What's Behind the Gas Prices?

I fully support Mr. Verleger's advocacy for a national gas tax. While there are inevitably going to be segments of our society that will be affected more than others, we must not throw out the idea. The tax should be implemented gradually rather than abruptly to allow time for societal and governmental compensation to occur. We can perhaps develop a program similar to food stamps to compensate those most impacted in addition to the payroll subsidies mentioned. We as a nation must not lose sight of the urgent need to wean ourselves off oil. While the market forces favor the use of oil, without governmental foresight and intervention, we Americans will ultimately become the have-nots of the world when it comes to energy. A national gas tax is an excellent start. It will raise the price of gasoline and make alternative energy sources and energy conservation in general more attractive.

I on the other hand strongly disagree with Mr. Slocum's idea for a windfall tax on our oil companies. Why not tax Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, etc.? Try taxing al-Qaida, whom have benefited greatly from our addiction. What are we going to do with the tax money collected? Ultimately, they will fall into the government purse and be wasted like much of our own tax money. Even if the money is designated to support alternative energy development, we are asking government agencies and employees and elected officials to decide for the rest of us what the best use for the money is. Mind you these are the same agencies and people who have led us to the sorry state that we are in. Let the market forces and American ingenuity work for us—apply a national gas tax!

Will Huang
Melrose, MA

While politically unpopular, gas and carbon taxes, with some low-income redistribution as Mr. Verleger proposed some years ago would be helpful. I couldn't help but notice that the host and speakers neatly skirted what's become a deafening roar in many circles and that is cost is largely driven by ever decreasing supplies. In fact, we are likely at conventional oil production peak, known by many as "peak oil." Gas prices have doubled over the past 4 years and will likely doule again only in a much shorter time frame. Just type "peak oil" in any search engine and off you go. Let's address this toipic as it is likely to most important and timely topic you could ever cover.