Keep Your $100 And Write An Energy Policy - Herald News

[hatrack]

EDIT

The president's volunteerism with regard to fuel standards on automobiles comes too late. Congress should impose higher mileage standards on automobiles and change regulations that allow automakers to average out the gas guzzling behemoths with smaller, more efficient models. More than rebates for hybrid cars, Congress should tax car owners who insist on driving small homes on wheels. Americans who insist on driving gas guzzlers should have to pay for the privilege.

There is not an unlimited supply of oil reserves. It is foolhardy to use the current gas hike as an excuse to drill in Alaska or in other environmentally sensitive areas. America needs to use less petroleum. More of the world is becoming industrialized and the demand for oil is increasing. The less dependent America becomes on oil, the more independent it becomes. It is more than an economic decision; it is good foreign policy.

Three decades ago, drivers waited in long lines for gas. So far, gas shortages are few -- it is just soaring prices that are hurting the middle- and poorer classes.

The suggestion from Congress of a $100 rebate to all taxpayers is plain stupid. One hundred dollars hardly makes a dent in anyone's gas bill. And a nation running deficits cannot afford any more tax givebacks. Congress should be investing in mass transit systems -- more commuter lines, light rail and buses. Fewer drivers will lessen demand.

EDIT

http://www.bergen.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk0MDAmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTY5MjcyODMmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxNA==