I’m cheap, so can I have some money?
Could someone please explain this to me? The Republicans are proposing an energy package to give taxpayers a $100 rebate, to offset the high price of gasoline. Excuse me? Why should my tax dollars be given to all the other taxpayers in the U.S., just because gas prices are high? Bad logic alert! I pay taxes. Gas prices are high. People complain. So money is given back to people to stop their whining? Why not give a $5 rebate to taxpayers because the cost of movie tickets is high? I worked hard to pay my taxes, and now that money is going to be simply handed out, to pedestrians and Hummer drivers alike? I don’t like this idea one bit. I thought Republicans were usually against government handouts. And a measly $100 will not solve the long-term problem. All it does is delay/suppress citizens complaining. Unless the gas companies are doing something illegal, the government should not be involved in this at all. Similarly, just because some major airline is having trouble turning a profit, I do NOT think the government should hand them millions of dollars to stay in business. In the long run, we as consumers will all be better off if those airlines die off, or if people really do choose alternatives to gasoline. Some C-note hand out is not going to be solving jack squat.
Don’t forget that this proposal would be coupled with drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. Boo and Hiss, Congress! Try mandating fuel efficiency standards for auto-makers, then after that you can talk to me about wasting my money on whiny folks. The price of gas is too high? Boo-hoo! Take the bus to work. Try walking. Invest in a vehicle that uses less gas. But don’t turn to the government and ask for MY tax dollars, just because filling up your S.U.V. meant you couldn’t afford an Xbox 360.
April 27th, 2006 at 11:37 am
I have a long list of gripes that I believe the government should pay me for. Notable among them (with corresponding dollar amounts I feel are owed to me by the government for my trouble):
- the cost of rent in New Jersey ($980)
- my car’s horn not working ($50)
- fast food making me fat ($7,000)
- Brian Singer not directing X-Men 3 ($24)
- my cell phone kind of sucking - ($99)
- the lack of proper lumbar support in this chair - ($200)
- the cancellation of futurama ($147)
- those Mastercard ads ($1000 @ 28.49%)
- loud noises ($12)
- the long walk to the bathroom ($3)
April 27th, 2006 at 12:16 pm
Let’s come up with an even more obvious ploy for maintaining the poor, rural vote:
Gays are making the gas expensive.
April 27th, 2006 at 12:18 pm
The only people who don’t already know that are Communists
April 27th, 2006 at 12:39 pm
Andy, the Republicans, this administration particularly, are a LARGE part of why gas is so high. Though I see your point, I think something SHOULd be done. However, Republicans (and all American politicians, neigh ALL POLITICIANS) have a way of trying to put a bandaid on things instead of ever dealing with the root of an issue.
The “war” effort and natural disasters have given oil companies scapegoats for gouging. And Bush’s adminstiration turns their head because without the oil industry, he’d still be doing coke lines in daddy’s basement and would have no power.
If any checks and balances had been used we’d never have these gas prices… not saying gas would be a buck a gallon, but seriously.
This shouldn’t be coming out of taxes, so I hear ya. But I think that tax loopholes for the oil barons should be eliminated and we should get some conpensation based on that surplus tax that would come in from them.
Then again, I’m a Communist, and I think gays are cool.
April 27th, 2006 at 12:43 pm
Kim has a very good point. Unless you are talking jet fuel for the mega-wealthy, the high gas prices mostly impact the poor, at least on a daily basis. I could eaily give up certain things like movies or bowling, in favor of gas; I am not at the point of giving up food or clothing. Some people do have this reality, and that sucks. So rather than solve the problem of gasoline dependence, these token cash-wad handouts might keep those unfortunate people voting for this party. Oh, and how did the Bush Family make it’s fortune in Texas? It wasn’t selling solar power, I tell you what.
April 27th, 2006 at 12:45 pm
Justin, I think we are in total agreement. Any illegal behavior by large corporations should be exposed and prosecuted.
April 27th, 2006 at 1:03 pm
I’m still a gay-lovin’ Commie, though!