Is a Gas Tax Regressive…?

Ianqui writes: “I have been making noise about a gas tax being regressive–that is, poor people would be affected disproportionately. I advocated rationing instead. Yes, that’s a lot more drastic than a tax would be, and probably not something we could even look to other industrialized countries to find a model for, but I think it could be more fair than a tax.
{big snip}
So, will a gas tax help without unduly burdening an already suffering part of our population? Perhaps if it were implemented well, it would be. On the other hand, many people have speculated in previous comments that the American entitlement mentality–at the level of both the gas consumer and the (sub)urban transportation planner–isn’t going to change until there are physical shortages. We should try a(n enlightened) gas tax first, but don’t be surprised if rationing is the only thing that helps.”

More (including a solid discussion in the post and in the comments of demand destruction alternatives) after the jump at The Oil Drum.