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.