April 30th, 2008 by tommy

Here goes an unpopular post for sure… it begins with me saying that I AM GLAD that gas is expensive. Finally. It’s about time. Dammit. I have long been a proponent of a significant gas tax. Taxes have two main purposes: to raise revenue, and to control behavior at mass. A heftier gas tax, such as what we witness in Europe, is long overdue in our country. And, unfortunately, a significant gas tax is almost an impossibility politically. Look at our friend Mr. Obama, and we see how much heat he is taking just by not taking an immediate accepting position on a summer gas tax hiatus.  Sorry folks, but high gas prices are good.
So, the only real way for a similar consumption curb is to see the actual price of oil greatly appreciate. The absurd mass adaptation of SUVs and other gas guzzlers all through the 1990’s was abhorrent. Having lived many years in Europe, and seeing how high oil prices affect both driving (and carpooling) habits, and consumer decisions on what type of car to drive, I can attest first hand to the benefits of making gas more expensive. With the multitude of interviews in the media recently showing ‘average’ consumers being affected by gas prices, I continually see them being interviewed as they go about driving alone, not carpooling, not exploring public transportation, etc. Guess what folks: maybe it’s time for a little change in our habits.