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Obama, Please Impose a Gas Tax: Friedman

'Systemic approach' essential for environment, economy

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 28, 2008 10:07 AM CST

(Newser) – It may be hard to sell, but a gas tax would be a “win, win, win, win” move—for the environment, the economy, the war on terror, and America’s standing in the world, Thomas Friedman writes in the New York Times. Barack Obama still has the popularity to impose such a tax—and offset it by lowering payroll taxes—but so far looks like President Bush, who "wimped out and would not impose a tax when prices were low."

Why a gas tax? It would reduce oil demand, boost green industry, cut funding to terrorists—and press Americans to buy fuel-efficient cars at a time when Washington is giving automakers billions to make them. "I know it’s hard," writes Friedman, "but we have got to stop 'taking off the table' the tool that would add leverage to everything we want to do at home and abroad."

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

We need a systemic way to slice demand for gas-guzzlers, Friedman writes. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

President-elect Barack Obama has the popularity to impose a gas tax, Friedman writes. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Gas prices near $1.60 per gallon are displayed at a Chevron gas station December 16, 2008 in Mill Valley, Calif. (Getty Images)

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It’s a blessing that people who have been hammered by the economy are getting a break at the pump. But for our long-term health, getting re-addicted to oil and gas guzzlers is one of the dumbest things we could do. - Thomas Friedman

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 3 comments

Shannonals

Dec 30, 2008 10:29 PM CST

CK you are hilarious. You praise Bush in some of your comments and bash him in others.

kokuaguy

Dec 30, 2008 7:02 PM CST

Again, since the NYT opinion piece doesn't provide for reader comments, I'm forced to leave one here, alongside dickwads who think GWB has been a great president. (Moderator, anyone?) First of all, Congress will be back in session by the time Obama is inaugurated, and it's Congress's job to impose new taxes, like the one Friedman is proposing. Perhaps he should be proposing lowering the national speed limit, as well. And I agree, Obama should support the passage of such common sense solutions.

Newser001

Dec 28, 2008 1:36 AM CST

Time for an adult to lead the USA. Carona_king, you have no idea the damage Bush has caused...

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Obama, Please Impose a Gas Tax: Friedman