Washington Post: Now that gas prices are low let's triple the Gas Tax.

From the Washington Post

"Congress should enact a steep, inflation-indexed hike in gas taxes, one big enough to alter consumer incentives and habits permanently. This would take back some of the de facto economic stimulus consumers have received from the recent drop in gas prices, and it would be a hard sell politically. But surely voters can understand that, even if Congress were to triple the tax to 55.2 cents, gas would still be cheaper, in real terms, than it was in 2005. The increase could be rebated through the income tax system."

What a great idea! Tripling the gas tax in a recession. Come on guys we don't need food or heat this winter. What we need is to pay higher taxes to stop global warming. If a few people in the Northeast freeze to death because they can't afford heat, so what? We're saving the planet here?

"This would take back some of the de facto economic stimulus consumers have received from the recent drop in gas prices, and it would be a hard sell politically."

De facto economic stimulus? So because gas prices have gone down and consumers have benefited they should be punished? So basically what your saying is, "These consumers aren't suffering as much as they should be. Let's raise taxes to show them they aren't entitled to relief from high prices."

However they are entitled to welfare, healthcare, and unemployment benefits. Is anyone else confused by this line of thinking.

The article refers to lower gas prices as a "Golden Opportunity." O.K. genius what happens when the prices start to go back up? Somehow I doubt the liberals first suggestion will be to cut the gas tax. Even if we did cut the gas tax it wouldn't be even close to being back to it's current level. Of course I'm sure that would be fine with liberals since their "saving the planet."