Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

Cisco Trudell, Greendale WI — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:28:28 GMT

For a liberal elitist Democrat, lower taxes are always bad.

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

the Pajama Pundit — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:32:02 GMT

A 'gas-tax holiday' is a short-term fix that will come back to bite you in the end. It's a band-aid on a broken arm.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:32:44 GMT

Unless a candidate decides issues based on merit and principle, that candidate is not worthy of being considered for president. The issues in this election are too important for anything less than a principled stand on issues.

Could this be the year that the high road becomes the choice of preference in American politics? The magnitude of the issues demands it.

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

Sally Martin, Jonesboro, AR — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:33:23 GMT

FR - [“Democrats are likely to propose a temporary ‘windfall-profits tax,’ possibly of 25%, on major oil companies.]

So, how do you think this will affect the prices at the pump?

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

Joe Lemon, Miami FL — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:35:17 GMT

>> ‘windfall-profits tax' <<

Last person to try this? That economic genius James Earl Carter.

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

Alan, NJ — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:35:37 GMT

How about BO tell us some hard truths on gas prices, like his plan will have no effect for years. John McCain is in Iowa telling them that he would veto Agricultural subsidies. Now that is telling voters what they don't want to hear. Lets see BO actually live up to his rhetoric and tell us what he expects us to sacrifice. Or is he just going to raise taxes?

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

Jaime, Boynton Beach, FL — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:36:16 GMT

Clinton is just manipulating the voters. A gas tax holiday? That would be TERRIBLE!!!!! Must I offer a quick reference to economics 101?

Hmmm...
1) Gas tax is cut out, so prices fall.
2) Prices fall, so demand goes up.
3) Demand goes up, so prices increase.

Therefore, by the end of the summer, we're right back where we started, except for two HUGE hits to the hard-working American people:
1) None of the increase in gas price is tax money that goes to maintaining and building America's infrastructure. Therefore, our old, run-down roads and bridges take an even bigger hit.
2) Once the gas tax is reinstated at the end of the summer, it will be TACKED ON to the already-back-where-we-started price. Therefore, gas prices will soar over current levels.

Think, people: A gas tax holiday = 1) A significant loss in funding for our crumbling infrastructure and 2) paying MUCH more at the pump than currently projected by the end of the summer.

Obama understands this. Economists understand this. Even Clinton and McCain understand this. But, Clinton and McCain are just pandering.

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

chris, SC — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:37:36 GMT

$25 or $30 savings for the summer.... And Hillary and John are hammering Barack on this? What a joke.

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:37:40 GMT

Its an interesting drama to watch play out. On its face, Obama is clearly right about the gas tax thing. And pretty much everyone who is paying attention to the news knows that. But Obama is battling the two "experienced" insiders, who are offering to give voters something.

Will voters see this issue with their heads or with their desire to be given stuff?

As an aside, its also interesting to watch individual reactions to this. Who among us is looking for the government to hold our hands, and who among us is taking matters into their own hands, by cutting back on personal usage, driving slower, etc.

The driving slower part is interesting. I read most cars start losing gas mileage over 60 mph. So I tried it, pertaining to my own highway commute miles. Used to drive at 70, but for the last four tanks I've been keeping it at 58 on the highway. Not enough data to be conclusive, but my overall gas mileage seems to be 5-10 percent better (somewhere around an extra 2 miles per gallon).

The ironic thing is this alone will save me more than I'd save by not paying the gas tax.

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

Larry Napoleon, IN — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:38:43 GMT

This 18 cents won't save my house or pay my Bill Clinton Social Security tax.

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

Lyn — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:40:06 GMT

selling it is a "Up hill climb" only to someone who plans to live only 3 months

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

Carol, CA — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:40:57 GMT

In his home state of Illinois Senator Obama supported a gas tax holiday on several occasions...he's only trying to be different now, since nothing else seems to be working for him!!

He should have told himself the "hard truth" about Rev. Wright years ago!

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

Larry Napoleon, IN — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:41:09 GMT

Obama Tuesday

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

Terry, Great Plains — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:41:33 GMT

Reporting today that Speaker Pelosi has declared the tax holiday dead on arrival should provide a clue that this McCain/Clinton proposal had no chance of passage and on its face is pandering. It amazes me how duped the press was during the run up to the war and how they are"entertainment tonight" driven today. Part of the blame on the Wright controvesy clearly lies with Obama who should of distanced himself wll over a year ago. Yet the constant shoving it in our face is media driven . Yet Rev. Hagee , a sought out religious advisor of McCain, is still spitting his venom. Public schools are promoting satanical teachings is his latest greatest hits. Yet no mention of this in the mainstream press. Now the gas pandering and all we hear is that Obama is an"elitist " for not supporting it. The fact that it would never pass and the fact that it created more harm than good to the working man, our economy and in effect would of hurt our highway infrastrucure was downplyed by accusing any one against it as "elitist".
We do not need knee jerk reactions or follow- me proposals to pander for votes. Is this the judgment we expect from the vetted candidates of McCain and Clinton? If it is we are in for another four years of hell.

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

Jim Patrick, Buffalo, NY — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:42:23 GMT

The McCain-Hillary pander is a mirage. And even though Bush Hugger isn't worthy of being thrown under his bus, he does deserve to lose his seat in it, or else change its name.

As for Hillary's supposed replacement tax on Big Oil windfall earnings, it has all the likelihood of a snowball.... Mainly her pitch tempts the conclusion that there's some wink wink nudge nudge going on here with her big bucks funders of the past.

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

Lisa, proud supporter of Barack in New Britain, CT — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:43:18 GMT

And "gas prices" as an issue is going to continue to loom big if we as a Country don't wrap our head and hands around coming up with a coherent gas policy (for the short, mid and especially long term).

One thing I've noticed about the gas holiday coverage is that people seem to have very different ideas on how much they (a typical family) could save (i've mostly seen $30 average savings for the season, but I've also seen people talking about $30 a month or even $30 a week).

Its another thing when the inaccuracies threaten to sway people...and you wonder why nothing gets done right...

I hold to my original view on this, I'd rather have any of my potential gas savings (and it is just potential) NOT go to me and keep roads in good repair and keep people working. I'd rather see my politicians have the raw GUTS to work on longer-term solutions and quite pandering.

As long as people vote for pandering and short term "solutions" that really aren't, then things won't get better. And don't care about your self, care about your children and grandchildren. I care about yours and mine, I hope others are with me.

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

juan,ft lauderdale,fl — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:44:42 GMT

Thomas Friedman wrote a wonderful article critizing Clinton and McCain whereby he stated that it is wrong to suspend the federal tax which would minimally help consumers. He stated we as a nation continue to maximize demand, minimize supply and pay the rest to countries (Saudi Arabia) that hates us the most. He seems rational as he states to pay more taxes for solar power, wind others that will be cleaner and cheaper;however; that would not maximize the profit of Exxon/Mobil.

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

Nj — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:49:44 GMT

And if Dems think a Gas tax cut is a good idea they need to go buy a brain.
This would put 300,000 people out of work, would endanger motorists with lack of maintanence and would push prices HIGER.

WAKE UP DEMS. Hill is a PANDER-BEAR. She will say and do anything to get a vote
Not HONEST at ALL

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

T.J. , DC — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:50:44 GMT

Nobody is talking about the 300k workers that would lose their jobs if the gas tax holiday is enacted. The windfall tax proposal may not pass congress and if it does it's not going to be in time to save those workers. All for a half a tank of gas. It's totally irresponsible.

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

chris, SC — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:55:31 GMT

See Hillary for what she is. Corrupt and deceiving. Check out Peter Paul's video on the Paul vs Clinton scandal at:

http://www.hillaryproject.com/index.php?/en/story-details/trial_date_to_be_set_in_paul_vs_clinton_on_february_21_2008/

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

Nashville_fan — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:58:52 GMT

Not an odd alliance at all - just establishment politics against change. Just like always. But hey, look on the bright side, at least McClinton shares our values, right? What could be more important than that?

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

Democrat — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:00:31 GMT

The gas tax "holiday" is bad.

Question everyone: when you go on vacation what generally happens when you get back?

Answer: You have that much more work to catch up on!

This is no different. The money lost by the government will have to come back somehow and do you know how it will come back? Out of your wallet, that's how.

Aside from the new argument above, it is also bad because:
* It gives the oil companies another opportunity to raise prices.
* The savings to the average Joe, if seen at all, is minimal, especially considering the cost.
* It takes money away from road improvements.
* It won't pass the House and Senate regardless and if it does it will be too late anyway.
* It doesn't address the real issues like diminishing world oil supplies and OPEC's unwillingness to increase production.
* It doesn't address windfall profits.
* It doesn't hold oil companies accountable.
* It eliminates some 200,000 – 300,000 highway jobs.
* It doesn’t stimulate investment in alternative fuels.
* It is a band-aid solution to an illness that requires major surgery.
* It is pandering and an insult to the intelligence of the American people.
And the list goes on and on....

In fact, is there anything GOOD about the gas tax holiday? The answer is no.
We need to find other sources of energy to rely on, not band-aid fixes.

This should send a clear message to Republicans that there is something seriously wrong with your party right now. That Junior Senator Clinton supports it shows that she truly doesn’t care about us and is far more Republican than Democrat.

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

Dan, Madison, WI — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:01:39 GMT

Doesn't anyone realize the more money we spend on oil means more money for Iran and Syria?

More money to attack our soldiers in Iraq.
More money to build nuclear weapons.
More money for Hamas.
More money for Al Qaeda.
More money to attack Israel.

How can America forget 9/11? America needs to break it's oil habit. Hillary and McCain are trying to help Americans give money to those who hate America.

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

coninPA — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:04:08 GMT

Doesn't that tell us something?
American's are more willing to hear "tax break" than to hear the hard truth, and facts about what a horrendous idea this is.
ohh happy holiday tax....yeah!!
They would rather save $25.-$50 in 3 months, than to look at the long term effect this will have.
With the price of gas going up daily, you will see and feel no savings.
When a tax is then passed to big oil, WE will pay more at Christmas time!
Working class American voters...vote against their own economic interests!!!! They keep asking the same dumb question...why can't I save $25. in 3 months????
Now Clinton touts this will ge good for trucking. Trucking associations have come out against this, saying "DOWN THE ROAD we will pay more, don't do this!"
But, you still have "voters" saying...why can't I save $25. in 3 months? DAHHHHHH!
This stupidity is caused by political pandering, lying rhetoric, more of the same.
WE...
THE IDIOTS...
voted the BIG BUMBLING BUBBA in TWICE,
b/c of the same thing.

I can hear it.....
"ok...bush was a bad idea...But... why can't I have my savings of $25. in 3 months??"

Just give me my loaf of bread and dozen eggs now, that this BIG tax break will give me...
I can't take anymore!!!!!

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

OBwan, IN — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:10:34 GMT

Hillary and McCain should put their money where there mouth is and co-sponsor a bill.

After all changes to taxes start in congress as bills.
Then Hillary could really say she took action, until then it is just talk. All hat, no cattle.

Why wait until Jan 21, 2009.

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

Eric, Salinas, CA — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:14:04 GMT

We don't need a gas tax holiday, what we ned is a holiday from crooked politicians like McCain and Clinton, a real long 8 year holiday. Only Obama has the integrity to not pander for votes like McCain and Clinton. A gas tax holiday would benefit OPEC while harming our economy because that gas tax holiday would increase our demand for oil which would mean paying more for oil. Instead of money going to our federal government to keep jobs going in this country we'll just end up paying more to the Arabs who just keep buying up our properties.

Go Obama!

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

Jeremy — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:15:43 GMT

Hillary Clinton and her team are running a snow job on Americans. Want to hear what they really think of Indiana? Talk about elitist. This is AS BAD AS IT GETS:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sN_nQOHj__s

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

neftali febus — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:16:04 GMT

hi. the only reason mr obama is oposed to the gasoline tax holiday break is because he don't care about us poor folks.he got millions in his bank account,i do not trust him at all,anyway he wont get my vote

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

2 cents. Houston Texas. — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:20:34 GMT

I dont understand how going after the American oil companies is going to help the current energy situation in the USA. In one breath these politicians are saying that we need to decrease our dependance on forein oil and in the next they say they are going to go after the American oil companies with higher taxes. The only thing this is going to do is to encourage the US based oil companies to move to more hospitable countries and subsequently destroy a huge part of our economey.

And in all reality, our domestic oil companies arnt the problem, OPEC is the problem, and if we ever want to see ourselves weaned off forein oil we need to adopt better energy use policys in this country as well as encouring our domestic oil companies to exploit our domestic oil reserves.

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

JB, new york, ny — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:20:35 GMT

Why not suggest an answer to the older womens question. Its really simple actually. If you decide to tax the oil companies directly (Sen Clinton's plan) rather than have the consumer pay it at the pump, the oil companies simply increase the price of fuel an pass that cost back to the consumer. This actually means that Sen. Clinton's "plan" actually does nothing... Ask yourself why neither Sen. Clinto nor McCain are actually drafting legislation to support there plans - they both know its pandering and there is no way such proposals would be passed.

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

Tim, NWI — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:26:03 GMT

Wouldn't suprise me if Hillary switches back to the Republican side and is McCain's running mate. She did start her political career in the Republican party and Bill has spent whatever capital he once had with Democrats. It's all about them and Vice is better than nice.

Gas tax debate: The odd alliance

KYJurisDoctor, KY — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:27:55 GMT

The gas tax rebate or whatever is nothing but political pandering at its WORST!