I propose that we postpone discussion of any gas tax proposals to March, since Jerry is interested in this issue and since he cannot be at tonight's meeting. What do people think? Sue -- "Jerry Path" <pjrry@igc.org> wrote: Hi again, Just to continue my comments on the proposal for a gas tax - One place I disagree with this proposal is where it says that " when we reduce our consumption of gasoline the world price of crude oil will drop. " This of course depends on a number of factors - one whether or not supply will drop even more rapidly than consumption and second what happens with the consumption of other countries. Then the proposal goes on to say " This will be like oil exporting nations (when compared to today's oil prices) actually covering part of our energy bill." I think the unfortunate implication of this is a denial that we are exploiting oil nation's resources. Yes, there is an elite - the Saudi family etc who are befitting, but there are millions of poor who are being deprived of social justice. The process for the national referendum in this proposal is something I'm having a hard time envisioning. The cigarette tax came about because it was, I think, pushed by health experts - mainly the AMA. I don't see the mechanism for this "national discussion" taking place. Certainly the corporate media wouldn't provide this mechanism. Another problem I see is that this is going to result in a huge bureaucracy. Its probably an unfortunate necessity - but I am especially concerned that this would also result in a lot of negative criticism. I have a suggestion which might somewhat address this - but it is only embryonic. Its kind of a mix between the transponders used for toll bridges - and the ATM bank card cash system. Drivers would each receive a card which they would use to purchase gas. The information of each transaction would be processed by a computer system which would record consumption over time. Everyone would start out paying the same price - but the program would gradually calculate higher prices for higher consumption - until the user reached a certain plateau - the price could decline from this plateau, but not go higher. Similarly for users who consumed less prices would decline - but not below a certain point. Non-users would also get cards and a credit for their non-use would be d! eposited in their accounts. It would basically be using a computerized system to cut down on all the steps in the rebate process - although the process would be the same. Just an idea. I hope I'm not being too negative - just seeing all these problems. I really appreciate that something is moving on this - I think we need some action desperately and I hope this can move forward. On Legislation that we should be proposing - probably this has already been talked about, but just in case it hasn't - the vehicle registration fee should be brought at least up to its prior level. Probably more funds should be dedicated to Public Transit - (I only say probably because I don't know the specifics on this I just strongly suspect that enough doesn't go to Transit). Best Jerry Jerry Path pjrry@igc.org Why Wait? Move to EarthLink. _______________________________________________ Transpo mailing list Transpo@sfgreens.org https://list.sfgreens.org/mailman/listinfo/transpo