"Dave Hall" wrote in message
...

Certainly I am willing to kick in a little more. But not nearly what
was
proposed by the kyoto summit, when the subject of global warming and
other environmental impact was discussed, and proposals along the line
of increasing fuel costs as a method to "dissuade" people from using
fossil fuels.

The effect on the economy would be widespread and devestating....

Not if it were focused on areas where ELECTIVE use was predominant. You
DO
know what that means, right? Or do you need help?

Spare me the condescending attitude, and I might enlighten you with a
combination of human nature and free market logic.

Any time you artificially raise the cost of an item (Through a tax or
tariff) you essentially remove it, or reduce its availability, to people
of lesser financial means. So a tax on fuel will become effective at
controlling fuel usage, but based along socio- economic lines. The rich
will just dig a little deeper in their pockets and pay a little more to
continue their lavish lifestyles. While those not so financially well
off, will be forced to abandon or radically change their lifestyles.
This will only add to the rift between the socio-economic classes.

This whole country, and our culture of consumerism, means that a very
big part of our economy is based on elective use (Assuming your context
of the term "elective" means usage which is not necessary). A tax on
fuel would just about put an end to the RV industry, put a damper on
vacations, travel, tourism, etc. Many states (like Florida) raise much
of their working budgets through proceeds from tourism. I'm sure you can
see what would happen if this source was curtailed to any great degree.

Then of course, since the costs to operate a business, and to
manufacture goods, will increase due to taxes on fuel, the obvious
reaction will be a further push to relocate businesses offshore. Surely
you are not in favor of that?

These are only some examples. How many more do you need?

Dave



No increases for heating oil. I believe most people have learned that
keeping the house at 79 degrees is not a good idea. For those who have not,
there's nothing that can be done.

No increases for fuel used to move freight.

A poll here (Rochester) about 5 yrs back found that over 65% of commuters
would be happy to use mass transportation, if it existed and was run in a
sensible fashion. There is no reason to believe this city is different from
others, so it's safe to assume people feel this way elsewhere.

Europeans have been dealing with much higher gasoline prices for quite
some time. They adjust and their societies haven't collapsed. Our country
isn't willing to sacrifice jack ****.