oil companies instead. That may translate into higher prices at the pump equivalent to an increase in the gas tax but it won't actually be a tax.

[blue_onyx]

17. Yes, I would support him

A high price is the best thing to change people's driving habits and decrease gas consumption. For those who worry that's it's a recessive tax, Obama could give tax credits to low income people.

[baldguy]

18. Thats the minimum he should do.

The American auto industry has failed, but we can't afford to let it die. We have to force it to learn how to compete in the international market.

So:

- The Fed Govt should immediately take 30% ownership in each of the Big Three via eminent domain.

- In return, they will be guaranteed to receive $20 billion each year for the next ten years - exclusively to be used for research & development. (We not only have to develop competitive products for next year, but for the year after that - and the year after that.)

- Fleet minimum fuel economy standards for petroleum fueled vehicles should be immediately increased to 30 MPG. All vehicles - including trucks - that don't meet this standard will have a 10% tariff imposed on them, paid by the purchaser. Next year it'll be 15%, the year after it'll be 20%. If you can demonstrate the the IRS that your particular vehicle is necessary for your business, you will be rebated a portion of this tariff - but not all of it. And in ten years the manufacture & sale of petroleum-fueled vehicles for personal use will be outlawed.

- The Fed Govt should subsidize the private purchase of ZEVs, electrics & hybrid-electrics. (The $20B/yr subsidy the the auto makers is to develop THESE cars.)

- The auto makers need to stop exporting jobs to other countries (excl Canada) and close overseas plants they use to supply their domestic operations. Executive salaries should be capped at 50x the median income of their hourly workforce, and the maximum combined bonuses & stock options they receive each year will be capped at 1x their salary - and only be paid out when the company makes a profit & after the bonuses for the hourly workers is paid and after any dividend payments.

The object for all of these changes is to have at least one car - or even better several - that can be competitive in any market in the world: Can carry 4 people & their stuff 100 mi, doesn't use gasoline - or uses much less, and sells for $10k-15k.

[stillcool]

19. The only way I learn to do with less...

is by paying more..unfortunately. It's amazing how fast I learned how to curtail my gas usage, and how even faster I reversed it in a couple of days time. That said, my paying more may help me to use less, but it does nothing to create alternative fuel sources, or manufacture more fuel efficient cars. All it does is add more money to some already bulging pockets. I think they need the incentive, more than me.

[tama]

21. What you have learned

is to know thyself better. IMHO this is so far the wisest post on this thread. :)

[AndrewP]

20. I would support him