[clifman]

This article - http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/inv ... 150967.asp - posted by Carrie, is the best thing I've seen yet in the MSM regarding the logic of a gas tax. They have a rating system for articles - higher ones being recommended to readers. I say all POers should read it, rate it, and raise it. Then spread the news about it and see if we can generate some momentum out there among the masses clamoring for lower gas prices, which, of course, will just make the situation worse. This isn't some doom and gloom peaknik, nor some enviro-nut treehugger. It's a genuine MSMer calling for a gas tax. Spread the word.

[lutherquick]

it's a great idea...

But it will never happen here in the US... and anyway, most Americans think Europeans have bad gov... so Americans will resist... What? America copy the French? never... we're America, and our life is not negotiable... so says Cheney...

And there is a factor they miss in the article...

And that is that when you tax energy HARD, people can drop the car and take a bus or train...

America isn't designed that way... we have no choice, we need to drive... there is no public transportation in America worth talking about.


a depression in America is what is needed...

[emersonbiggins]

Good article. I was hoping for more information on the way the government encourages/subsidizes auto use over other forms of transportation, but the information that was in it was a good start.

I do have to say that a necktie party might befall this guy for speaking the truth, though. No one dare challenges the basic right to cheap oil that has fueled America for decades, yet this guy does it very bluntly in a short article. If it gets picked up by the AP, watch out.

[pea-jay]

Yup, the article falls into the "it's needed but it won't happen here category." Not without an honest heart to heart "discussion" by the President to the American people. The current president is not in the position to do that. Perhaps if we have squeeked into 2008-2009 without any serious calamities or catastrophic depletion in a key producing country, the next president might be able to get away with it early in the term. Peak Oil could still be obscure THEN as it is now, especially if we have a serious recession brought on by an event or series of events easier to blame than high energy costs and diminishing supplies. A dollar run followed by a housing crash/stock market fall coupled with a few hurricanes, a major oil producer going offline from terrorism would do the trick nicely. So would a bird flu pandemic. Look at all of those things that can take the fall for depletion. Each of those items allows people to externalize blame for their own decisions on something else.

Only a strong, honest leaders could initiate the real truth to the people. I am not sure if there are any of those out there, here or abroad.

[clifman]

Hey, it isn't perfect, and it may actually be just a small step. But...
the article's rating us up almost a full point from the paltry 6.57 when I first posted on it. So, we're having an effect. Just a little over a point more, and it'll make the visible recommended top 25, and a bunch more of the regular 'murikans will see it... Baby steps. Hey, it's Friday, and I'm being minutely optimistic for a change!

[strider3700]

7.99 now with only 83 votes it's easy to move this thing up