POST due whenever you have class, just please do it....
After reading the two points of view about raising the gas tax, I would like you to answer the following questions by commenting below:
1. What is the best reason in support of raising the gas tax, and what is the best reason to not support the gas tax? Explain yourself.
2. Assess the Baltimore Sun writer's idea that the gas tax can be made higher, thus increasing the government's tax dollars, which then can be given back to the tax payer. Does his argument hold merit?
3. The Salt-Lake Tribune writer states that Barack Obama should borrow the money to finance Obama's plan to increase public works projects. However, with a bailout package that has an ever-growing price tag, should we just borrow more money. Could the gas tax be a proper solution to our transportation woes?
4. Where do you stand on the issue?
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41 comments:
1. I believe the best reason to support raising the gas is the idea that fuel-efficient cars are not economically feasible when the gas is at $3/gallon. However, when gas prices rise to $4 or $5/gallon, people start to become more aware of their driving habits and the fuel-efficient cars are actually economically feasible. On the other hand, I believe that the best reason not to support the gas tax is simply the idea that we are in a recession. People are out of jobs, companies have closed, and people do not have the money any more to account for such a large increase in gas price.
2. I think he has a good idea of giving back $5000 to families in order pay for certain things. But, at the same time is that $5000 really going to go that far? I don't think that you can do some of the things he mentions like: buy a more fuel-efficient car, pay down credit card debt, or pay for college. I think the $5000 certainly can partially pay for some of those things, but I don't believe it can pay for any of them fully.
3. The gas tax could definitely be a proper solution to our transportation woes. I believe that if the federal gas tax raised gas prices by $1 or maybe even $2, people would certainly be much more aware of their fuel usage and how often they drive.
4. Personally, after reading both of these articles, I think both authors give good support to why or why not the gas tax should take effect. However, I am going to have to say that I believe we should enforce the gas tax. Even though we are in a recession, we cannot keep pretending like gas prices will remain low. If we enforce a gas tax, people will definitely pay more attention to how often they drive and be more attentive to gas.
1. In support: In the long-run, we will benefit by being forced to buy more fuel-efficient vehicles. I agree with this because I think people may need extra motivation to buy hybrids, and, in doing so, it will fuel the economy while reducing our reliance on gasoline.
Against: It is not the right time because we are in a recession. I agree with this because people will be driven to such an economic slump that it may be close to impossible for them to recover.
2. I agree with this because the government can’t afford to borrow anymore money. Even if the tax causes people to look for fuel alternatives, hopefully people will find positive alternatives such as hybrids, which will stimulate our economy in other ways.
3. I think the gas tax is the proper solution because if the government continues to borrow money, nothing will be accomplished, we will just be continuing in a vicious cycle of borrowing and spending.
4. I think the gas tax is definitely a reasonable solution, but I do agree with the Salt Lake Tribune article that it is very bad timing for some individuals. Therefore, I think we need the gas tax to prevent further borrowing, but the tax raise has to be within reason so that people can still dig their way out of their own financial issues while supporting the national economy, as well.
1) a. The best reason for raising the gas tax is to help rid ourselves of the dependence on foreign oil. If we maintain sufficient oil reserves, there is a possibility that I will not have to pay $10-$20 a gallon for gas when I get older. This is very appealing to me because I am planning on buying the most expensive sports cars that get only .25 miles to the gallon of gas. Not to mention the jet….
b. The best reason no to raise the gas tax is because people are already poor. There is no need to make people pay more for a good when they are already penny pinching. A $5,000 stimulus package doesn’t go very far but saving $3 on gasoline does. Plus we can always raise the gas tax during better economic times.
2) This argument holds some merit however $5,000 doesn’t go very far. A fuel efficient car would cost way more money than 5gs if I wanted to trade up from my crappy ’95 suburban. I would almost prefer the government to keep the money to pay off the incredible debt. If we balanced the budget, more than half the debt could be paid off in 10 years.
3)
Hell no. I’m not going to pay a huge amount in taxes just so we can have more public works programs that really don’t even help. A ton of money is wasted by the government each year that could go into reducing the public debt.
I also hate these damn word varifications... I got mine wrong 3 times in a row. i thought we speek american in america...
1. I think that the most logical support for the tax is that without the higher gas prices, people will not use hybrid cars. When gas prices are low, people aren't as aware of their driving habits when the prices are lower, but when they go up, people start to watch how much gas they use. I think the best support against the tax is that we are in a recession. People do not have nearly as much money as they used to so they can not afford to pay for the spike in gas prices.
2. I think that the idea of giving the 5000 back is good, but I don't think is can help very much in today's society. It can help with certain things, but it will not pay anything off in full. It's just not that big of a sum of money.
3. I think that if the government raised the gas tax, people would become more aware of how much gas they use. If it goes up people will want to save money and therefore watch how much they drive.
4. I agree with some parts of both articles and disagree with some parts of both articles. I think we should enforce the gas tax because people will watch how much they drive. Therefore reducing many of the problems that occur in our world.
1. The best reason for raising the gas tax is that it offers an incentive for fuel-efficiency and economic stimulus at the same time. The higher gas prices will encourage purchase of more fuel-efficient cars making us less dependable on foreign oil. Additionally, the plan offers a $5,000 stimulus per family which will put money in their pocket to stimulate the economy. The best reason for not raising the gas tax is the fact that we are facing a recession right now. People don't have the extra cash laying around and a rise in gas prices will most likely result in a reduction for spending on other goods.
2. The author of the Baltimore Sun's article does hold merit, but right now is not the time. The gas tax would substantially increase the government's tax dollars, but the $5,000 per family will not impact a family tremendously during these times. The family couldn't pay for a new fuel-efficient car with a mere $5,000 dollars.
3. With the growing stimulus plan, there should be no more "borrowing" for economic stimulus. Our deficit is already too large and it's growing! The gas tax could solve the transportation woes, but I think it should be a balance between the tax and toll-roads. The two should both be raised, but neither of them dramatically.
4. I like the plan laid out by the Baltimore Sun. However, this is not the right time to implement it because families don't have the funds to pay for high gas or to buy a fuel-efficient car. Obama should consider this plan, but later on in his term once the economy is one the rise again.
1. The best reason to support raising the gas tax is that it would promote fuel-efficiency. When gas prices are low, people tend to purchase more of it and not feel the financial burden. However, if gas prices were increased, then the consumer would become more aware and less likely to drive as much and purchase gas as regularly. Also, increasing the gas tax would put money in Americans' pockets, or somewhat of a stimulus. The best reason not to support the gas tax is because our economy is so weak in a recession. Americans, for the most part, simply don't have the spare money to pay more for gas.
2. Well it depends on how much one drives that will determine if this is a good plan. It does promote fuel-efficient driving; however, the couple extra dollars each time at the pump will add up. $5,000 at the end of the year may not be enough to cover other expenses.
3. The gas tax would force some people to use public transportation and definitely cause awareness in driving habits. Adding $2 to the price of gas/gallon would help the situation, but I think borrowing money will also contribute to the solution.
4. It is hard to say what we should do. Low gas prices have definitely helped out the lower and even middle-class person. Especially during this time, Americans are finding it difficult to hold a job and make money. However, increasing the gas tax would encourage people to drive less, look into fuel-efficient cars and ideas, and promote public transportation. Those are all positive and smart strategies during this tough economic time. Therefore, raising the gas tax would be feasible.
1. The Baltimore Sun writer's main argument for a progressively increasing gas tax is that it will provide incentive for more people to switch over to fuel efficient cars, thereby conserving oil.
The Salt Lake Tribune writer's main argument against any form of a gas tax increase is the timing: you do not increase taxes in fragile economic times.
2. The stupidity of some people amazes me. The Baltimore Sun moron doesn't realize that raising gas taxes by three dollars would increase the cost of living dramatically--and it would have the most significant impact on those who are already struggling to get by. Due to transportation costs, when gas costs more, EVERYTHING COSTS MORE. He's also ignorant in assuming that everyone has the credit/money to purchase a new car.
3. If we absolutely must spend on public works project (hint: we do not), I would prefer that we borrow the money now, and pay it back when the economy stabilizes and prospers.
4. As I stated above, a massive increase on the gas tax would dramatically increase the cost of living in this country. The middle and lower classes, who are already struggling to keep their heads above water, would be affected the most. If it costs double the amount of money to ship a certain product, guess what is going to happen to the price of that product.
1) The best reason to support the tax would be the possibility of an economic stimulus package but even that would not be worth the increase of taxes. The best reason to not raise the tax is just common sense. You do not raise tax on gas almost a need by most people when people can barely afford to pay bills or buy food in the recession. It would be foolish to raise the taxes and only cripple the economy even more.
2) His argument does not hold merit at all. He says that in order to break even with a hybrid you have to drive it 100,000 miles. Well even if they increase the tax and lets say it evens out around 60,000 miles. Even then you are going to have pay more for repairs due to the advanced technology of the hybrid plus the more money for the hybrid to begin with. His argument is stupid and would only help ruin the economy by forcing people to pay more for gas when they can barely buy the essentials to survive.
3) Once again it would not help and only hurt the economy with people having only to pay more for gas. I do not think how ever that we should raise the gas tax or do Obama's plan would not be worth it as well. We would just have to borrow more money to pay for road improvements that just make us pay for more gas due to the road closings and the increased traffic.
4) My stance on the issue is that we should keep the gas tax where it is or even or lower it incredibley. If we were to get rid of gas tax then that would be an economic stimulus package to most people every month. Just think how much money everybody would save if they pay 1$ a gallon. I know i would save over 100$ a month for one driver, one care, in month.
1. The gas tax could be supported because people will have a greater desire to buy hybrid vehicles when gas costs $4-$5 rather than $1.50-$2. It will also give the government an extra $540 billion a year to spend to try to get our nation out of debt. Even though they will have to pay back money to citizens, they have the money right away. The gas tax may not be supported because people do not have the money to pay more for gas. Companies would also not be making anymore money with the tax so it could hurt their sales.
2. I think that this plan could work. The government would not have to borrow anymore money and would have the money right away. It will also give money to people to spend. People only have to pay a small amount, but over time it builds up. As a result, people will be encouraged to spend the $5,000 and help the economy.
3. The bottom line is that our government needs to cut costs. As a result, we should not borrow more money. The gas tax is a good solution because it gives our government right away, and they are not going further in debt.
4. I support the gas tax. It gives the government money right away and keeps them from going into further debt. Consumers do have to pay more, but they will be more aware of their spending. It will also give them $5,000 two years in a row that they can spend to help boost the economy.
1) The best reason for raising the gas tax is that higher gas prices will make the production of more fuel-efficient vehicles more urgent which is what we want. The best reason for not raising the gas tax is that we shouldn't raise them during a recession. It makes sense that we shouldn't be paying taxes on gas so that we can keep our money and spend it somewhere to help the economy.
2. I don't think it does because the people need the money now during the recession. It will help when the money is given back because families will be able to spend but if you take away more money from families that don't even have money in the first place then this economic problem is going to get worse.
3. I don't think wee should just borrow money because the price-tag is too high for public work programs. I don't see how borrowing will work. We need to work our way out of this problem. We need to employ all the unemployed so everyone has a source of income so that they can spend money so that the economy can start to pick up.
4. The argument for gas taxes was a very good one but I still think that we shouldn't take money away from people. I don't think we should have gas taxes.
1. The authors best reason in support of raising the tax on gas is the fact that with out higher prices, nobody is going to buy fuel efficient cars. People simply will not spend their money on fuel efficient cars if they dont have a diar reason to. In contrast the authors best reason for not supporting a raising of taxes on gas is plainly because families do not have the money. America is in a recession and few families have the money to be spending 4 or 5 dollars per gallon of gas.
2. The fact that he wants to give a lot of this money back to the american people is certainly a good thought, but what about when americans stop buying gas because it high prices. Im order for this idea to work, amerians need to continue buying gas as they do today. If gas rises to 5 dollars a gallon, I cant see americans continuing to consume it at the rate they are right now.
3. borrowing more money is the last thing that America should be doing. We alreay have a national debt way over our heads. Also the gas tax would completely solve our transportation woes. If gas were raised 2 even 3 dollars every american would begin to monitory his or her gasoline consumption.
4. seeing the issue looked at from two different points of view it is easier to understand why the price of gas is so important. gas holds a tremendous bearing on our personal lives as well as the life of our nation.
1. The reasons to support the gas tax are eluded to in the Baltimore Sun article. Dependence on foreign oil seems to be the most important reason for the gas tax. The best reason not to support the gas tax is that it may plunge Americans into further financial problems. With gas too expensive to pay for, many might not go anywhere!
2. I think the Baltimore Sun’s writer’s idea is a good one. It solves (or at least helps) the issue of foreign oil dependence, drives (no pun intended) consumers to buy hybrids, and creates a stimulus package. It is a noble goal that seems feasible enough to me, but I’m not sure how gas companies would feel about it. ExxonMobil, Shell, and BP are the first, third, and fourth largest companies in the world respectively, and I don’t think they would let legislation like this happen.
3. It seems to be a lose-lose situation; the trick is finding out which one is less worse. By levying a gas tax, it hurts American because they have to pay more in an already weak economy. If Obama borrows money for highways and such, then the federal debt grows larger and larger.
4. I like the Baltimore Sun guy’s article, but I would like to hear what President Obama would have to say after reading it. I have a feeling that he would present obstacles that the average high schooler (or journalist) hadn’t thought of before jumping on board.
1. The best reason to raise the gas tax would be to remove drivers from the road. Its a simple concept created by the democrats raise taxes and less people can afford it. The best reason to not raise it is because we are in a recession and it is economically unwise to do so most American's can not and will not be able to afford a new hybrid vehicle or the higher gas price.
2. Not at all. We are talking about the IRS they barely collect our taxes correctly now. Suppose we add this $5000 dollar stimulus it will be impossible and we would also have hidden costs like paying for bureaucracy which would be simply ignorant. Its is a good idea in concept because it hypothetically could work because we would tax and give back but it would be better to allow Americans to save the money and not have to have bureaucrats touch it.
3. I do not live in a communist society therefore I believe government should not be as active in our public works as possible. Before they additionally tax me they should cut programs that do not benefit most Americans. Lets say a reform to Social Security, Welfare, Medicare, and Medicaid..... if we reformed that maybe we wouldn't have to have petty taxes such as this. A gas tax will not be the solution to our transportation woes. The woes will be around during our whole lives. The best thing to do is try to live as locally to your work as possible. I think that we should not finance public works projects with this money. We should not borrow more money from any other countries. The gas tax will not be a proper solution because people will still need to get to the places they need to be and this will just be a crushing economic blow to the people we are trying to help.
4. Gas taxes should be eliminated. Governments should not do things like this. It is simply Un American because these kinds of taxes are the type England imposed to us in the 1770's. We should increase public transportation with our current budget because it is possible.
1) The best reason in support of the increased gas tax is that it most definatly encourage people to buy more fuel efficent cars. The money that they recieve lessens this blow as well. On the other hand, this is the worst possible time to increase this tax because Americans have very little cash at this time and an additional strain would most likely hurt the economy further.
2) The theory that taxing the gas will put the money back into the taxpayers pockets has its good points and bad ones. The main flaw in the argument is that why take the money away from the people to give it back to them? However, this seems like a good way to try and decrease the dependence on forign oil. This would also provide an incentive to auto makers to try and capture the market share by making more fuel efficent cars.
3) I think that it is a fine line between taxing and borrowing more and more money. This is a real tricky issue because the results of taxing further could really hurt the economy in the short run because people would have to stop spending and the money that they get back from the government probably would not cover it. However, borrowing is also a poor but maybe necessary move. What must be done is to marginally raise the tax, but borrowing money i believe is in the cards for the short term.
4) I believe that this has the potential to work very well. Sadly, it is the right solution at the wrong time. A few years from now, if the economy recovers and people are taking more risks and making more money, there will be more acceptance of this idea and it will work much more efficently. untill then, it should not be implemented.
1. The best reason in support of raising the gas tax is that it will encourage people to be more fuel efficient in their driving habits and vehicle purchases. This would eventually lead to less dependence on foreign oil and less C02 emissions. The best reason to not support the gas tax is that we are currently in an economic recession and raising the price of gas would further strain Americans who are suffering from the economic downturn.
2. I do not believe that this idea is a very good one because I think that it will take longer than two years to make any drastic decline in oil dependency or any drastic increase in the purchase of fuel efficient cars. By just taxing the consumer only to give it back to them in a stimulus package makes very little sense when the only reason behind it is to encourage conservatism with gas use. It is not the time to be trying to change the way Americans drive while an economic crisis is at hand.
3. I believe that a reasonable tax increase on gasoline (not $1+) should be enacted in order to discourage over consumption, decrease the amount of drivers, and to fund public works projects. However, I do not think that at this time a large tax should be enacted in order to try and decrease dependency on foreign oil or make America environmentally friendly.
4. A small tax could be a proper solution to some of our transportation woes, but a large tax could add on to our more important economic woes. I am in favor of a reasonable increase on the tax on gasoline.
1.) The best reason to raise gas tax is if gas is low people begin to forget the harm it does to the enviorment and the hurt it puts in their pocket in the long run. People go back to the old ways of driving everywhere. The greatest reason not to support gas tax is that we are in a recession and people are already struggling as we speak, they dont need extra prices at the pump.
2.)I do think this plan holds merit but 5 stacks ($5,000) will not go far at all these days. It says that it could pay for colleges but last time i checked college price tag is up in the 30,000-50,000 range. It is a good thought but it might not help as much as he states.
3.)We definatly cannot just borrow more money or else we will never get ourselves out of this downwird sprial. A $1 raise in tax will serve as some ways to fix our transportation woes.
4.)I personally think that gas tax is the right thing to do. When prices were high people became more aware of how much they drove and it paid off. If we raise the taxes on gas it might serve as another reminder, and people will become more aware of how much they drive.
1.The reason that the author believes the gas tax should be raised is because he believes it will help the economy get back on its feet. He proposed raising it a dollar each year then giving each American family 5,000 dollars in return at the end of the year. The reason to not support the tax is that many people cannot afford gas as it is right now with the recession we are in, even when its at 2 dollars a gallon.
2.It is a good idea in the long run but people just cannot afford a dollar increase in the price of gas right now. The 5,000 dollars that each family would get back from the government would help improve the economy because the pople would use the money to purchase goods but that would only be after they spend 5,000 extra dollars at the pump. Its a good idea but the wrong time to put it into effect.
3.I think we should keep borrowing money. People cannot afford the tax right now but eventually the economy will get back on its feet and we will be able to repay some of our debt. The gas tax probably would not go to fixing roads and public transportation but rather would be pumped into the bailout plans that are soon to be in effect.
4. A gas tax would be terrible for the average American right now. People are struggling to get by and a tax would just further decrease the amount of drivers on the road. In the future I think the tax could be a useful tool to help boost the economy further but it just isn't the right time.
1. The best reason to raise the gas tax is that it will force people to change their ways of life. People need to learn better driving habits and realize there is no one to protect the environment but us. Keeping gas prices high for an extended period of time will cause people to feel the hurt financially and therefore make life changing decisions. The best reason to not support the tax is that it will be a huge financial problem for middle to lower income families. An extra dollar for gas would mean significant changes for these families. It might mean giving up food or struggling to pay other bills. This is a lot to ask of people.
2. Yes this would work. It basically goes back to Mr. Obama's idea of sharing the wealth. This would allow lower income families to receive an incentive that would be financed primarily by the wealthy. The $5000 per family would mean so much more to the lower income group.
3. I don't believe that we should borrow anymore money to finance our problems. When there are so many people in the U.S who are making huge amounts for money we really need to find a way to support all classes of people with out burdening future generations.
4. I think there are a lot of benefits to the gas tax. I like it because it will force people to become more involved in our environment and the problems we will face in the future. It will not be a popular tax and it will take a strong leader to make it happen.
1. The best reason for raising the gas tax is that people will not purchase hybrids unless necessary. Raising the gas tax will force people to buy more fuel efficient vehicles, therefore, it is a good plan. The reason being, in the long run, it will help our environment. It is not a good idea to raise gas taxes because our country is in a recession. Therefore, people will not be able to afford gas if the higher tax is put into effect.
2. It is a good idea in the long run to give the tax money back. However, because our country is in a recession, it will be hard for people to afford gas with the high tax in effect.
3. It would somewhat help. I believe that if the government were to put a higher tax on gas it would ensure people to be more aware of how much gas they use. Further, it would push people to transfer into hybrid vehicles; thus, there would be less pollution present in the world.
4. I believe the Baltimore Sun plan is nicely formatted. However, because of the recession, our country is not in a state to be able to pay a higher tax on gas. Therefore, as of now, I think that it would be best to not implement the higher tax on gas.
1) The best reason in support of an increased gas tax is that it would encourage the purchase and use of more fuel-efficient cars, because people would recognize that they might save more money in the long run by going green. The best reason to not support the gas tax is that cheap gas is easing the pain of the current economic issues because for many people, gas is somewhat of a necessity.
2) I don't think that there is a lot of merit to this argument. The Baltimore Sun writer fails to recognize that a gas tax will be a significant burden on a large portion of the working class, who are struggling to get by as it is. The $5000 credit is not substantial enough to aid such people in purchasing expensive fuel-efficient cars.
3) It seems pointless to finance public works projects with a gas tax, as a gas tax would likely hurt the working class as much as much as any job availability would help them.
4) To impose a gas tax is to attack the last defense of the working class. Low gas prices have been extraordinarily helpful to those who are suffering the effects of this recession.
1.The best reason in support of raising the gas tax is that it will persuade drivers to switch to fuel-efficient vehicles and practice better driving habits. The best reason not to support the gas tax is because right now our economy is in a recession and people would not be able to afford gasoline.
2. I don’t believe that this writer’s idea is good or realistic. It would not work out in today’s economy. This extra gas tax would put a large burden on drivers and there would be a significant decrease in driving activity because of the increase in tax. Also, the 5,000 dollars the writer talks about is not sufficient for drivers to switch to fuel-efficient cars.
3. I don’t think that we should borrow more money to finance the problems we have; borrowing will not solve our problems. The gas tax would not be a proper solution to our transportation woes because we need to cut costs someplace else without raising gas taxes.
4. On this issue, I believe that we should not raise gas taxes. The Baltimore sun does provide a nice plan that may work in the future, but with our recession right now America would only continue to struggle.
1. The argument that with higher gas prices people would flock to the more fuel efficent cars is the best one. There are too many problems with that, though. For one buying hybrid vehicals, or at least when my family bought one, have a tax cut on them. We didnt pay any tax on the cars purchase, and with all the people flocking to buy these cars, couldnt that lose revenue for the government. Also, we are in an econimic down turn, if people could hardly afford gas in the first place i doubt they an affored to go out and drop the coin to buy a new car.
2. I dont think so because i believe that even with the $5000 most people would still have finacial problems with gas being taxed $3. If so many people were not out of jobs and were making better money maybe it could work, but it wouldnt at this point in time.
3. I think it would be better of to barrow more money, at least thruogh a public works plan people could find jobs and earn money over having it taken away then having 5k given back just to be taxed away again by the still overly taxed gas.
4. I think its clear where i stand on the issue judging by my responces to the questions above. The tax makes no scence to me and i think it would hurt both people and the government more than it would help either of them.
1.The best reason to support raising fuel taxes has a more ecologically nature than an economical one. Raising fuel taxes will coax consumers to purchase more fuel efficient vehicles; as a result pollution emitted from cars will decrease. The economic goal is beneficial. However the timing is wrong given the recession we are in. On that note, timing is the primary reason to appose a raise in higher fuel taxation.
2.The Baltimore Sun writer's idea has merit. Not only will higher gas taxes increase the government's tax dollars as well as provide an additional $5000 to American families, this plan will cut our dependence on foreign fuels. As a result the US economy will grow.
3. At this point it seems absurd to draw out money from bailout plans. However the bailout money should have been guided towards this cause before it was designated to the plethora of companies who are falling under as a result of bad decisions.
4. The Salt Lake City writers points seemed more logical. Higher gas taxation will be beneficial and are desired, but there is a time and place for everything and a recession is not the time.Also, selfishly it is horrid to think of paying three dollar gas again.
1) the main argument for raising fuel tax is that we cannot support the addition cost during a recession
the main argument for not raising fuel tax is that a raise in the price of fuel will spur a need to buy more efficient cars and help with pollution and the environment.
2)although receiving 5000 dollars would be greatly welcome i don't believe that the government should give the money back to the people. instead, the government should use the money to pull itself out of debt.
3)we shouldn't be borrowing any more money. if we do, we will be adding to our already huge debt. the gas tax does offer a viable solution to this problem and help America be more frugal with their energy and transportation.
4)i think that a small raise in gas would be beneficial in the long run. i feel that raising gas by a dollar or more is way to much. if the tax is raised by 10 to 15 cents, we would be able to use the money to help the economy.
1. The best reason to support a higher gas tax is to lead consumers towards fuel efficient cars and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. As of now it is not a sound economic investment to buy a hybrid car because gas is so cheap. The best reason not to support the tax is that we are in the middle of a recession and the average American would be negatively affected by the tax.
2. I disagree with this idea. If the government palns to give the money back in a couple of years why take it in the first place? Why not leave that money in the economy for consumers to spend on other goods.
3. I don't believe that we should simply borrow more at this time. The estimated price tag for the bailout is already at a staggering level. The gas tax could be a way to fund Barack's public projects without borrowing money. Instead he will just take it from us.
4. I don't think that in these troubled economic times a gas tax is a good idea. It will only have a harmful effect on the economy.
1.The best reason in supporting the raise of gas tax is the idea that oil is scarce. With low taxes on gas, Americans will continue to consume a large amount of gas. But if there is a high tax, people will begin to use alternatives, like fuel efficient cars, while preserving our most dear resource. On the contrary, the best reason to not support the high taxes on gas is the poor state of the American economy. People simply do not have the money to pay extra money for gasoline.
2. The Baltimore Sun writer's belief that raising tax prices will stimulate our economy, enabling every family to receive 5,000 dollars is very practical. Although it may seem to be a petty amount in the grand scheme of tuitions and bills, every cent adds up. Therefore, this bonus could really help a struggling family bordering the poverty line.
3. By borrowing more money, our country would just become dependent on spending more and more money. Although public works spending would create more jobs, I do not think it is worth the costs of building and upkeep. Maybe a gradual increase of gas tax could eventual fund these public work projects, but borrowing more money is not the right thing to do.
4. Coming into this situation, I was first on the side of not raising taxes on gas. But after reading both articles, the Baltimore Sun's piece was more persuasive and made many good points on why it should be raised. So now, after getting both viewpoints, i think that they should slowly increase gas tax.
1. The best reason to support raising the fuel tax is that the government has already spent $25 billion to equip factorys to make fuel-effcient cars and parts. When gas is cheap, people aren't going to buy hybrid cars or spend the money to outfit their cars to be more fuel effcient. Raising the gas tax, would eventually make gas over $3, which at this point would cause the demand for hybrids to increase. The best reason to not raise the gas tax is that right now we are in a time of recession. The tax would put Americans, especially low wage earners and the unemployed, at a disadvantage. If taxes are raised during a recession, it will just create more problems rather than fix them.
2. The Balitmore Sun's argument does hold merit in giving back $5,000 to families, but in today's society that is riddled with inflation $5,000 won't go that far.
3. I agree with the Salt Lake Tribune writer because if you increase the taxes during a recession, its going to cause people to continue to save their money. In order to get out of a recession the people have to start spending their money again and this won't happen with an increase in taxes. In addition, it should be a first priority to get out of the recession first and then worry about the cleanup afterwards, and increasing taxes wouldn't help us get out of the recession.
4. I think that the government should increase the gas tax a little bit because then it would cause us to be more conscientious of how we are using gas. In addition it would also to cause us to continue to find alternate fuel sources, and conserve oil.
1. the best reason to raise the gas tax is it will force people to either buy hybrid cars, which are better for the environment, use their gas-guzzling SUV's less, and/or use public transportation. The best reason not to raise the gas tax is that because we are in a recession, people cannot afford to pay so much for gas, and some need to use their cars to get to work or school (esp. if there is no public transportation in their area)
2. It is a good idea, but $5000 isn't really going to go far. For so people, who drive a lot, it will not even cover the extra money they spent on gas.
3. No, because people will just buy less gas, and that will not help anybody out at all.
4. I don't think it's a good idea, but at the same time, I can't think of any better alternatives
1. The best reason to support gas tax is that it will encourage more people to conserve the gas they are using by driving less or buying a hybrid- or better fuel efficient car. The best reason not to support the gas tax is because we are in a recession. People can't afford to buy even some of the necessities so why would we want to make their lives more difficult by raising the price of many peoples' transportation; it just doesn't seem fair.
2. I don't agree with his article because $5,000 or however much it is can not do enough good to compensate for the damage it is doing to the people during this recession. They are getting it back but it won't pay for even a hybrid car so why couldn't they have just had the money to begin with instead of having to spend it on taxes.
3. I think the gas tax is a good idea because it may encourage people to not use so much fuel and to watch what they use. It's not a good idea to borrow money at this time because it will never be payed back.
4. I really don't think that now is the best time for there to be an increase in tax dollars. Although it may reduce the amount of miles a car goes a day, and a poor/rich family may by a hybrid in the end the "stimulus" package is not enough to seriously help anyone and it's just creating more financial problems with many poverty strucken people on your first
1. The best argument to raise the gas tax would be that it would diminish our reliabiltiy on gas and oil. It would steer us to becoming more green and to focus more on fuel efficient ways of getting around. A good reason to not raise the tax would be that we are in a recession right now with no signs of bottoming out, and its kind of common sense to not raise taxes during a recession.
2. I dont think his argument does, some people in this world have no choice but to drive cars to get to work and other important things. He is trying to push us away from cars and it's not fair to everyone, especially those without public transportation. Also, I'm not sure if the tax payers would ever see their money come back, at least not all of the 5,000 dollars promised.
3. Borrowing more money is very dangerous right now, we need to do something but we need to make safe decisions. A gas tax has a catch 22 though, it would help out the government but then it would hurt consumers and push them away from spending even more, which could damage our economy more than help it.
4. I am against this gas tax, mainly because its not a sure fire bet to improve our economy and its far too radical. Also, people who need to use their vehicles everyday, especially those who have no choice but to drive, would be hurt badly by this tax and its not a sure thing theyll see the money come back to them.
I believe the best reason is that fuel effcient cars are not economically feasable when the price is at $3. But when you raise the price to $4 or $5 dollars people jump at the chane to purchase hybrid cars. The best reason not to raise gas prices is basically just the fact that we are in a recession and American families cannot handle the financial burden of high gas prices.
I think it has some pretty good ideas to build off of, but I don't think that the American people can do anything that he says with the money. I don't believe you can purchase a car, or pay your credit debts. But it could help balance out the check book for a month, maybe. Not enough money to pursuay the American society, but once again a good idea.
I think he has a good point, but I see where the question is coming from. If we keep borrowing more and more money soon enough we are going to dig a hole too deep for the gov. to climb out of. But I think if we raise prices we are digging the American worker a bigger hole to get out of. The tax would help tremendously, but not doing anything would also help tremendoulsy.
I think we should leave the gas price the way it is and just let things take their course. If the price goes up, it goes up, if the price continues to drop, so be it. But i think the gov. should stay out of it.
Some people, like Steven Chu, Barack Obama's choice for the the Department of Engergy, believe that if you raise the price of gas dramatically, people will move into more enviornmentally friendly alternatives.
Others argue that Americans should make their own decisions about their lifestyle according to their own standards and according to what is most financially viable to them, and so the gas tax should be lowered to as low as possible.
2. This idea is crazy. Why not just let people keep their own money in the first place? All of this shifting around and redistributing wealth is never good for the econonmy.
3. Public works will not do anything positive for the economy, but if we have to do them, we should give the money back when we're done, I suppose.
4. The price of gas should be a reflection of the market, not the whims of politicians in Washington.
1. Best reason is to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and gas guzzling cars. The best reason not the support the gas tax is that raising taxes in a recession only makes it harder on the American people. The con-article never said it was a bad idea just not at this current time.
2. Sure it holds merit in therory but that does not nessecarily mean the tax is will go directly to all American people. I mean the income tax goes to pay off the interest on our national debt what would stop the government from just using this extra tax to pay off more debt instead of helping their own people directly?
3. Yes. It is proven that public-works projects have the best dollar turnover out of any government program. They did a hell of a job in the depression and I am sure they will do well again in our current recession. When employment is creeping closer to 7% something needs to be done to create work and taking on a bit more debt never stopped the last administration so why should it stop this one, especially if this later pays off.
4. Raise it after 2009.
1.I believe that the best explanation given in the article for rasing the gas tax is in relatence to the hybrid vehicles. Once the gas tax goes up more people would be motivated to buy hybrid cars thus helping the environment. A good reason not to support the gas tax is that Americans could spend the money that they would spend on the taxes to accomplish something productive such as paying off credit card debt.
2.I think that he has a good idea. if this system were to be put in place and families could pay-off debt that they desperatley need to pay-off. There is a problem with the plan however, there is no garuntee that the poeple who recieve the money would use it for positive and productive means.
3. The Salt-Lake Tribune writer states that Barack Obama should borrow the money to finance Obama's plan to increase public works projects. However, with a bailout package that has an ever-growing price tag, should we just borrow more money. Could the gas tax be a proper solution to our transportation woes?
I definatley believe that the gas tax could help eliminate part of the debt that comes with the bailout. We could use the money from the gas tax to help payoff the financial bailout.
4. I think that the idea of a gas tax is good however it strictly depend how the gas tax is carried out. I would not be in favor of it it the government imposes a lucridous tax but I would be in favor of it if the government proposes a wel thought out plan for a gas tax
1. The best reason for raising gas tax is that it will provide an economic stimulus to the government and to the people. If the gas tax is raised, in both 2009 and 2010, each family will receive $5,000 per family. In addition, this will help stimulate the economy so that the gas industry does not collapse.The best reason to not support the initiative to raise gas tax is that we are currently in an economic recession. People do not have the money to pay more for gas. The economy will probably get worse because people will stop buying gas altogether.
2.I believe the author's idea does not have any merit. When gas prices went up to $4 and $5 dollars a gallon last year, the government did not benefit. The national debt continued to grow. In addition, the American people were not helped by the situation. Instead, many people had to eat less in order to afford gas.
3.I do not believe that Obama should borrow more money to pay for public-works projects. I feelt that borrowing money will only get the government further into debt. It makes sense to use gas tax to pay for these projects, but I do not think this will work either. I feel that if gas tax is raised, then people will just find alternatives for transportation and the government will receive even less money than before.
4. I feel that we should not raise the gas tax. I do not believe that families would actually receive a payback if the gas tax were raised. In addition, it is not fair to the lower class workers to have to pay so much just to get to work.
1) The best reason for rasing the gas tax is that the extra money will go to bailout plans over the next sevral years. Yes the increae in price will be hard to deal with but the overall boost it might give our economy will be worth it in the long run. The best reason not to support the tax increase is the fact that we are in a recession. people are already trying to avoid filling up their cars. If the tax is increased people will avoid it even more than they already do.
2)THis idea has both good and bad sides to it. WHile the idea of giving 5000 dollars to each family sounds great the bottom line is that amout of money doesnt go that far. Also how can he gaurntee that amount of money? If gas prices go back up to what they were this summer people will avoid it. I dont see people buying as much gas if it is costing up to 6 or 7 dollars a gallon by 2011.
3)Yes the gas tax is the correct solutuon to ours problem of excessive monet borrowing. THis way we can greatly decrease the amount borrowed.
4)Both arguements have very valid ponts. I personally am going to side with the tax on gas. Prices will go up as the years go on as it is. WHy not just make that happen sooner and in some ways benifit off it.
1. The best reason against raising the gas tax would be that we are in a recession, so people may not have the money to pay the extra tax on gas. The best reason for would be that it would incourage buying fuel-efficient cars.
2. I dont agree with this. How much of what the author says can actually be bought with $5000? It would be enough to pay for one of the things he lists MAYBE, but i dont no know of many colleges with tuition that is less than $5,000. $5,000 is definatly not enough to buy a fuel-efficient car, and depending on the person it may not even be enough to cover gas and their credit card debt.
3. It could be a solution, but i dont think its the right choice right now. There are too many families that are struggling to put food on the table, they dont need to worry about not being able to put gas in the car to get to work and make their money.
4. I think that if they want to raise the gas tax they shouldnt do it right now, when the economy is so crappy. They should wait until its more stable, then if they still want to raise it, raise it a little at a time, not all at once.
1. A.raising the gas tax will force people to buy more fuel efficient cars and spend less money on gas at the same time as they are being conscious about their environment.
B. raising the price of gas will also make the consumer more aware of how much they are spending on gas and how often they are paying this.
2. This does hold merit, but a 5000 dollar stimulus package would probably not do as much for a family that is already in financial trouble.
3. i dont think that we should borrow more money so that we can finance public works programs. the increase in the price of gas will definitely be a solution to our transportation woes because people would be more cautious with spending money on driving.
4. i like the gas tax because it will make people more likely to buy hybrid cars and do other things to become more environmentally friendly.
1.The best reason to support a higher gas tax is that the money made by the tax will be given back to the American families in more stimulates packages. The best reason to not support a higher gas tax is that the economy is in a recession and there is no telling how bad it will get, so the higher tax will encourage the worst of things.
2.The argument is not good because the economy is in a recession and higher gas taxes will just discourage the consumers.
3.I think we should just borrow some more money because we already have a huge a little more will not make that big of a difference. Also higher gas bills will lend to less spending by the American consumers.
4.I think we should not raise the gas price to $3 a gallon, but we could raise it to maximum of$2.50 a goal. Doing this will not discourage the consumers as much, so they will spend their money.
1. I think a good reason to raise the tax on gas would be that people would start buying more fuel-efficient cars because the cost of gas would be higher. However, a good reason not to raise the tax is because we are in a recession. A lot of people might not have the money to pay for much higher gas prices.
2. I don't think his argument was very good because I do not think that $5000 will go very far. People might not be able to afford a fuel efficient car with that amount and the gas prices would still be high.
3. I don't think that we should be raising taxes so we can pay for more public works projects.
4. After reading both articles, I think that raising the tax on gas would be a bad idea. We are in a recession and people simply can't afford a rise in the cost of gas.
1) The best incentive for raising the gas tax is the economic stimulus that the author proposes would be given back to the American consumers. Consumers in the US need money and liquid markets to increase shopping and investing, and this author believes that a gas tax will help solve a piece of the puzzle. However, raising the gas tax could detriment the consumer indirectly. First of all, gas prices would increase, as well as public transportation costs that many people rely on. Furthermore, I feel there are more pressing needs in the American economy than giving the people a $5,000 stimulus, like re-establishing the banks’ credit.
2) In my opinion, his idea is fanciful and unrealistic. An increased gas tax would increase the costs of many other products, not just gas. This could either lead to more detrimental saving by consumers or a situation in which the consumers would not benefit from the $5,000 stimulus because of the increased taxes on the products they are buying.
3) I agree with Gov. Jon Huntsman on this issue. The government should look to domestic bonding to finance the public works. Because government bonds have no risk of default, investors in this trying economic time will be willing to buy them. Furthermore, because government bonds have low interest rates, the government will not be handing out too much extra money to finance these projects.
4) We should not raise the fuel tax during the recession. There are other ways to pay for the public works projects, such as bonding. Therefore, we should not put the pressure of paying for the public works projects on people at the pumps. Increased gas prices would lead to increased public transportation costs, airline costs, and heating costs. Americans cannot afford any extra costs during these trying times.
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