carbon tax

With the upcoming presidential elections, some are worried, while  others think it is about time we should have a carbon tax to fight global warming. But what is a carbon tax other than higher gas prices? And we all know how well that went. Everybody is already rejoicing the fall in gas prices. As soon as gas hit a paltry $4 a gallon, Americans were crying foul.

I have said it many times. If we had just one politician worth his or her salt, they would be calling for $5 a gallon gas minimum. $10 would be much better. That is the best way to discourage wasting oil and gas. It is also the only way that works to reduce greenhouse gases. This past summer, driving was off almost 10%, airlines were cutting back flights, and conservation was on everyone's mind. Our greenhouse gas emissions showed a decline for the first time in 30 years.

Where are our politicians when you need them? At least McCain is open about it and has no trouble admitting he isn't serious. There is something to be said for honesty, even if it is honesty to pander to popular demand.

McCain wants to drill his way out of the "problem." Never mind that it won't work to reduce gas prices or to remove our dependence on foreign oil. What it does, is admit that we do not care more about greenhouse gases and global warming other than saying we do. If we did we would realize that high gas prices are the solution not the problem. If he did, Al Gore would move out of his 35 room mansion and go live in a sensible house.

Obama, the professor and self-proclaimed conservationist, just wants to increase fuel efficiency. We all know -or should know- how that works. It doesn't. Fuel efficiency has made enormous strides over the past 25-30 years, yet we keep on consuming more gas. Fuel efficiency just encourages people to drive bigger cars and drive more. It encourages car makers to load up cars like stuffed McMansions on wheels.

The "other" Obama remedy is technology of course. Green technology. Technology that will help us use more energy and produce less waste and pollution. Never mind the physics, my friends. If you demand it, the great Obama will show his magic and lead the way to greenhouse utopia.

By the way, it is shameful that candidates have now raised almost $1 billion to pay for their election campaign, while decrying the waste and greed on Wall Street. It is more than the bail-out package for big banks.

Yes, Mrs. Obama and McCain, have jointly received about $1 billion in support, about $700 million and $300 million respectively. Wait until all those donors come to the White House to ask for favors. See what will be left then to do the right thing. Why worry about democracy in the Middle East? How about America, folks?