Taxation of Gassification
James Lileks takes issue with Andrew Sullivan's argument for a higher gas tax. Though I don't think we share many opinions, politically, I frequently find myself in the uncomfortable position of having to acknowledge he's got a point. I should add, however, that I'm pretty easily swayed. All too often, while reading up on the political debate du jour, I find myself nodding in agreement with whatever I just read. Then I read an argument from the opposition and find myself agreeing with that person, too. It is relatively rare that I actually get as far as forming a firm opinion either way.
Anyway, I usually find Lileks pretty convincing, but he blew it when he attacked Sullivan for commenting that a gas tax would reduce the "wanton consumption of gasoline." According to Lileks, this amounted to a claim that
"Driving your child to school and using fuels sold at market rate is immoral. If not gratuituously cruel and merciless."
I'm quite sure Andrew Sullivan has no wish to deprive little Gnat of her education. But how about the high school kids who could easily take the school bus, but because the bus would be uncool, drive their own cars? Does Lileks really think that there aren't a lot of Americans who drive when they could opt for mass transit without undue inconvenience, or who buy gas guzzling behemoths when there are more fuel efficient options?
If a higher gas tax could be used to improve transportation infrastructure (especially mass transit) and spur the demand for the development of more fuel efficient hybrid vehicles, then I'm willing to pay for it.
Posted by ldfs at April 21, 2004 3:57 PM
| TrackBack