Letters to the Editor
chiefpayne
Published Letters: 235 Editor's Choice: 2
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re: It's not that simple
[Read the article: McCain's gassy tax relief]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]"Narrowly crafted simplistic ideas such as "uncapping wells", considered in a vacuum, without regard to other economic/ environmental/ social effects, are unlikely to work."
I simply state that gaining the oil from wells previously capped would aid greatly. As for the economic/environmental/social effects, I suspect those would be considerations...but in the long haul, people will demand their government release any oil deposits available.
"You also seem to consider the substitution effect very narrowly. When one good becomes more expensive (e.g. gasoline) consumers will demand less of that and they may compensate by driving smaller cars, consolidating trips, or driving more slowly."
Ah but I DO consider the expense. However, since there is no viable substitute NOW for the cars they are CURRENTLY driving, most people will want more gasoline. Simply put, most people want the quick fix...and they want it now.
"Yes, some vehicle trips might be eliminated. These would be the trips with the lowest value, such as driving to the mall to window-shop when you don't have money to buy anything anyway.'
Ah but it would also mean a reduction of the purchase of other things too...which would affect the economy. For example, look at the cost of groceries...why do you suppose the cost has gone up? One of the reasons is that diesel fuel has gone up fast than gasoline. People still buy groceries because they HAVE to eat...but it also means they have less to spend on other things to pay for the groceries. Again, a lack of purchasing power in other areas of the economy.
"I enjoy traveling. Jet travel requires large amounts of energy-dense fossil fuels. If you want to travel to a distant city in the U.S. or around the world, there is no reasonable substitute for getting on a plane."
Unless, of course, you drive.
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@ Juliebird
[Read the article: McCain's gassy tax relief]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]"It seems to me the "something else" category is getting bigger and bigger as we try to fix gas prices short-term, instead of looking at the big picture and discovering the true costs of the things which we desire. I don't think many people truly "get" the *actual* cost of the American lifestyle (and I include myself in here too). But, trying to keep prices low for the sake of low prices seems the least likely way for people to make more informed decisions about what and how they purchase.
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I concur...but we need to lower the price NOW and use the time we gain to search for alternative energy sources. We need to lower the price so people can remain productive...and we can tax the gasoline and use those funds EXCLUSIVELY for energy research and development.
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re: Short-term payne for long-term gain
[Read the article: McCain's gassy tax relief]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]"I personally would like to see our leaders take a long-term view and regulate markets to the extent that the true cost of goods is correctly factored into the price. So goods that are dirtier have their clean-up and disposal costs factored in, etc., etc."
First of all, regulation of the economy usually stifles the economic growth...pretty much always has. Second, who are we going to trust to do that on such a razor-thin line, to not under regulate or over regulate the economy? Further, regulation might stifle the economy but other factors play into it too. You can't regulate EVERYTHING in the economy.
"Frankly I think gasoline is way too cheap in this country. A gas tax is a good idea and there are ways to keep the gas tax from being regressive (eg. give low-income families tax credits)."
Ok...tell you what...I'll agree to try to get taxes on gasoline raised...if YOU will agree to PAY for the extra gas tax on any gasoline I buy.
"If we price goods properly then the market will sort itself out and we don't have to worry about what other people buy. We simply set the correct price (taking into account externalities) and people buy what they want."
Ah but the MARKET should decide what the correct price of goods should be. If you artificially set it, then you hamper the economy...simple as that.