Gas Tax

There is some discussion among presidential candidates about giving the federal gas tax a summer vacation. This would be a mistake. America doesn't need to lower the gas tax. If anything it should be raised. Eliminating the gas tax will just reinforce peoples' behavior, saying it's alright to keep driving big cars everywhere and that U.S. citizens are entitled to cheap gas. It's partially that attitude that has made America that world's largest consumer of oil and the largest contributer to CO2 emissions, the leading cause of global warming. Americans need to change our behavior.

If you want to do something with taxes, eliminate all tax breaks on the oil companies. Eliminate all subsidies to oil companies for research. That's where the waste is. They are pocketing that money, not building new refineries, and not pioneering new energy sources. All while raking in record profits.

And if you don't like expensive gas... well, get used to it. It's going to get much worse. Instead of complaining and protesting, you'd be better off putting that energy into getting a more efficient vehicle. Because changing your mode of transportation isn't cheap either, even if it's a scooter. A reliable one is going to cost $2,000. And don't forget about a helmet and gear. But, divide that cost by the amount you paid for your last tank of gas. Now make that tank $5/gallon and do the math again.

You don't need to get rid of your car. Just don't use it every time you leave your house. You'll be surprised how much easier and fun it gets.

Great Green America Fest '08

This weekend is the Great Green America Fest at Mount Hope Winery, Saturday and Sunday MAy 3 & 4, 11am to 8pm. Linky!

Read my account on last year's festival.

Smart Car

How cute is this? Spotted this morning at Central Market:

If everyone had one, I bet 20 people could park next to Market. They would all be able to park head-in. And we'd all be safe as bumper cars.

Adorable. And the inside is really sporty! It was drawing quite a lot of looky-lous. And, to my amusement, some glares from Volvo and SUV drivers who were looking greedily at the remaining parking space it left. Darn it! It's like half a car, but it's taking up a whole space! It's not fair! Ha-ha. It's time to re-think how we lay out parking. There should be more spaces designed for alternative vehicles like motorbikes and these new Smart Cars.