Obama slams gas tax holiday as gimmick
Barack Obama is not backing down in his opposition to a so-called gas tax holiday this summer. If anything, he's becoming more vocal in calling it a bad idea and slamming John McCain and Hillary Clinton for proposing it.
He told voters in Winston-Salem, N.C., this afternoon that suspending the 18.4-cent-a-gallon federal gas tax between Memorial Day and Labor Day would save them only about $25 to $30.
Some economists, he said, believe the proposal could backfire and actually raise prices by increasing demand. "We don't know that the oil companies will actually pass on the savings," he added.
And by taking revenue away from the Highway Trust Fund, which finances road and bridge repairs, the gas tax holiday could delay badly needed improvements and cost thousands of construction jobs, including 7,000 in North Carolina, he told voters.
"This is the problem with Washington," Obama declared. "We're arguing over a gimmick that will save you half a tank of gas. It's not an idea to get you through the summer. It's an idea to get them through an election."
Obama named both Clinton, his Democratic rival, and McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee. Obama did not mention that in Clinton's plan, which she outlined Monday in North Carolina, she would impose a windfall profits tax on oil companies to make up the lost revenue in the Highway Trust Fund from suspending the gas.
UPDATE: This afternoon in Indiana, Clinton said she has both a short-term plan -- the gas tax holiday -- and long-term plan -- energy efficiency and green-collar jobs -- to deal with high gas prices.
She also highlighted her proposal to levy taxes on oil companies to pay for the gas tax suspension, noting that Shell reported today that its profits rose 25 percent in the last three months over last year.
"The oil companies keep making out like bandits," she said. "They're making the highest profits in the history of the world....It's high time that they relieved the burden of high gas prices."
"Senator Obama won't provide relief, while Senator McCain won't pay for it," she added.
UPDATE: "Barack Obama doesn't understand the effect of high gas prices on the American economy," McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds said in a statement. "Senator Obama voted for a gas tax reduction before he opposed it, he has no plan for relief from record-high gas prices for Americans this summer, and he’s the empty-tank candidate in this race."
Gas prices have hit yet another record, a national average of $3.61 a gallon for regular unleaded, AAA and the Oil Price Information Service reported today.
With an average price of $3.59 in North Carolina, the gas tax suspension would amount to a 5 percent cut. North Carolina also has a 30.2-cent-a-gallon state gas tax.
Telling it like it is as usual...this guy better get in.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWW YEEEEEEEEEEEAH
Barack knows whats up.
Clinton wants $2.3 billion in pork
Sen. Hillary Clinton is asking for almost $2.3 billion in earmarks in the next federal budget, an amount that is three times what any individual senator brought home in pork in the current year, according to The Hill, a congressional news organization. (Link here)
Her move gives voters a clear distinction when it comes to choosing a candidate. Her Democratic opponent, Sen. Barack Obama, is not asking for any earmarks this year. The presumed Republican nominee, Sen. John McCain, has fought against the entire pork-barrel system for years.
Earmarks often amount to a waste of money, and they sap funding away from clear national priorities. An earmark declares that the senator or representative who requested it doesn't want a particular agency to determine how it needs to spend its money. That politician wants the money spent in their district on their pet project.
That's how millions get set aside for bridges to nowhere.
Earmarks also represent corruption. Remember Randy "Duke" Cunningham, the Republican congressman from California? He was convicted of using earmarks to reward those who had bribed him.
The country needs a president who will trim federal spending and end the wasteful earmark process. And Hillary Clinton is requesting new records in earmark spending to benefit her new home state of New York.
She has given people in the rest of the nation a powerful reason to vote against her.
What do you think?
Good for Obama. But why didn't he and the other candidates mention the damage to the environment and the climate done by encouraging, instead of discouraging, gas consumption? Why don't the media ask or report about that? That could be a far more serious issue than the short-term economics of it.
"Obama did not mention that in Clinton's plan, which she outlined Monday in North Carolina, she would impose a windfall profits tax on oil companies to make up the lost revenue in the Highway Trust Fund from suspending the gas. "
Obama will try to sell anything to a stupid person willing to believe him
I couldnt agree more, why dont we look at a long term plan rather than breathing smoke over such a minor cut for such a short period of time. Wake up Hillary or i am off to Canada!
I hope Americans in NC and Indiana get to hear Obama's ideas. The media and Hillary keep throwing meaningless slime at him. I hope it keeps bouncing off and Obama gets bounced to the nomination. Obama continues to impress me with his deportment.
At first blush, Clinton's plan requiring the oil companies to kick back some money in a windfall tax would lead them to raise prices, no?
Clinton's windfall tax will only give oil companies another reason to raise prices to recover profits. Will the prices go down when the "holiday" is over?
Also, our need to reduce dependence on oil is an economic, environmental, and SECURITY issue.
Clinton and McCain are condescending to the American people and it will only end up HURTING us.
This guy is a quack just like Hillary... I don't drive much and this would save me $70-$100 over the summer... that's money I can use... He would rather keep taxes high so when he raises them he thinks we won't notice, he's the most scary of all the canidates because he keeps making false statments (he's barely ahead of Hillary in that catagory)... I don't like any of the canidates but i'll never vote for anyone who believes in bigger government and killing babies (abortion)
This guy is an idiot. I'll take the $30-40 bucks it saves me. I can use it to help pay my electric. It's amazing what will come out of a millionaire's mouth. Here's an idea Obama.....come up with one instead of slamming everyone else’s. Obama has no ideas just complaints about other people's ideas. I like the idea of a gas tax holiday and I'd like to see Deval Patrick go one step further and give us a State gas tax holiday as well. Now that would be really savings. Between the Fed and the State taxes, we would be saving close to a $1 a gallon....but of course Obama wouldn't think of that....he has no "ideas".
Bush sucks, always has- always will.
What does Bush have to do with this debate? Well, we're talking about current events. Until 1-20-09, the bastard's still in office and should still be held accountable for each and every one of his or his cabinet's twisted, evil, sith-lord-like actions.
He's been manipulated and controlled for way too long.
Just one voter's opinion, which is the beauty of living in our country. Just cuz you like our current president, doesn't mean I can't.
Never thought I'd hear myself admit that "Bush" is actually an A$$hole!
Windfall tax on oil companies.....Liberal Trend you are as naive as they come.
"she would impose a windfall profits tax on oil companies "
No, she will ATTEMPT to impose a "windfall profits" tax.
It will never happen, and she knows it.
Lobbyists own Washington.
Obana is out of touch with reality and those that believe what he is saying should really think about this. The tax on gasoline is an unfair tax that burdens the lower and lower-middle class more than the so called rich. Think about! Someone making $100,000 a year is less affected by the gasoline tax of about 20 cents per gallon as compared to someone making $15,000. This amounts to a flat tax - which burdens the lower-middle and lower classes. Obama's words would seem to mean that he want to continue to burden these eceonomically underappreciated people. Yet they continue to vote for him --- go figure!
Once again, Obama misses a chance to score points with the white middle class. Instead, he worries about lost tax revenues and the unions that control road construction for the states. More bad judgement from a man who just doesn't have what it takes to govern a country for ALL the people.
The oil companies have already said that any tax increase on them, as Clinton is proposing, would cause them to either increase their prices or to stop their already meager investment in alternative energies. Clinton's plan is a political ploy to get her votes, and she knows it.
LOL! windfall profits. Sounds like more HITLERY Hot air to me.
good for obama, this thing is a load of garbage. the oil companies would only make more money off of it, its what they do. save us 20 bucks each and delay needed road construction. brilliant man that john mac, huh?
I listen to both candidate on the issue and everything else that surround them and Hillary is by far the person I am going with. For me to believe that or anyone to believe that Obama going to make is just a difference is living in a fantasy. I do not understand some people when they are willing to put there country future in hands of a person who has less experience then I do. The next job you applied for make sure not give a resume, because of course experience do not matter.
Let the truth be heard...only ignorant Americans will fall for the "gimmicks" that Clinton and McCain are trying to use for their presidential campaign.
What good is a plan to tax the oil companies "in the future/if I get elected/and if I can get anyone else to back this"
Dept of transportation estimates 300K in road/bridge construction jobs would be the casualty of this "holiday"
So we all save 25 bucks, and another 300K hit the unemployment lines...
Shameless pandering from two who should know better
The gas tax holiday is so typical of the Washington-business-as-usual protocol that reflects the opportunism of those politicians who want to save their jobs.
Removing the 18.4-cent-a-gallon tax for a day is not even a bandaid. It merely continues the myth that fossil fuels are not finite, that we can go on consuming oil in the same way as we have in the past, that we have no ethical or moral responsibility to conserve, that we can just keep our heads in the sand by driving our big cars and SUVs, that we have some kind of pathological right to have more than one family car, that we can continue the commuter insanity in every major city from Los Angeles to Boston.
Excellent, Obama is awesome. Go on the attack, give it right back to Clinton and McCain. Turn it into an issue of JOBS!
Obama plays politics as usual & I pray North Carolina and Indiana pay attention.
DO NOT vote Obama in!!!!!!
You figure most people drive 18,000 miles a year...which divided by 4 seasons would equal 4,500 miles this summer...you'd hope they get 20 miles to the gallon...that's 225 gallons times $0.18 tax...$40 savings.
Seriously, this is the best relief that can be offered? I understand there will be some nominal savings on consumer products due to the savings in transportation costs, but I wouldn't imagine that would surpass another $40.
Are Hillary Clinton and John McCain this much out of touch with the common person? I compare this to George Bush saying the tax rebates going out a week early will help offset the foreclosure crisis.
Lets get this straight. There is absolutely nothing the president, or anybody
wanting to be president, can do about lowering the price of gas. Period. The ONLY way for gas prices to fall is to consume less. Period. That's it. Less demand will result in lower prices. The government can make the price of gas go up - but not down. You want to complain about the high price of gas? Go to
OPEC. Or you can complain to the libs who have refused to allow drilling in Alaska and along the coasts and have refused to allow oil companies to build any additional refineries. Or you can complain to China and India regarding their consumption. So, yes, if any politician says that they are going to do something about the high price of gas - turn around and walk away - they are lying to you.
So that's great that Obama doesn't like the gas tax holiday but what are his ideas for lowering the price of gas? It's easy to slam McCain and Hillary for proposing something but I didn't hear him offer an alternative. That seems like just more Washington as usual politics. I thought he was trying to change the system but all I hear out of him lately is how everyone else's ideas are dumb without ever offering up alternative ideas.
@justathinker: Exactly!
And it would be naive to think Clinton is not fully aware that the oil companies would simply raise their prices... Enough with the gimmicks already.
Proof again that the demo candidates aren't interested in any reducing taxes. It's always politically satisfying to threaten big oil with punitive taxes, but we end up paying for it in higher fuel costs at the pump and on goods and services. Do they really think we are that naive?
Mr. Obama requested no earmarks this year? Hello? What is the source of THAT nonsense? Several weeks ago, Mr. Obama was touting how he had made all his earmarks public.
I am not advocating anarchy but the system is broken and these "band aid" fix proposals are insane. I regularly consider myself a consitutional conservative and a liberatarian. A short recap:
"18.4-cent-a-gallon federal gas tax"
"North Carolina also has a 30.2-cent-a-gallon state gas tax"
Folks that is 48.6 cents a gallon for roads full of pot holes and constant contruction that is seemingly never completed.
"average price of $3.59 in North Carolina"
Currently 218 current DOT road projects in NC, 30 with severity of 3. (http://apps.dot.state.nc.us/tims/Excel.aspx)
I would suggest we look at the cycle of gas, oil, and transportation and simply allocate those funds for a better way. At this point would electric sidewalks be cheaper? Can we create more bicycle paths and horse trails and just end they cycle completely?
I think that Obama is thinking of our future......... I mean what difference can a half of tank of gas save us ........when the oil companies might turn around and jack up the prices even more to get even with us consumers..... WHY don't everyone boycott the oil companies by not buying gas.... you think our bosses will agree and boycott as well?
An honest politician(oxymoron) would admit that they can't do much about the daily price of gas at the retail level. An honest politician would then begin to lead a discussion of how we can replace oil with other sources of energy. An honest leader would then begin to educate, campaign, lobby and advocate for the money and talent to lead us in that direction. Don't be afraid to speak the truth Barak. We can take it.
FYI: Obama ALSO supports a windfall tax.
He is right about the gas tax holiday. It would do little to help the price at the pump. I, for one, would like to hear HIS ideas about how to deal with the factors that are actually pushing up prices, rather than just going negative on what the others are saying.
In reponse to Liberal Trend's post: "Obama did not mention that in Clinton's plan, which she outlined Monday in North Carolina, she would impose a windfall profits tax on oil companies to make up the lost revenue in the Highway Trust Fund from suspending the gas. "
Please read what Obama said:
"And by taking revenue away from the Highway Trust Fund, which finances road and bridge repairs, the gas tax holiday could delay badly needed improvements and cost thousands of construction jobs, including 7,000 in North Carolina, he told voters."
Lier Hillary - "would impose a windfall profits tax on oil companies to make up the lost revenue in the Highway Trust Fund from suspending the gas." What happened to all the jobs that would be lost, and how are those who would be unemployed make ends meet? Again, Lier Hillary and McPain would say anything to get elected.
Obama speaks the truth, like it or not. The reason why he tells us the truth is because he has been down that road - poor and living on food stamps. He understands the pain people are going through. How can you believe what lier Hillary and McPain are saying when they have never lived on food stamps or worried where their next meal would come from.
Get real! Obama all the way.
I have a question for those of you who are criticizing Obama on this issue. I see some of you saying 'this could save me $70 bucks' or 'this could save me $30 bucks...' ok, fair enough. whatever.
do you know how long it takes to push a bill like this through congress? do you know how much time is wasted in washington on ideas like this?
what obama is saying is that it's a gimmick... people like you say 'oh i could use the 40 bucks!' and ignore the larger issue here. yes, you will have an additional $40 in your pocket. where is that going to get you in the long run. NO WHERE. Just like our country if we keep falling for these gimmicks from our politicians.
obama is saying that this will provide no REAL relief... it's a ploy, a gimmick, to win votes this fall. and you know what? it works. and if those of you who fall for it vote for mccain or hillary, then you'll have your extra $40 in your pocket. But the bottom line is that the system as a whole will still be broken, and the amount of time and energy it took to push this bill through congress will be for not... it will in no way get at fixing the REAL PROBLEM. it's a short term fix and a gimmick to win an election.
Just a note that Obama proposed the windfall tax on oil companies before Hillary. It's been in the ads that he's been running for the past month here in Indiana.
Bush got us into this gas mess and McCain will only make it worse. Does he really think anyone will even notice .18 when gas is approaching $4.00 a gallon? Obama is right. He needs to start addressing the insanity that is John McCain and ignoring the little pest that is Hillary Clinton.
Obama might need to hold a town meeting with just the viewing public. He has the money. That way he can talk about his policy ideas and not just field questions about his kooky former reverand or how many pins he should wear to ease hysterical fears of the right wing.
What's the point of some people driving energy efficient cars when it just reduces the cost so that other people can afford to drive gas guzzlers?
It's heartening to see that most posters here grasp the inane "benefits" of simple-minded economic thinking and penny ante political sops. Of course, the dimbulbs will always be with us as well, won't they?
Obama is right. Clinton's appeal to the oil companies won't work, so it is a moot point. I'm glad to see he is interested in fixing the country, not just pandering to the people as Clinton and McCain are to win the election.
Obama might need to hold a town meeting with just the viewing public. He has the money. That way he can talk about his policy ideas and not just field questions about his kooky former reverand or how many pins he should wear to ease hysterical fears of the right wing.
Excellent, Obama is awesome. Give it right back to Clinton and McCain by turning the repeal of the gas tax into a legitimate jobs issues. Imagine, not only will our highways and bridges crumble even more than they are, the tens of thousands of highway construction workers that will loose their jobs will have a knock on effect throughout the wider economy. Way do go McCain and Clinton!
I think people should listen a little more carefully to what is being said, rather than jumping up and opening their mouths,at the first sign of a different opinion from their own. I, for one think that Mrs. Clintons' ideas are sound,and worth giving a chance. We need someone like Mrs. Clinton to do what she has proposed. It is about time to put "Good Ole Boy" politics aside for the betterment of this Great Country.
I think Obama should just give up while he is ahead. He keeps talking crap but never delievers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dan, jesse, both you guys need a lesson on basic economics. prices will simply rise enough to neutralize the tax relief. if you want to save the $40, drive less, or drive something more efficient.
here's a good primer on what might happen:
http://www.econbrowser.com/archives/2008/04/puzzled.html
Windfall taxes are the most a terrible idea as well. Shareholders expect a certain level of profitability. If the govt. taxes the oil co's profits, they will simply raise prices to make up the difference or find ways to avoid the taxes.
Mr.Foley, Mr.Obama did say something about having cars that must meet a mileage standerd per gallon, therefore that would cut the use of gas and help the environment. It would also generate jobs for Americans who would have to design and build these cars. This will not be popular for the Washington crowd that we have now and have had in the past, but it will be good for the American people. Don't get me wrong Mr.Obama is for free trade, but he want Americans to reap the benefits of free trade and not the fat cats and lobbiest.
A gas holiday won't mean much to individual consumers but collectively would encourage consumption, so it seems counterproductive to what we really need, which is smaller, more efficient cars and encouragement of alternative energy sources. The idea is pandering to voter ignorance, so appeals to the people those two are counting on for votes.
Obama is part of the reason why we have such high gas prices and that the Oil companies are making so much money. Obama only record when it comes to energy is that he voted for the Cheney Energy Bill. So if Obama is President (god I hope not) he will be a slave to the oil companies just like bush and cheney.
Did anyone come up with a long term solution to the problem. I have a problem with attacking someon's idea if you have no counter plan. I do have to say that the gas tax holiday is funny at best and does nothing but pacify. However if your into being lead astray in a subtle way then its a great idea. The fact still remains: as long as we are dependent of gasoline, someone is getting rich. To eliminate this problem we have to go away with the thought of getting rich, and there in lies the problem!
People do the math I will save 70 a week 280 a month a far cry from 25 to 35 as Obama suggested
This isn't just consumer tax relief people, it'll also help businesses - specifically small businesses whose bottom lines are burdened by rising transportation costs. Sure its a short term fix and it doesn't replace a needed long term energy policy but as Keynes said, in the long run we are all dead...
by the way... all the money that oil companies make goes to Borock's relatives in the middle east!
--"Obama did not mention that in Clinton's plan, which she outlined Monday in North Carolina, she would impose a windfall profits tax on oil companies to make up the lost revenue in the Highway Trust Fund from suspending the gas. "
-Obama will try to sell anything to a stupid person willing to believe him
It seems to me that the windfall profit tax will just eventually be paid by consumers as well. I actually think that our gas prices should have been higher for years, perhaps through taxes, and that would have led us to planning for more efficiency. A Prius actually pays for itself is gas is $4.50 and that extra tax could be invested.
Barrack Hussein Obama is worthless. He has no F'n clue as to what's going on. He doesn't know what his spiritual mentor is saying, he cares more about terrorist (William Ayers) than Americans Safety. What is it that people see in this monkey?
Post 12 - Pack ship and head to the mid-east.....GET LOST.
If you Clinton people think that when Hillary imposes a tax on oil profits that there is any way for her to stop the oil companies passing on this cost to the consumer you don't understand the oil business.
Gas prices will go down. People will buy more gas. Gas prices will go up to meet the demand. More profits for the oil companies, less money for the desperate repair of bridges and roads. It is simple economics.
This is a stupid idea. we need real solutions, not electoral games.
okay well he can slam that "gimmick" as much as he wants to and I always hear him say something derogatory about "those people in washington" but what is he gonna do instead of the gimmick? how is he gonna deal with the situation. He needs to spend just as much time if not more on what he's gonna do.
chili chili ban ban, Obama can't dance
To people who say, "that $25 to $30 over the weekend will really save me"
Must realize that those $25 to $30 will turn into losses during the summer and especially on the next traveling holiday such as July 4th when gas will hit another record high on average of $4/gallon nationwide.
The only true way to benefit from this holiday is if we had a large 1000 to 5000 gallon tank to store gas for our own personal use that was empty. That way, we could just fill it up over the tax-break weekend, and use the tank throughout the year and never have to worry about the increasing gas prices that every one without such a large 1000 - 5000 gallon tank has to worry about.
Obama is not "out of touch" he is "right on the money"
Everything's a smoke and mirrors gimmick in DC. Here's a $600 "stimulus refund." Go to Walmart and buy that flat screen you wanted with this FREE money! And thanks for your continued patronage as we spend $2B a week in Iraq, bail out billion dollar mortgage and investment banks, and give corporate welfare to Big Oil. We'll keep you sedated with "American Idol" and keep the price of Doritos from skyrocketing. You just make sure to keep that Made in China American Flag decal on your car so everyone knows whose side you're on.
i'd rather have a president who's not as friendly to big oil in the white house than another ally of Bush's (McCain).
when Bush took office gas cost a buck. now 7 years in we're paying $3.60. let's elect someone who will hold big oil accountable and might have a better chance at bringing peace to the oil-producing regions of the world than a guy who wants to prolong a war there
Well, that half a tank of gas is actually money for milk for some people. Shame on Sen. Barack Obama for forgetting what little money some people have in their pockets.
This comment is for the person who checking the blogger just if the comment do not favor Obama do not give you the right to not post it, you do this whole election process a dishonest
I couldn't agree with Barack more! We have all been the victims of price fixing for years; which defeats the purpose of antitrust laws. At 12:01 AM memorial day, there will be a sudden "shortage" and prices will mysteriously go up 18 cents a gallon. Who will benefit from this?! It's a frickin' joke!!! . . . seriously.
Why don't people make a conscious effort to drive 5% less and still get the gas savings and even more. A 10% reduction would send a message to the oil companies. In medieval England the royalty would from time to time parade through the village throwing money at the poor, so that they would be happy and chant " Hail to the Queen" "Hail to the King"
Candidates for election say what people who are short sighted want to hear.
Hillary and McCain propose a tax holiday. What next after the tax holiday? So lame for them who claim experience and then throw cheap talk to get votes
After the holiday, what next? We need long term solutions. Not just a holiday.
Americans are smarter and will not fall for that.
Wow. To "Fed Up With No Ideas" and "Dan"... I'm sorry, but the point Obama is trying to make is that you can't rob Peter to pay Paul. With that tax break holiday idea, you can bet you'll end up paying back every bit of those $30-40 bucks you're "saving", and then some. Artificially lowering prices does nothing but give us the *impression* of saving money (and only in the short term, at that). Are we learning nothing from our national financial woes?!?!?! :o)
On the quote "I hope Americans in NC and Indiana get to hear Obama's ideas" - didn't he refuse an opportunity to allow the people of NC to hear his ideas by refusing to debate again? At 20 gallons per week for 13 weeks, that is about $48. In larger vehicles, or for the many, many people who drive more than a few miles to work, that is double or triple that or even more.
For you kiddies who weren't even a spot in you mothers belly, we had oil company windfall profits taxes at one time, and they worked. Isn't Hillary's plan exactly what we all want - a reduction in our taxes, with a way to pay for it by keeping revenues the same?
Your vote can be bought for a gallon of gas? That's what's wrong with this country - people who only think of themselves. Never mind that highways and roads won't be repaired and that construction workers will lose their jobs. Never mind that even though you think you'll be saving money the oil companies will just figure in their reduction and ADD it to the price of gas. Do some critical thinking for a change rather than selling your vote for $40!
Neither McCain, Obama, or Clinton address one of the fundamental reasons why gas prices are going up: the devalued dollar. Oil is priced in dollars and the dollar has been weakened by Federal Reserve's loose monetary policies and easy credit. Combine this with an increase in demand for oil from China and India and you've got a the recipe for record-high gas prices. Dr. Ron Paul is the only presidential candidate that truly gets it when it comes to economics.
- Don't blame me, I voted for Ron Paul
Obama is right on the money. While a driver may save a minimal amount of money, she/he will suffer from a stab to an already bleeding economy as jobs are lost and prices (likely) increase at the pump due to increased demand. And while Hillary has proposed a windfall profits tax on oil companies, she so conveniently forgets that the Senate WILL NOT PASS A WINDFALL PROFITS TAX ON OIL COMPANIES!!! The Senate has had the opportunity to do so in the past, yet REFUSES to do it!
Hillary should stop misleading voters by putting out UNREALISTIC proposals that can NEVER go through. SHAME ON HILLARY!!!
Some of you guys are clueless. It this gets passed its clear what will happen. Lower gas prices = more people driving. More people driving = more gas usage = higher demand = higher prices. The higher demand due to lower prices will more than make up the 18.5 cent drop. Not to mention its taking away funding that has already to allocated to projects in need, like making sure that bridge you cross over every day is sound.
Its just a election year plan to get into office. Don't believe the hype.
Obama is sooo out of touch. Maybe to someone like him $30 isn't much but to us voters it is a night out. He probably spends more than that on breakfast. Maybe he is allowed to spend all that lobbyist money that he said he didn't take?
All of this is just political rhetoric. The small amount (per capita) saved adds to a large loss from highway maintainence and contruction funds. What these people (both parties) should be doing is pushing for hydrogen storage research or some other fuel atlternative. Hillary's plan to tax the oil companies is just a way for her to obtain funds for her pet projects and would lead to even higher fuel costs. Why hasn't the media made a big deal about her pork barrel requests? Clinton cannot seem to be able to go for a day without some big lie or "misspeak" coming out of her mouth. Obama is so far left that he makes McGoven look like a conservative. McCain is an unstable personality. What choice do reasonable people have????
To everyone wanting to save that extra $30 over the summer, think how often you drive somewhere when you could easily walk or ride a bike. The solution to this problem is not to decrease taxes or the cost of gas, it's to take personal responsibility and cut down on gas use. In turn, if more people were out exercising, you might even save $$$ on the healthcare costs, too! Stop waiting for someone else to solve the problems. We all have the power!
I'm an undecided voter in NC, and this just brought me one step closer to supporting Obama.
I'm so sick of politicians pandering to the issue of the hour with a band-aid fix. Face it people, gas prices are high and will stay that way. The longer they stay high, the more incentive there is for companies to innovate and come up with better and greener solutions. You wouldn't see as many hybrids on the roads if gas was still under $1. Not only does giving into people's whining about gas prices cause the loss of needed tax revenue, it imposes a barrier to green innovation.
Well anyone that actually believes that 18 cents a gallon won't be made up pretty quick with oil companies raising prices to fill the gap, is pretty naive. Obama is right, 18 cents a gallon will mean nothing except lost revenue for roads and bridges, and a windfall profits tax will not get pass Congress, and would be a hard fought battle. Want to see the country get worse, listen to old politics, they got us into this mess, Obama is as least forward thinking.
Each and every instance of the current mess is because of George W. Bush, he has manipulated world situations to raise prices for oil, he has appointed incompetent cabinet members and managers in charge of watching the nation's economic health, and he personally has demanded that the country spend itself into a catastrophic debt. Want to blame someone, blame the person responsible, he followed Osama Bin Laden's plan to the letter, in my mind GWB is an Al Qaeda leader.
How about this, lets suspend the 18 cents a gallon for a few months, declare Bush/Cheney a terrorist organization, and freeze and seize their assets to pay for the tax suspension, now that sounds like a good plan.
I think the gas holiday would save more than 30 dollars.... It would be more like 60.00 that is 60.00 more I can buy food, clothing and shelter. I guess being a multi-millionaire Obama has lost touch with the fact that if I make 16,000 a year and I have to drive to work 30 to 60 dollars in savings means I can by extra food clothing. It's obvious it's a short term fix but I know clinton has long term plans. I think though if they really wanted to help out the government could give a gas credit at the end of the year on gas. So, if I saved all my reciepts and bought say 2000 worth of gas for heating or car or oild for heating then I could get back 260.00 credit in income tax or 13%. this way the oil companies couldn't offset there windfall tax on to the consumer. Further more instead of bailing out banks for the mortgage crisis why don't they give every american whether renting or buying a home a credit based upon what they pay in rent or mortgage. For instance, if I pay 800 a month in morgtage payments the government could give me 10% credit which would amount to an 900.00 credit at tax time. This would be inaddition to the property tax credit. this way they are not bailing out the companies but helping out working americans.
Hillary's plan for a gas tax holiday, and then hit the oil companies with a higher tax to pay for it, is only going to cause the oil cos. to pass on that cost to the consumer and charge more $ for gas this summer or fall. It's just a way of shifting the consumer costs from a tax to a higher price per gallon. And then, guess what? In the fall, when the gas tax comes back, do you think that the oil companies will retreat 100% of the price increase from the summer? Probably not. Consumers will have the gas tax back AND the higher price that the oil companies imposed, for an added whammy to consumers. Does anyone really think that John McCain is trying to solve any problems for the American people, by making permanent the massive tax breaks for the super-rich under Bush? Wake up people. Obama is our only hope. Hillary is just like Bill - politics as usual. Most of her campaign money comes from PACs, political action groups that are lobbying Wash DC every day, day in and day out. Do you think, if she enters the White House, she will bite the hand the fed her campaign? And what did Bill Clinton ever do to imporve fuel efficiency? He put off fuel efficiency mandates to supposedly help the Detriot auto manufacturers, but ultimately it helped no one, because they continued to build gas-guzzling SUV's, and companies like Toyota, which built fuel efficient vehicles, made a killing from smart consumers who don't want to pay $100 per fill up. Clinton #1 screwed the American people on the issue of oil, and Clinton #2 will not do any better. I'm not exactly a huge fan of Obama. I'd prefer he'd have more experience. But he's a heck of a lot better than the other choices. And besides, Schwarzenegger had zero experience in public office, but he's made a much better governor than his predecessor, democrat Gray Davis, who had all of the state policical experience in the world and drove our ecomony from the biggest surplus in history to the biggest deficit in history, and hid the deficit until after his re-election, only to be re-called. Believe it or not, Obama is like Schwarzenegger - focused on chaning the way politics works for the good of the prople at large, and not beholden to PACs and other special interests because he don't take a penny of their money. Hey, if you don't like Obama after 4 years, vote him out and find someone else. But he couldn't be any worse than Bush, or his clone, McCain, or Billary Clinton.
And what exactly makes her think she can get a windfall profits tax passed thru Congress? She knows she can't, certainly not anytime soon, but then she can blame it on Congress. C'mon people. It's not like the president, or any individual senator, can declare it and it be done. More BS, tell 'em whatever they want to hear Clinton crapola.
Obama will NEVER cut taxes and has never seen a tax increase that he would not suppport. The elitist is exposing himself. All we have to do is wait and listen.
When I lived in Spain in 2005, they couldn't believe that Americans were griping over $2 gas when they were paying the equivalent of $6/gallon. We have been spoiled by cheap gas for years, and now we can't cope because we feel entitled. The citizens of America need to realize that our hunger for gas is destroying our planet. A gas tax is only going to encourage more consumption. I am a lower-middle class young professional, so I can't afford much higher gas prices either. My solution: put $35 of gas in my Accord per week (which is what it used to cost to fill it, now gives me about half a tank). That is what my budget allows, so I stick to it and use it wisely. Too many people in this country complain about high prices but just go ahead and fill up anyways and don't change their driving habits.
Gasoline and oil are not going to last forever and our obsessive use of them is destroying our planet.
"We don't know that the oil companies will actually pass on the savings," he added.
How about the government ACTUALLY suspends the gas tax and doesn't charge if from the oil companies as well so they are able to pass on the savings? By suspending it at the pump but still holding the suppliers liable for it does absolutely nothing. Oil companies rot in general because they can do whatever they want with the gillions of dollars they make each year, but it the government acutally ever did anything that truly benefited anyone but themselves it would be a true miracle and step forward in this country.
If you're going to do something nice, or helpful, REALLY do it, don't just mask it as something that benefits no one in the end
does any one in Washington still works for the people of the united states And not the Corporations!!!!!!!!!!!!??????????????
"We don't know that the oil companies will actually pass on the savings," he added.
How about the government ACTUALLY suspends the gas tax and doesn't charge if from the oil companies as well so they are able to pass on the savings? By suspending it at the pump but still holding the suppliers liable for it does absolutely nothing. Oil companies rot in general because they can do whatever they want with the gillions of dollars they make each year, but it the government acutally ever did anything that truly benefited anyone but themselves it would be a true miracle and step forward in this country.
If you're going to do something nice, or helpful, REALLY do it, don't just mask it as something that benefits no one in the end
"don't drive much and this would save me $70-$100 over the summer... that's money I can use... "
If you don't drive that much, how is an 18.4 cent/gallon tax cut going to save you $70? Let's do some math...
$70 = 7000 pennies, 7000 pennies/18.4 = 380 gallons of gas that you'd need to use in order to save $70 (which was, by the way, your low estimate). 380 gallons of gas, let's say you drive a car that isn't fuel efficient and gets 20 mpg, means that you'll drive 7,600 miles this summer. Maybe you should take another look at your estimates before you get behind the wheel, eh?
(and let's remember, I used worst-case estimates- if you had a car that got 30 mpg and you think you'll save $100, you'd have to drive about 16,000 miles in a three month period)
Oh I bet you wouldn't be thinking about the $30 or $40 you saved when the bridge you are driving over collapses. Politicians don't tax gasoline because its fun, they tax because the money pays to maintain the roads.
And don't think for a second that if the goverment decides to move the tax over to the oil companies they won't pass on every penny of it to the consumer. And when the holiday ends, do you think they will cut the price back down after everyone has gotten used to $4 a gallon gas?
When are we as Americans going to wake up, these are the type of scams that have been used every time the Rep. Party wanted another 4 years in power. Wake up America and smell the roses are truth.
Lord Let's Somebody Tell The Truth.
To everyone wanting to save that extra $30 over the summer, think how often you drive somewhere when you could easily walk or ride a bike. The solution to this problem is not to decrease taxes or the cost of gas, it's to take personal responsibility and cut down on gas use. In turn, if more people were out exercising, you might even save $$$ on the healthcare costs, too! Stop waiting for someone else to solve the problems. We all have the power!
Someone should ask Barak why he supported the same legislation in 2000 or 2001 when proposed in the state legislature of Illinois? He supported, according to the Wall St. Journal, legislaton calling for a state tax holiday on gas. This was at at a time when gas prices were moving higher and Pres. Clinton was thinking of not filling the Strategic Reserve and diverting the oil to the refineries.
Windfall profits tax? What a joke! How does that increase supply? We can't drill for oil? Can't build refineries--can't build nuclear power plants--can't import liquified natural gas--can't use wind turbines in Nantucket Sound because the Kennedy's would lose their view--have to reduce the amount of coal we use.
All of this foolishness and we whine and blame others for fate.
One person said "Obama will sell anything to stupid people who believe him". Why is it then that the less educated you are the more you are likely to vote for Hillary and the more educated support Obama?
And I thought republicans were supposed to be the fiscally responsible ones. Good for Obama, standing up for what is right over what is popular. Instead of criticizing Obama because he won't save your household $30 one day out of the year, why don't you cook your own food this week and not buy that 12-pack this weekend. The money you'd save doing that regularly would be far greater than any gimmick a politician might propose to get votes (don't get me wrong, I enjoy takeout and beer as much as the next man).
McBush is a loser with loser ideas.
Reducing dependence on foreign oil is an economic, environmantal, and SECURITY issue.
Clinton and McCain's transparent condescension to struggling Americans will end up HURTING us. We should be insulted.
As for Clinton's Windfall tax on oil companies...wouldn't that simply give oil companies another reason to raise prices, and not necessarily reduce prices when the "holiday" is over?
Please wake up McCain/Clinton supporters. Seeing past all of the distractions and the racism is a test for us. We need Obama.
Heh, Americans...Stop complaining. In France, we pay $8.50 for a gallon of regular.
That's right, one LITER costs 1.37 euros. There are about four liters per gallon. You figure it out. And by the by, Obama's right. The "holiday break" is a gimmick.
Just a note for all the blame OPEC people, the rising prices is not OPEC's fault this time, they are the benefactors of Bush's incompetent management of the economy of the US. Bush has put the country into major debt, devaluating the dollar, then he destablizes the Middle East, causing "traders" to raise prices, and then on top of that, the oil companies and Bush and Co. refused Saudi Arabia's offer in 2004 to build two refineries in the US, to keep prices low and stable.
The responsibility rests on GWB's shoulder, and no amount of passing the Buck or the Blame will or should stick, Bush has NEVER EVER accepted responsibility for anything he has ever done, but Americans should blame him and make his accept responsibilty for his treasonous acts.
The federal government should raise the gas tax now because our highway infrastructure needs massive repairs, we need improvements to the existing highway system to make the highways safer, we need to spur investment in alternative fuels,and we need to cause the manufacture of more fuel efficient vehicles. Higher prices may hurt in the short run but will result in long term benefits
Congress has the power to make changes. They can make cuts in spending and stop bringing the pork home. But as we all know they are more concerned about saying the right thing not doing it. This is why their rating is even lower than Bush. It is time that the voters lay off the political leaders. After all they work 180 days a year have full health care and retirement... sounds like a great job! But what has congress passed this year? Do they care?
Any congress person who brings home the bacon needs to go home. Congress should have the same health care and retirement plans we have so they will take care of it. They have used all of our saveings and now they want us to pay for there debt.
Obama does not know what he is talking about. I can see by most of the comments, that a lot of the people who responded also have no idea of what they're talking about.
I live in Nebraska. Towns and cities are few and far between. Some of the elderly that live in Western Nebraska, have to drive to Denver for Medical Treatment. They are living on fixed incomes and the gas tax rebate would do them a world of good. The Dummcrats seem to think that everyone welcomes their ideas. MOST OF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE SUPPORTING OBAMA-RAMA ARE EVIDENTLY IN LARGE URBAN AREAS WHERE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IS A REALITY. THAT IS NOT THE CASE FOR MOST OF THE COUNTRY. FRANKLY I AM REALLY TIRED OF THE DEMOCRATS SAYING THEY ARE FOR THE POOR AND UNDERPRIVILEGED WHEN IN REALITY THEY ARE ONLY IN IT FOR THEMSELVES. ALL OF THIS STARTED BACK WHEN JIMMY "PEANUTS" CARTER WAS IN THE WHITE HOUSE. ONE OF THE WORST PRESIDENTS IN HISTORY.
Keep selling out for the chump changes, folks, and you'll always be grovelling for change. Anyone who thinks they'll actually "see" their summer gas savings ought to do this... Every time they buy gas, put 18.4 cents for each gallon they buy between Memorial Day and Labor Day into a piggy bank. For a 15 gallon tank, that's $2.76. If you fill up every Saturday, after the 14 Saturdays have passed, you'll have a whopping $38.64. Multiply that by the number of drivers and you'll see how much road repair cost will have to be shelved... 'cuz you KNOW no one, including her wonderfullness Ms. Clinton, can get a windfall tax through this Congress.
The same thing holds true with Bush's tax "cuts". I challenge ANYONE making under $50K to show me the difference in their NET pay from the day the "cuts" became effective to today. Take into account a 4% annual cost of living increase, adjust (up) for any raises you got, and you'll see how little Bush had to spend to buy your vote... and pilfering your kids' piggy banks at the same time to pay for his war.
Heh Americans,
Stop complaining! In France, we pay $8.50 for a gallon of regular. Yeah, that's right... 1.37€ for a liter. There are about four liters to the gallon. You figure it out.
So, stop complaining about paying a "whopping" $3.71 per GALLON!
By the by, Obama's right; the proposed "holiday break" is nothing more than a
political gimmick.
If we had RAISED the gas tax years ago AND put that money towards developing new technologies we would be spending less money on gas today. We complained that gas was too expensive at $2/gallon but we continued to drive our SUVs. Still no action as gas exceeded $3/gallon. Now we're at $4/gallon and we may finally get it -- it's called supply and demand. The supply is limited, the demand is not. Wait until gas is at $8/gallon -- will we change our ways or just complain and continue to drive 10 mpg monster trucks? Unfortunately, I still don't think we're ready to change much. Gas prices may settle down a bit and then we'll be comfortable with gas at $4/gallon -- same thing happened at $2/gallon and $3/gallon. So, I say, RAISE gas taxes, don't lower them.
But more to the point -- Obama is absolutely correct. This is a political gimmick. Based on my driving experience, I will travel 5,000 miles between Memorial Day and Labor Day. My vehicle gets an average of 22 MPG. The gas tax is $0.184/gallon. My total savings will be $41.82. Why are we even wasting our time discussing this?
How much money will be wasted on the war in Iraq between Memorial Day and Labor Day? About $40 billion. That works out to $133.33/American. We are a family of four so our share of that tax will be $533. Can I get a holiday from the Iraq war tax?
Type your comment here...Obama as a Flip-Flopper: When He Was an Illinois State Senator
from Chicago, Obama Supported Suspension of State Sales Tax on Gas
In 2000, as an Illinois state senator from Chicago, Obama
SUPPORTED suspension of state sales tax on gas in Illinois. He was
very happy to help his Chicago constituents and to tell the media
about it. See article below.
Now, in 2008, Obama is AGAINST tax relief for gasoline for all
Americans. Mr. Obama, what's wrong with the rest of us? Most of
us don't come from your district or Illinois. Don't you like us?
Now, even your constituents in Illinois will suffer.
Also, in 2008, have you called for investigations of oil companies as you praised in 2000?
If not, why not?
Here is the article:
Obama Says General Assembly Suspends Sales Tax on Gas
Chicago Citizen. Chicago, Ill.:Jul 6, 2000. Vol. 35, Iss. 13,
p. 2
Abstract (Summary)
"Our action will bring much needed relief to area residents who
have already been hit hard by the highest fuel prices in the
entire nation," Senator [Barack Obama] said. "Furthermore, gas
retailers must post on each pump a statement that indicates that
the state tax has been suspended and that this temporary
elimination of the tax should be reflected in the price per
gallon of gas."
Full Text (248 words)
Copyright Chicago Weekend Jul 6, 2000
Obama Says General Assembly Suspends Sales Tax on Gas
Senator Barack Obama (D-Chicago) announced recently that the
General Assembly has suspended the state's five percent tax on
gas. The suspension is in response to rapid increase in fuel
prices that have heavily impacted the Chicago-land areas. Obama
said consumers should see a seven to 10 drop in prices beginning
this weekend.
"Our action will bring much needed relief to area residents who
have already been hit hard by the highest fuel prices in the
entire nation," Senator Obama said. "Furthermore, gas retailers
must post on each pump a statement that indicates that the state
tax has been suspended and that this temporary elimination of the
tax should be reflected in the price per gallon of gas."
Obama praised lawmakers at the State and Federal levels who have
launched investigations into possible price gouging by oil
companies. But he also called for an increased emphasis on fuel
conservation.
"These calls for investigations into the oil industry come on the
heals of several months of sleep price increases, but what also
needs to be addressed is the conservation of a resource that is
quickly becoming a non renewable resource. Our nation is one of
the largest consumers of gas in the world. We need to learn how
to conserve our resources and depend more on alternative forms of
transit. I would encourage more people to take advantage of
buses, trains, car pooling etc. to help lower fuel demand," Obama
added.
Indexing (document details)
Subjects: Energy industry, Finance, Government, Industry,
State government, Taxation
Locations: Illinois
People: Obama, Barak
Document types: News
Publication title: Chicago Citizen. Chicago, Ill.: Jul 6, 2000.
Vol. 35, Iss. 13; pg. 2
Source type: Newspaper
ProQuest document ID: 493066261
Text Word Count 248
Document URL:
http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=493066261&Fmt=3&clientId=68282&RQT=309&VName=PQD
If this link doesn't work for you, because you don't have an appropriate
account, ask your local library if they have access to ProQuest,
the Ethnic NewsWatch database.
To 'Bill':
Thank you for speaking your mind. I agree that Bush is who got us here in the first place. Sometimes it's important to put the focus back on how we got here instead of where we think we want to go.
Our country allows such liberties as those that enable us to explain our reasons for what we believe in, how and why. I'm not here to justify Obama, but I've read a lot of folks' opinions that he "only criticizes, doesn't suggest his own remedy". I, for one, think that he IS recommending (his) own idea of NOT screwing with an already screwed-up system, e.g. 'don't make smoke screens, especially when the mosquitos are still at bay'.
We're so quick to criticize and judge! But I suppose that's the (fun?) of targeting somebody who stands up in the public eye to defend/declare something they believe in. I'm not saying anything other than what I'm saying. It seems the man is just trying to get people to become aware that a holiday tax may not be as simple as it seems.
Vote for him or not, it's your choice. As a huge supporter of 'NONE OF THE ABOVE' (see Brewster's Millions starring the late Richard Pryor), I'm just saying that there's never really any simple solution. Too many people, too many opinions, too much centralized power. I know there are those cynics out there wanting to prove their point and show undecideds like me otherwise, so please feel free.
After all, this might still be a free country, but even indecision has its price.
The price of gas will not go down due to increased demand:
Between March 2003 and October 2007 the US military in Iraq purchased more than 4 billion gallons of fuel from the Defense Energy Support Center, the agency responsible for procuring and supplying petroleum products to the Department of Defense. Much of that is being used for two purposes, one to keep prices low for Iraqis, and for military use, thats 4 BILLION GALLONS that was added to oil demand. And Iraq is an Oil Country that didn't contribute to that at all, the US hires Haliburton to purchase gas and supply Iraq and the troops with fuel, Iraqis get to buy gas at 50 cents a gallon, that cost US Taxpayers $6 a gallon or more to supply Iraq and our forces.
Want to reduce the price of gas, demand Bush finish Iraq.
Obama is an evil man (read: undying support for abortion, gay marriage, etc) and no substance (what does he stand for, anyway), but actually sounds somewhat intelligent with his rebuttal on this issue.
Unfortunately, Alan Keyes isn't taken seriously, but at least John McCain is a man of substance, decent morals, and clearly was willing to sacrifice his life for this country. Obama is just willing to sacrifice millions of babies' lives in the womb for his own personal gain . . . what a loser.
To all the people criticizing Obama for not offering alternatives: sorry, but you are just lazy. He has proposed many measures for dealing with gas prices and our dependence on foreign oil. If you would take, uh, I don't know, 5 minutes out of your day to actually read his proposals which are easily found on his website instead of waiting to be spoon-fed sound bytes from the corporate media, maybe you would be aware of his proposals.
Do not blame him for your laziness.
I agree with Obama on this silly idea of a tax holiday on what little the feds charge of the penny's short of $4.00 we're paying here in California.
I know why he doesn't but I wish he'd pull a full Kennedy and tell us all to grow the hell up and help ourselves instead of depending on 'daddy congress' to fix it for us. What a bunch of wussy's we've become! We need to look within and see the obvious. We've turned into fat, unhappy, materialistic cry babies. Change out the damn light bulbs for the curly's that they're practically giving away, turn the heat down to 64/55 and throw a sweater on and sleep under a cozy down blanket made in China. So what if your feet get cold during the bathroom run. Cowboy the hell up! It's for the grandchildren and their grandchildren. Conserve and recycle!
damnit. What's so bloody hard about this?
what happen to the idea of taking away
the gas insenitives paid to the gas companies by the goverment . to my under standing that is part of gas tax that we pay.all I know is that idia went by the way side after President Bush was elected
According to the oil industry, they are already operating their refineries at full capacity. When there is a disruption in a refinery, gas prices go up because of the reduced supply.
So they are basically saying that prices are based on demand. And demand is based on prices. There is limited supply. Raising prices, whether through a gas tax or through increasing the oil company's profits will lower demand.
If you lower the price through a gas tax holiday, then the price will rise right back up to the point where supply meets demand. The only difference will be that instead of the money going to taxes to pay for infrastructure and jobs, it'll go to oil companies.
Obama is right to listen to the economists who understand this issue, rather than pandering to Americans with false promises like Hillary and McCain.
Anyone who thinks that the oil companies are going to reduce the price of gas just because they don't have to send the Fed taxes is crazy. If you were in business and the government said, we're not charging taxes for the next couple of months, what would you do? You would take the opportunity to make a little more profit. So will Shell and the rest.
Furthermore, the congress can't even get anything that makes sense through GW who would certainly NOT pass a tax on his friends' companies. Clinton can make all the promises she wants but she can't guarantee any semblence of relief unless she was in office. So you wouldn't see anything, at all, anytime soon, if ever!
I, for one, am tired of politicians promising me anything. In addition, it's time for the American people to get up off their couches and get to work fixing our own problems together. I don't even care what party or candidate you want or like, who most of us don't know personally anyway.
If jobs are leaving our communities, then we need to get together and figure out how to get some back in. Stop relying on the ELECTED to do it. Isn't it obvious by now that they can't fix everything. They keep looking at the system the way it is to fix problems that were caused by that system. Innovation is not a word you can associate with government.
If we can't get our kids educated properly or even to graduate from high school or out of crime or drug situations, then we have to say we let it happen. I really don't care what side of town you live on. When you point a finger, remember it's connected to your arm which is connected to the base of the problem. Peter Uberroth once used a business forum of computer executives to say... and I paraphrase ... "If you are not the mother, father, sister, brother, uncle, aunt, friend, neighbor, cousin, acquaintance of a child, then ... you don't need to be involved in the betterment of their lives." However, these are the ones who are going to grow up and determine how you should be treated in your old age...whether you have a child or not. Do something.
I teach my children that they have a responsibility to leave the world a better place than the way they found it. But that is also my responsibility and truthfully that of the rest of the billions of people on this planet. If someone here or anywhere thinks they're entitled to anything, get over it. Corporations don't care about people, people care about people. We wouldn't be so fat and dissatisfied if we were out there trying to help others in need.
I know gas is high and food is high. I can barely get through a day without wondering how I'm going to get through the next. But I have time to take my kids to help out at a tutoring program. Why? Because there's always someone who could use your help. And you may need the help too one day...maybe even today.
Yes WE Can!
aside from supply and demand issues, crude oil has been on the rise because of the hedge funds pumping $$ into the commodity markets. IF YOU REALLY WANT TO STOP THIS, our goverment should impose a 75% capital gains tax on energy commodity profits. That would force fund managers to get out of the energy markets, thus forcing the demand for energy contracts down. We would see oil back to $50-70 in a week which would translate to gas under $3 a gallon. Dont get me wrong, the us dollar is in the toilet which is a big factor in the international price of a barrel of oil. But, by reducing the factors we can control, we can have an impact on the price.
Question is: which one of our beloved canidates will back this idea?
Taxing the company would amount to higher prices at the pump. Removing the federal tax would only have a positive impact if the states went along with the cut as well as the distributor and finally the gas stations passing the savings to you.
Anyway what do i know, im only a software developer of commodity trading systems :-)
People... Yes the reducing of this tax via a holiday etc, wouldnt put much difference in your pockets over the summer. And Adding a tax to a business will increase the price that consumers spend. But, Something Has to be done. The real problem here is truly OPEC and our complete LACK Of building, modernizing, expanding our own production facilities. There are only 5 refineries in this country to make gasoline. And those 5 have been open for 40 years now NOT one new one has been built since the 60s...
As for the President. It matters NOT, TRULY NOT, who is elected President. THE true power of our Government is CONGRESS. So if you vote Liberal in Congress, PLEASE vote Conservative for President, What we truly need right now is a Congress and President from Different parties.. For 4 years of Bush's Presidency we saw what happens when one party rules it all. Neither side can be trusted to do what we elect them to do, thanks to the Lobbyists.
As for Congress, Maybe they should Stop wasting our Money by investigating the NFL, MLB, etc... and start actually DOING work for our Benefit, Fixing Roads, Healthcare, Taxes, The Wars. The problem right now (as i see it) is this elected Congress is afraid to stand up and make a stand on anything, its time for a change.. Impose some Term Limits, Banish Lobbyists, and get back to how our country was meant to be.
the senate/congress will not pass a windfall tax on oil companies! Just like a wholesale change in health care plan won't pass as described by clinton. this is where she gets I'm a 'fighter' from - she throws up untenable solutions and tries to force them down peoples throats. When she loses she says I fought for you, but some of 'our' enemies voted it down. compromise is a mutual experience, not a forced one, at least in our political system. stop selling us crap...mcclain and clinton not onlyu think the american people are dumb, they are counting on it!
Want a gas tax relief plan? Use less gas. Americans need to get off their fat lazy asses and ride buses, bikes, subways, trains, etc. and stop bitching about fuel costs. I feel for you if you're in the middle of nowhere, but consider that living in the middle of nowhere costs a lot less than living in an urban area, so there's your penance. I hate that this country loves to point the finger... "I'm too stupid to know coffee is hot, therefore I'm suing you because I burnt my tongue." How is it any different to say, "I'm too stupid to know using less gas and walking more will save me money, therefore I blame you (politician) for not allowing me to continue to be a human waste like I always have been." Be proactive and stop whinning all you losers between 40 and 65. Make way for the next "greatest generation" and take your ridiculous overconsumption with you.
I was thinking, McCain, being a Vietnam war veteran and courageously enduring the horrors of a POW in the late 60s. He has very little political courage in 2008. He's unwilling to take the political high road by saying what the gas tax repeal will really do to the US economy in terms of lost jobs and highway infrastructure spending. I realize these fact are beyond the level of comprehension of a typical Republican but there they are. From 2000 to now, he has flip-floped on so many issues including the war in Iraq. His flip-flopping makes John Kerry's Iraq war flip-flop look tame. It's all there on youtube and you'll see it soon because this year the forces of truth have more money to spend on tv ads than the forces of lies. Have a nice day.
Here's what Obama needs to say, simply and straightforwardly:
"McCain wants to 1) increase gas demand so the oil companies can raise prices, 2) slam you with a bigger hit at the end of the summer, and 3) put our highways into complete disrepair---all for a feel-good election gimmick."
It's this, not the $25 argument that will cut through the haze. Barack, you need to start taking it to him.
Numbers 27, 33, 37, 41-- I agree.
Before a bill like that can be passed, it'll still there forever. And the oil companies will hike up prices in the mean time to make up for it, if it does ever pass.
I really wish everyone in America would take a step back and look at the big picture. You *might* save $40 this year (not likely), but what are the long-term effects? Bad roads. More bridges collapsing. No good public transportation systems.
The long-term answer is a good public transportation system across the U.S. We need to think beyond the next 4 to 8 years while we're at it, and lay down a road map for the country's future. People complain that the rising costs of gas are hurting the lower class workers. A lot of those people would benefit greatly from a public transportation system where there is none now. That would save them more than gas money. It would save them a car payment they can't necessarily afford, insurance prices that are growing, not to mention less wear and tear on the highways and byways. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that if someone WANTS a car they should be denied because of their income. I know for a fact there are folks out there that would rather take public transportation, but it's not widely available enough.
Number 42- Unfortunately, yes. They'll always be here, but we can only hope they're not the ones in charge (much longer). :)
While Obama has a point, he appears to be posturing in his own way, but similarly in spirit to Hell-ary and ole man McCain. Each of the candidates has failed tremendously to produce not just an intended agenda regarding correcting energy consumption, but they have failed horrendously to show humility in pursuading American citizens that they, not oil companies, are more to blame for American dependency on oil. I'm certain shady politicians have maneuvered to enjoy the fruits of such high demand (Cheney, "Dubya," "Aich-Dubya"), but American citizens are the majority. Mark (post #27) has got the right perspective on this matter. No one politician, especially the president, will change Americans' behavior towards energy consumption. It is the individual that must find change within and show humility in delivering change in their own personal situations. The job the candidates need to do know is one of persuasion in convincing Americans to face themselves, face their silly borrowing decisions, face their abdication of responsibility, and grow up. America has become an economy without a conscience, an immature intruder of sovereign nations. Fixing oil is not going to end problems in this economy. Neither will fixing health care. It is the individual. Humility is in order. It'll have to start with politicians, but it should've been taught a long time ago. Teach your children better!