Many economists are forecasting we will see gasoline approach $4 per gallon inside of the next few months. With the economy in decline, and the price of oil over $100 per barrel hard times are ahead for many Americans, particularly during the summer driving months. Last year as summer was approaching I had written an article regarding Congress’ actions with regards to rising gas prices. In it I stipulated that a temporary reduction in gasoline tax may help Americans cope with the rising prices. Of course lower taxes are not in the vocabulary of Congressional Democrats, so this was an unrealistic request.

Today we see exactly how out of touch with reality some Democrats actually are as we witness Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich) declare a raise in gas taxes is necessary.

A Michigan congressman wants to put a 50-cent tax on every gallon of gasoline to try to cut back on Americans’ consumption.

Polls show that a majority of Americans support policies that would reduce greenhouse gases. But when it comes to paying for it, it’s a different story.

Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., wants to help cut consumption with a gas tax…

Once again we have a Congressman who feels it is the Government’s responsibility to dictate Americans behavior through increased taxation. This same argument is used each time the cigarette tax is raised, however there is one vital difference. An increase in the price of a pack of cigarettes does not adversely affect our economy, the increase in the price of gasoline does!

Stop The ACLU reminds us that Rep Dingell is also aware of the negative affects of rising gas prices, as evidenced by his radio address in 2005:

We must respond to the needs of the American consumers who are seeing the prospect of $4 a gallon gas

I doubt at the time he gave this address, Americans believe the best response to rising gasoline prices would be raising taxes on it.

P.S. For those of you who continue to call me a “shill’ for the oil companies due to my stance on global warming, I remind you my stance on global warming had everything to do with the increased taxes politicians intend to lay on us using global warming as an excuse. This is a prime example.

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Congress, Dumb Dems, Features, Politics, Taxes