I may be cynical but….
But, when I see this crap being pushed I don’t believe for one second that there is a bunch of heart wrenching meetings happening in Congress trying to figure out ways to help the beer drinking, bowling, church going, bitter bastards out there. I SMELL CORPORATIONS PUSHING FOR IT. I don’t see it as purely a political stunt. It stinks to high heaven. I see companies that rely on transportation needing this cut. I can’t think of anyone else that could benefit more from a 4% decrease in transportation costs. I think Wal-Mart would really love it if they didn’t have high fuel costs. My guess is that the Supermarket Lobbyists would love it too. They can’t afford to raise the price of produce this summer. I would imagine that farmers would love it too. Not farmers like we think of in a cute wittle Melloncamp song, but ADM and the Big BOYS…but that’s just me. I could be wrong….after all, I’m probably the only one that thinks our government has turned into a conduit for corporations to increase their profit margins.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A gas tax holiday proposed by U.S. presidential hopefuls John McCain and Hillary Clinton is viewed as a bad idea by many economists and has drawn unexpected support for Clinton rival Barack Obama, who also is opposed.
This will also be a big win for Obama, because even uneducated fucks in PA can see that saving $2 at the pump doesn’t even get them a pack of Camels.
Friedman has a column on this today. My favorite line is:
Here’s an idea or three, take your car on vacation instead of your SUV. Ride the bus to work. Ride your bike to work.
Can you say pandering? Here’s hoping the average American is smarter than feel good sound bites.
I propose a cut on the liquor tax for the summer. Instead of driving to the beach, or to Cleveland, we all stay home and get ripped.
It’s good for the economy.
It’s good for the environment.
It’s bad for my liver.
2 out of 3 ain’t bad.
Geek, I like it: “Think Globally, Drink Locally!”
I second that motion!
G- You have a gift. Come to the dark side…
You are not wrong.
I’m w/the Geekster on this one….let’s show ’em how supply and demand work ….if there’s no demand for the product the price (theoredically andyway) goes down.
BTW…I watched ‘Globe Trekker’ the other evening…they were in Iran and said $1.00 bought 25 litres of gas…..that should make our collective hair stand on end or spontaneously ignite.
It’s bad for my liver.
Quoting Robert Benchley from memory:
“The liver is a muscle. It must be exercised.”
Again, the GOP comes up with ideas which they pose as a benefit to the common folk, but in reality are handouts to their handlers….
….and HRC jumped right on board.
Obama at his best on this very topic.
Youtube Link