| Message: | | I believe there are valuable lessons in the European model. To begin with, it seems the only way we will be able to move the American motoring public away from the excesses we endure is through economic impact. Increasing the cost of fuel appears to be the only ways to get people to change their driving habits to more responsible choices.
I’d much rather see the funds be used in a manner that will benefit the general public, so I’d prefer to see price the increase be in the form of higher transportation taxes like the European model, rather than oil commodity speculation profits. Increasing the fuel tax is the way to go. Dedicate the funds to transportation projects, mass transit being the primary focus and we all benefit. Improved fuel economy and less highway congestion would be one of the obvious results.
I frequently travel moderate distances several directions on congested highway corridors out here on the left coast. Since flying is such a pain, I usually drive if the trip requires a day or less travel time. If there were reasonable, comfortable mass transit alternatives, I’d be all over it, so paying a lot more at the pump to fund mass transit seems like a good idea to me.
and I’m a resident of the state that has an economy larger than most countries in the world.
By the way, income taxes in Britain (and likely the rest of Europe) are also excessive, so your double tax argument doesn't meet muster. I’m not advocating an increase in any other tax to match those in Europe, but increased transportation fees do seem like a good plan.
Usually, I agree with what you post on this board, so often I’m part of the silent majority that sees no reason to respond to your comments. We need to move to another topic so we can agree.
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