CitizenSugar -- Breaking News, Together.

Does Calling Obama a Socialist Cross the Line?

LibertySugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:45:00 -0700

In 2001 John McCain voted against the Bush tax cuts, part of which Barack Obama now wants to let expire (while keeping some in place). In 2000, McCain shared a take on the progressive tax system, which deviates from the one he has now. He confronted a question from the daughter of "Joe the Doctor" who asked McCain at a 2000 townhall: "Why is it that someone like my father, who goes to school for 13 years, gets penalized in a huge tax bracket because he's a doctor?" McCain responded:

[You're] questioning the fundamentals of a progressive tax system where people who make more money pay more in taxes than a flat, across-the-board percentage. . . . But I believe that when you really look at the tax code today, the very wealthy, because they can afford tax lawyers and all kinds of loopholes, really don't pay nearly as much as you think they do when you just look at the percentages. And I think middle-income Americans, working Americans, when the account and payroll taxes, sales taxes, mortgage pay — all of the taxes that working Americans pay, I think they — you would think that they also deserve significant relief, in my view.

Well now McCain is taking Obama to task for "socialist" plans such as restoring taxes on those making $250,000 to Clinton-era levels. Some say the latest tactic isn't about tax policy as much as it is about exploiting a cultural divide. To see why,

Bailed-Out Companies Expensing Perks to the Taxpayer?

LibertySugar — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:15:00 -0700

Apparently there's a lot of cash to go around at insurance company AIG, which makes a lot of sense considering the US government cut the failing giant an $85 billion bailout check. In fact, since Sept. 16, AIG has received $123 billion in loans from the Federal Reserve.

This week, news broke that top executives expensed $86,000 for an English hunting trip, explaining later that it was an "annual event . . . planned months before" the federal bailout. In September, AIG spent $440,000 for a week-long retreat for top-performing agents at a lavish California resort, only days after the first $85 billion loan was announced.

Cutting back on the over-the-top perks seems respectful to the taxpayer, but some politicians want the bailed-out institutions to go further. To see how,

California Considers Selling Space on Amber Alert Signs: OK?

CitizenSugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:30:06 -0700

California is home to 674 roadside message boards allocated for Amber Alert messages, giving information to drivers on missing or abducted children, and since they're not always in use for actual emergencies, so what's the logical step? Selling the space to businesses for advertisements. The cash-poor state just got their new budget after an 85-day delay, and state officials see this idea as a way to supplement the highway fund with big ad bucks.But in a state that's even restricted cell-phone use by drivers, the safety implications of the added digital distractions are a concern. One safety advocate says, "The biggest issue with digital billboards is they are enormously distracting to motorists." Others point to the fact that filling up the space with non-emergency messages will reduce the system, which has saved 420 children nationwide, to just another message to ignore in our overstimulated lives. State Sen. George Runner, author of the bill that created the Amber Alert system in California as well as numerous public safety measures, is behind the idea, though he says, "Whenever you start talking about advertising, you have to be very careful about how you go down that path. But it has the potential to provide tens of millions of dollars for highway repair."Then there's the crossover of public and private funds — Clear Channel has contributed $1.2 million to state campaigns in the past five years, and could potentially stand to profit from the proposal. Source

California Considers Selling Space on Amber Alert Signs: OK?

Absolutely! What better way to match needs. They have space and need money. Sold.

It's interesting but there are tons of variables like safety and effectiveness to consider.

No way. The signs exist for one reason, saving kids. That has to come first over money.

Other. I'll tell you my opinion in the comments.

Front Page: Biden Says Higher Taxes Patriotic, Stocks Tumble Despite Bailout, 175 Arrests in Drug Ring

CitizenSugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 07:00:30 -0700

Biden: Higher Taxes Patriotic:
Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden said today that paying higher taxes is a patriotic thing for wealthy Americans to do. Acknowledging the plan for a higher tax rate for those making over $250,000, Biden said on Good Morning America, "It's time to be patriotic ... time to jump in, time to be part of the deal, time to help get America out of the rut."

Stocks Tumble Despite Bailout:
US stocks hit a three-year low despite the $85 billion government bailout of insurance giant AIG. Acknowledging continuing concern, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said, "Our economy has the strength to be able to deal with these shocks." President Bush has canceled a trip today to focus on the economy. He's expected to speak at 10:15 ET.

175 Arrests in Drug Ring:
US officials announced arrests of 175 people in connection with Mexico's largest drug ring. The arrests took place this week after 15 months of investigation into the Gulf Cartel, a group which plays a major part in the levels of violence in Mexico. A DEA spokesperson said, “We successfully completed a hard-hitting, coordinated and massive assault on the powerful and extremely violent Gulf Cartel."

Source

Google Plans Computer Navy to Bypass Laws and Taxes

LibertySugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:00:09 -0700

Who needs countries with laws and taxes, when you can house crucial parts of your company on ships at sea outside of any country's jurisdiction? Google answered "not us" to that question, as the Internet giant has plans to relocate the machines that run its search engine on ships located seven miles offshore.

The company says that wave energy would power and cool the eco-friendly "water-based" data centers. While the tax-incentives and legal advantages may make you take a cynical outlook on the plan, the amount of energy used to cool servers does take a toll — Internet data centers consumed one percent on the world's electricity in 2005, and by 2020 computers that run the Internet will leave a larger carbon footprint than air travel.

Still, it makes me nervous to think Google, which holds so much of our personal data, could escape government regulation. Are you confident Google would still do no evil?

Source

Citizens of Sierra Leone Eager to Pay Taxes to Help Fix Country

LibertySugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Those living in an especially poor section of Freetown, Sierra Leone are proud to pay taxes because they want to improve their troubled country. Even the unemployed happily dish out the local council tax of 5,000 leones ($1.50). BBC reports that the youth have traded dog tags for plastic holders showing tax receipts. The same spirit comes out in other parts of capital, where people wait in lines to pay taxes and loudspeakers remind the others of their tax obligation.

The country needs all the help it can get to rebuild after a 10-year civil war that ended in 2002, and left 50,000 dead. The UN ranks the country as the world's least-developed country. For a British colony that once had education levels higher than some European countries, the now independent county has a 31 percent adult literacy rate. Two-thirds of young people do not have a steady job.

In six months the local council has collected a record 3 billion leones ($888,000). Officials are using the money to build public toilets, supply water, fix roads, and employ laborers. And the mayor of Freetown promises to resign if things don't get better.

When things need fixing, are you happy to pay taxes?

Source

Breaking Down the Real Tax Savings Promised by Candidates

CitizenSugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:00:26 -0700

WIth the only things certain being death and the T-word — and Liberty's incredible breakdown of the candidate's tax plans as inspiration — I wanted to see exactly how the two candidates' tax-onomies translated, graph-style.

Three out of four voters now see taxes and the budget deficit as "extremely" or "very" important issues this campaign — right behind health care and the war in Iraq — and since both of those projects require big infusions of taxpayer dollars, knowing exactly how much you will or won't be paying says a lot about the tale of two wallets — yours, and the governments.

To see the real numbers in dollars saved,

Issues Cheat Sheet: Where Do They Stand on Taxes?

LibertySugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:00:58 -0700

I love breaking down political personality and pageantry as much as the next person, but I still have hope that some voters care about the issues. Since we considered the possibility of a candidate's death recently, let's take a look at another inevitable — taxes.

Here are some crucial distinctions between McCain and Obama that might help you figure out which tax plan you like better. Keep in mind: neither of these plans (dreams?) would avoid a deficit.

Bush Tax Cuts: McCain wants to make the 2001 and 2003 cuts permanent (they are set to expire in 2010). Obama would allow cuts for income over $250,000 to expire, but would readopt other Bush cuts.
Capital Gains: Obama would most likely raise the capital gains tax from 15 percent to 20-25 percent, but also promises to offset any burden that would cause middle/lower income families with tax credits. Obama also notes that most families see capital gains through their 401 (k) plans, which are exempt from capital gain taxes. Despite evidence that when capital gains rates go down, revenue goes up, Obama says he would consider raising it as a matter of fairness. McCain would keep the capital gains at the revenue-making rate of 15 percent.
Middle Class: Under Obama, high-income taxpayers would pay more, while everyone else's tax bill would be reduced. Under McCain, high-income taxpayers will see the greatest reduction in taxes.

To find out what the candidates have planned for small businesses, major corporations, Americans set to inherit some money, and why they might write some Americans a check

Representation Without Taxation: Study Says Most Corporations Avoid US Income Tax

CitizenSugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:35:09 -0700

Representation Without Taxation: Study Says Most Corporations Avoid US Income Tax Two-thirds of US corporations paid no federal income taxes between 1998 and 2005, according to a new report from Congress. The study by the Government Accountability Office, expected to be released Tuesday, said about 68 percent of foreign companies doing business in the US avoided corporate taxes over the same period. Collectively, the companies reported trillions of dollars in sales, according to GAO's estimate.

Hiding in Housing Bill, IRS Access to Credit Card Purchases!

CitizenSugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:00:56 -0700

Feeling guilty about that autographed box set of the third season of Lost you just scored on eBay? Think you can hide it and no one will know? Well thanks to the big housing bailout bill signed by Bush (to "little fanfare") the quietness could be because of this little sneaky addition buried deep inside:

Your merchant bank will now be required to send a report to IRS and to you with your total annual gross payment card receipts. In other words, IRS will get your total merchant credit card gross receipts for the year.

Did you catch that trick? Shopping is no longer sacred. As FreedomWorks Chairman Dick Armey commented:

This is a provision with astonishing reach . . . Not only does it affect nearly every credit card transaction in America, such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express, but the bill specifically targets payment systems like eBay's PayPal, Amazon, and Google Checkout that are used by many small online businesses. The privacy implications for America's small businesses are breathtaking.

Why is the government snooping on your shopping cart? To find out,

$1 Million on Syrian Hookah Use Amid Depression-Era Bailout?

CitizenSugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:30:14 -0700

Hookah pipes and the housing crisis? Oh yep, just stuff Congress is spending money on. I'm going to wager you probably don't remember the Great Depression — but Congress gave us a little romp through nostalgia this weekend by passing the biggest rescue package since FDR sat in the Oval Office. We might not be on the same page if we're saying "recession" but no matter. We're funding it like it's the big D.

The bailout gives the treasury big authority to prop up the mortgage lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac by raising the ceiling on the national debt to $800 billion. The hope is by raising the country's credit limit, another wave of foreclosures can be stopped. More than 740,000 homes fell into foreclosure in the second quarter of this year.

Think that's depressing? To get a load of the other pipe Congress is smoking,

Secret Service Wants More Money to Protect Candidates

CitizenSugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:30:18 -0700

You might not be the only one who thinks a raise would be nice — the Secret Service has requested an extra $9.5 million bucks to finish the job of protecting the presidential candidates. I know, everyone wants more money, right? Well this request seems pretty legit.

This campaign has been like no other in its length and trips abroad. That effort adds up. Not to mention changes like Obama's decision to accept the Democratic nomination at Denver's open-air, 76,000-seat stadium instead of easier policed 20,000-seat Pepsi Center, where the rest of the convention takes place.

Then there's the length of service; Obama requested and received Secret Service protection in May — of 2007. That's the earliest the agency (who started the practice candidates in 1968) has ever started tailing a candidate. McCain got his protection April 27 this year. Even though the Secret Service Agency budgeted more than $30 million above 2004 levels, it's still not enough. Congress is currently considering the request for more money.

So here's the question in my mind: is it the responsibility of the taxpayers to fund unlimited security to the campaigns? Should there be a set amount, above which if a candidate wants to make decisions like heading abroad or speaking in a stadium, the campaign has to pay?

Source

Want to Live Tax Free? Then I've Got an Island to Sell You. . .

CitizenSugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:15:51 -0700

The craggy and wind-swept Aran Islands, found 10 miles off of the west coast of Ireland, could soon join the Cayman Islands as a shining, tax-free haven. With a declining population, a higher cost of living, and a remoteness from lifestyle treats like movie theaters, a proposal to go tax free could encourage folks to come back.

One local thinks it's a lucky charm of an idea: "There are a lot of disadvantages because of distances and cost of living and travel — but this tax plan could be the reason for people to return here. And, for any island, even to get one family [back] home — it makes a huge difference."

Extra dough to spend could mean the survival of local culture and heritage, like this Aran Islands' family, seen here in 1969. The proposal being considered in Dublin would let Aran Islands residents earn up to $158,000, tax free, and give tax breaks to businesses — the deal could be a boon to the islands' 3,000 residents.

While a break from taxes sounds like finding a pot of gold, of course, there's a catch. To see what,

Sante Fe's "Robin Hood" Tax, Rich to Pay For Police Housing?

CitizenSugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 06:00:16 -0700

If you have a fancy mansion in Santa Fe, NM, you might be asked to foot the bill subsidizing more affordable housing for local public servants like police officers and nurses. The Santa Fe City Council voted this week for a special election next Spring to decide on a one percent fee to be added to house sales that top $650,000. If that sounds like a lot, it's not an uncommon price tag for houses in the area, and it's keeping those who serve the community, from living there.

The mayor says, "More than half of our police force doesn't live in Santa Fe. They can't afford to buy a house in Santa Fe. The thinking is that it's a reasonable fee that helps us meet a very, very important goal in Santa Fe."

The funds raised would help workers make down payments or pay rent. Opponents worry that the extra tax on spendier homes would trickle down to all homeowners later making real estate even more expensive, not to mention that the plan won't generate the revenue the mayor thinks it will. A local realtor says, "We support affordable housing as well as a rich, diverse and sustainable economy."

Is this a great plan to have the wealthiest with the best living conditions directly help those with the opposite problem? Is this Robin Hood run amuck in real estate? Is it important to have local public servants live in the communities they serve?

Source

Food or Fighting? Is the US Spending Its Tax Money Wisely?

CitizenSugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 07:52:22 -0700

We're all feeling the sting of skyrocketing grocery bills — but families living at or below the poverty line are seeing their food stamps purchase less and less — and they're going hungry. About 1.3 million New Yorkers identify themselves as “food insecure,” concerned about their ability to keep themselves and their families adequately fed.

In the past year the price of what the government recommends as the minimal nutritional diet has risen 7.2 percent, with the prices of particular staples rising even more. Eggs alone have gone up 20 percent.

Food stamp allocations on the other hand, haven't changed since last fall — and won’t increase again until October.

The decrease in buying power of food stamps has been recognized in Washington — Congress passed a farm bill in May that would raise raise the minimum amount of food stamps families receive beginning this fall, passing despite President Bush’s veto.

The director of food assistance for the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, says of the difference between food stamps and cost of food, “we know food stamps are falling short $34 a month [of the monthly $576 that the government says it costs a family of four to eat nutritional meals.] The sudden price increases on top of everything else like soaring fuel and health care have meant squeeze and strain that is unprecedented since the late 1970s.”

To see how the amount spent on food compares to that spent in Iraq,

Keith Olbermann Owes Thousands in Back Taxes

CitizenSugar — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 07:55:36 -0700

Keith Olbermann Owes Thousands in Back Taxes
Uh-oh. Is this enough to be crowned "Worst Person in the World"? Page Six reports that New York state has issued a tax warrant or judgment against the MSNBC host for $2,269.50 in back taxes owed by his personal corporation, Olbermann Broadcasting Empire Inc. Olbermann and Page Six have long been at odds but this item is also part of a growing feud between the White House/News Corp and GE/NBC News/MSNBC.

Democrats Want to Nationalize Hurricane Insurance

LibertySugar — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:37 -0700

Congressional Democrats, Florida lawmakers, and major insurance companies are teaming up to significantly nationalize hurricane insurance just in time for hurricane season.

Under the plan, taxpayers would finance a backup insurance plan that would aid insurance companies, and thus policyholders, in case of widespread disaster and a shortage of funds.

Both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton support the insurance plan, under which all Americans would help Floridians avoid $500 in hurricane premiums each year. This sounds like a savvy appeal to a crucial swing state.

While it's important to make sure the insurance system can operate during a time of crisis, for economic and humanitarian reasons, some worry that the bailout would make it easier for people to build homes and businesses in irresponsible locations.

Should there be a national solution to a regional issue?

Source

CA Lawmaker to Profit From Porn — Sexy Gets a 25% Tax

CitizenSugar — Tue, 27 May 2008 06:00:33 -0700

Sacramento just got an influx of exotic dancers recently. No, Hugh Hefner didn't move the Playboy Mansion; the girls were there protesting a new tax increase threatening to devastate the adult film and entertainment industries.

A Southern Californian assemblyman has proposed a 25 percent tax of gross revenues on producers and distributors of adult material. This will include tariffs on not only videos, but also strip clubs, magazines, and cable television. The sponsors of the bill believe that the adult industry “deserves it” since they're a prime cause of sexually transmitted diseases and create a species of men who become so addicted to online sex that they lose their jobs and then live off of the state’s programs. At $4 billion of revenue a year, it's not exactly a bunch of singles stuffed into the state's garter. To see who's not into it,

It's Really Red! (No Green Men!) Pictures From Mars Landing!

LibertySugar — Tue, 27 May 2008 03:00:49 -0700

NASA is looking for life on Mars and just released pictures from an unexplored region of the red planet. The Mars Phoenix lander traveled 430 million miles from Earth and took 10 months to reach its destination. The mission cost $457 million, including $37 million from Canada.

The lander has a robotic arm, which will search for ice, aka water, on the planet. NASA scientists, almost certain that Mars has some conditions for life, are looking for proof. So far, there have been no complications!

Considering 50 percent of Mars missions fail, do you think this project is worth the exorbitant amount of money? Is financing scientific discoveries not immediately relevant to your everyday life still an important function of government? Check out these great pictures from the Martian planet!

Source

Front Page: Ban Ki-Moon in Myanmar, Oil Spikes Three Days, Farm Bill and Tax Package

CitizenSugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 07:00:48 -0700

Ban Ki-Moon in Myanmar: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has begun his tour the devastated Irrawaddy Delta in Myanmar. He is set to meet with military ruler Gen Than Shwe hoping to persuade the government to accept more aid for cyclone victims. So far the government has blocked large-scale international assistance, and foreign agencies say they are able to deliver just 30 percent of what they would like. The death toll from Cyclone Nargis is currently 78,000 dead, with another 56,000 missing. The UN says that fewer than a 25 percent of the 2.4 million people affected have received aid.

Oil Spikes Three Days: Oil cost attained a new record for highest price for a third straight day, topping $135 a barrel. OPEC producer Saudi Arabia last week said it had raised production by 300,000 barrels per day, but the news had minimal impact on the market.
Farm Bill and Tax Package: The House voted 316-to-108 to override President Bush's veto of the Farm Bill. The vote was well over the two-thirds needed. Bush said in his veto announcement, “for a year and a half, I have consistently asked that the Congress pass a good farm bill that I can sign. Regrettably, the Congress has failed to do so. At a time of high food prices and record farm income, this bill lacks program reform and fiscal discipline.” The House also passed a $54 billion tax package. The measure renews tax breaks that have expired or will expire soon and provides new tax relief in the form of child tax-credits and breaks for renewable energy.

Florida County Tells Smoking Job Applicants to Butt Out

LibertySugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 10:00:58 -0700

Sarasota County in Southwest Florida has just announced it will no longer be hiring smokers. In the interest of taxpayers, the county hopes to cultivate a less expensive and more productive work force.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, smoking employees cost an extra $3,400 a year in health care and lost productivity costs.

While it saves resources, Sarasota County doesn't have to worry about being slapped with a discrimination lawsuit — in 1995, Florida's supreme court ruled that smokers are legal victims of employment discrimination. Still, other counties in Florida take a less extreme approach, hiring smokers, while requiring them to pay more for health care, and attend smoking cessation classes.

Is it fair to exclude even super-productive smokers based on a broad statistic? Does the county have an obligation to cut costs, and thus refuse to hire smokers? Will this type of discrimination eventually lead to a smoke free America? Should employers refuse to hire individuals based on other bad habits and health problems?

Source

UT Judge Rules Tribe a "Sham." Are Tribal Exceptions Good?

CitizenSugar — Tue, 06 May 2008 08:01:39 -0700

A federal judge in Utah just ordered a $63,000 civil judgment against four people claiming to be chiefs of an American Indian tribe in eastern Utah. The men conducted tribal meetings at a fast-food restaurant and claim hundreds of tribal members. They won't recognize federal or state laws, issue their own drivers' licenses and have filed numerous lawsuits against Utah authorities for ignoring their purported sovereignty.

The group/tribe calls itself the Wampanoag Nation, using the name of Mashpee Wampanoag Nation, a Massachusetts tribe who greeted the Pilgrims in 1620. Yesterday the judge ordered the men to stop pretending to be American Indians and pay Uintah County damages. He called their tribe a "complete sham." Officials with the federally recognized tribe declared that the Utah men were obvious impostors.

Given some of the benefits extended to Federally recognized tribes, it's understandable the men might want to claim ancestry. Are tribal exceptions like gaming, good for everyone? To see a little bit about it,

Long, Unfinished To-Do List in Iraq

CitizenSugar — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 03:00:01 -0700

Think your list of unfinished projects is long? According to the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (an agency created to oversee expenditure of taxpayers' money for Iraq reconstruction) has released a very “depressing picture.” The federal agency claims that delays, costs, poor performance and violence are to blame for the failure to complete 855 projects.

The audit also found many other projects falsely listed as complete and last year congressional investigators claimed as much as ten billion dollars charged by US contractors are “questionable.” Danielle Brian, executive director of the watchdog group Project on Government Oversight said:

The report paints a depressing picture of money being poured into failed Iraq reconstruction projects. Contractors are killed, projects blown up just before being completed, or the contractor just stops doing the work.

It's not just the jobs left officially undone — a ton of other projects had been falsely checked off as complete, according to the audit of 47,321 reconstruction projects.

Iraq reconstruction has cost US taxpayers more than $100 billion so far. While conditions in Iraq make anything difficult, how can taxpayers know that their money is being put to good use? Is there an accounting system that would help this phenomenon?

Source

Is Global Warming Used to Bully People into Paying Taxes?

LibertySugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:00:37 -0700

Los Angeles is considering a plan that will help residents fight global warming and spend less time in traffic — all for the low, low price of $90 a year.

Lawmakers want to ask LA voters to chose between an additional $.09/ gallon tax at the pump, or an additional registration fee around $90 a year. The registration fee would be higher for cars, trucks, and SUVs that produce more carbon emissions. The fee would raise $400 million a year for public transit and other programs designed to relieve congestion and improve air quality.

Opponents point out that politicians can always conjure up the vague threat of global warming as a way to convince citizens to tax themselves and bail the government out of poor budget management. Because the environment could use infinite attention, opponents argue, it is a perfect tool for demagoguery.

Does being "green" mean making costly, and open-ended commitments to improving air quality? When polluting industries brag about their empty "green-washed" credentials, is it up to everyday citizens to implement real change? Is it promising that the city of traffic and smog might make sacrifices to reduce emissions? Does it count as a sacrifice if only the poor are pushed off the roads?

Source

Paying Taxes With a Rubber Check = the Boston Tea Party?

CitizenSugar — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 06:00:00 -0700

According to the folks behind Wayne Enterprises, it's almost exactly the same. I was initially investigating bottled Holy Water (a whole story in itself) and I ran into these: Rubber Checks. Real checks made out of 1/8th inch rubber. They're supposed to work like real checks with a twist of protest.

According to the site, if you use them to pay taxes or government fine, the thicker checks will modify behavior and make the government more thoughtful. To see how,

50 Cents More Per Gallon of Gas to Save Earth?

LibertySugar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 12:01:09 -0700

Americans say action is needed to confront global warming, but that action better not affect their pocket books. The National Center For Public Policy Research found that 48 percent of Americans are unwilling to spend even a penny more on gas taxes, in order to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.John Dingell, a Democratic congressman from Michigan, has proposed a 50 cent tax per gallon of gas. By raising the price of gas, Americans would decrease harm to the environment and become less dependent on foreign oil. The funds could be used to finance public transportation or alternative-energy research. But, Dingell's plan found support among only 18 percent of Americans that said they would be willing to pay 50 cents or more. In Europe, consumers pay anywhere from $4 to $5 in taxes, on top of the price of gas.Is it a luxury to care about the environment? Do we need a financial motive to conserve gas, and do what we know is right?Do you favor a 50-cent tax as a way to urgently halt greenhouse-gas emissions? Source

50 Cents More Per Gallon of Gas to Save Earth?

Yay! Getting off gas will help the environment and US national security.

Nay. Gas tax disproportionately hits the poor.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.