Summer gas holiday?

FloggingSully · 05-01-2008, 11:38 AM

Does anyone think this proposal is a good idea? I heard a radio show this morning that normally has guests with strong views on both sides of an issue and they said that they couldn't find a single person who would come on and argue that it's a good idea.

Flop The Nuts · 05-01-2008, 11:49 AM

It's as silly as the rebate checks. One could at least make the case that the gas holiday would be fair, as it would apply to all households.

Tight-Waist · 05-01-2008, 12:24 PM

I DO have a question for those that oppose it.

Why is it that when economic hard times hit... everyone BUT the government has to "tighten their belt" and do with less? Businesses have to cut back, so do households.

But government? Fat chance.

FloggingSully · 05-01-2008, 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by Flop The Nuts

It's as silly as the rebate checks. One could at least make the case that the gas holiday would be fair, as it would apply to all households.

Not all households drive cars.

FloggingSully · 05-01-2008, 12:34 PM

Originally Posted by Tight-Waist

I DO have a question for those that oppose it.

Why is it that when economic hard times hit... everyone BUT the government has to "tighten their belt" and do with less? Businesses have to cut back, so do households.

But government? Fat chance.

THe gas tax funds transportation projects (highways, bridges, etc). Our current infrastructure is in terrible shape (bridge colapses, etc) and improving it will provide a boost to the economy.

You also need to realize that if we cut the tax 18 cents/gallon the price won't decrease by the same amount, since gas is an inelastic good the price won't decrease anywhere near the 18 cents, so basically we'd be taking money out our highway funds and depositing it strait into oil company bank accounts, all while not providing any real relief to people driving.

Flop The Nuts · 05-01-2008, 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by FloggingSully

Not all households drive cars.

Point taken. But households that don't drive cars aren't affected by pump prices anyway. So, the gas holiday would at least target the people affected the most.

Tight-Waist · 05-01-2008, 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by FloggingSully

THe gas tax funds transportation projects (highways, bridges, etc). Our current infrastructure is in terrible shape (bridge colapses, etc) and improving it will provide a boost to the economy.

You also need to realize that if we cut the tax 18 cents/gallon the price won't decrease by the same amount, since gas is an inelastic good the price won't decrease anywhere near the 18 cents, so basically we'd be taking money out our highway funds and depositing it strait into oil company bank accounts, all while not providing any real relief to people driving.

My question wasnt limited to the gas tax, but to the voracious nature of government itself. (And liberals that love to feed it)

ban basketball · 05-01-2008, 01:16 PM

Originally Posted by Tight-Waist

My question wasnt limited to the gas tax, but to the voracious nature of government itself. (And liberals that love to feed it)

Spending has been up nearly 30% since Bush was given the "presidency," and that is minus Iraq spending. Half of his "term" has been with republican control.

FloggingSully · 05-01-2008, 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by Flop The Nuts

Point taken. But households that don't drive cars aren't affected by pump prices anyway. So, the gas holiday would at least target the people affected the most.

No argument here, I was just pointing out that it wouldn't affect everyone equally.

I think the other big difference between the gas tax holiday and the refund checks is that the checks will, in theory, increase demand for goods and jump start the economy (again, in theory). The gas tax holiday would create in increase in demand for gas which will cause all kinds of other problems when the tax is reinstated and slow the development of gas alternatives.

Tight-Waist · 05-01-2008, 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by ban basketball

Spending has been up nearly 30% since Bush was given the "presidency," and that is minus Iraq spending. Half of his "term" has been with republican control.

I have NEVER and will NEVER defend his (and the GOP Congress's) profligate domestic spending.

But its just the very thing you out to LOVE him for.

Summer gas holiday?

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