[HeatherR]

Originally Posted by str8himalaya

Here is my .02 cents. Why don't we just have a set gas price? Then demand wouldn't just dictate what the price is, thus, not artificially inflating the market. The oil companies get this much, and the govt. gets this much, and you can budget accordingly. In my opinion, i think the oil crisis is the reason the economy is in the shape it is now. Not only did people not drive as much, and had money taken out of their pockets by gas, but it also drove the prices of products up considerably because of the price of freight. Especially...wait for it...the price of building materials thus the housing market went up in price, and people wouldn't build, even when they could get loans. I would propose either a set price, or a min. cap/max. cap. Then it can be budgeted in homes, as well as with the government. I know it isn't as much of free enterprise, but oil companies are practically a monopoly now days. Something has to be done. In the eyes of controlling what cars people buy, putting a 2 dollar tax is a decent idea, BUT, what about everything else it effects? What about freight for product you buy? How about food? It becomes more than just a question of what car you buy then, it becomes something that isn't in your hands, which is unfair. Now, if you give a tax break and exclude certain industries, that is an idea for thought. Just my .02

Our country's current financial situation is due to more than the rise in gas prices....Too many Americans were living way beyond their means for too long. Mortgages taken out that could not be repaid, 2nd mortgages on inflated housing prices to further a lifestyle that was beyond their means, etc. A complete lapse in regulations that should have prevented this. A tax would impact pricing of other things, but not in such a way that it would start a meltdown like we are experiencing now.