[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/11/11/art.gas.price.ap.jpg caption=" At a gas station in Ohio, the price of a gallon of regular gas dropped to $1.89 yesterday."]
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The majority of Americans want change, which explains the recent election results. But there is change and there is change.
When it comes to our cars, we have a hard time with the whole concept.
We like to drive and have a long history of having relatively cheap gasoline. But when gas prices hit all-time highs this summer–$4 a gallon and even higher—many Americans had to cut back.
A lot has changed since then.
Oil prices are hovering around 19-month lows and gas prices have dropped for 55 days straight. Forty-six states and District of Columbia now report gasoline selling below $2.50 a gallon. That's the good news. The bad news is there’s evidence we're getting back behind the wheel and returning to our old ways.
What to do? President-elect Obama wants to cut greenhouse gas emissions when he gets to the White House in January. One way to do that is to put a hefty tax on gasoline, big enough that it would force down consumption.
Here’s my question to you: Should the government impose a gas tax aimed at holding down consumption?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
David writes:
Definitely, but only if the money is set aside for developing alternative energy sources and the poor receive rebates. However, I'm afraid the vultures in Washington would pick it dry like they've been doing social security. Mexicans pay $3 a gallon. I think Americans can handle it, too.
Mark from Arizona writes:
Whole-heartedly I agree. You car owners are the most spoiled and wasteful people I know. No one is going to take the "high road" and make the necessary sacrifices unless they are forced to. But don't jack it up too high, I like having the bus mostly to myself.
Jim from Fort Collins, Colorado writes:
It doesn't make sense to pour billions into the auto industry to save jobs then turn around and penalize people who buy cars and drive rather than taking the bus.
Jim from New Hampshire writes:
Yes, we should raise the gas tax, ideally indexing it to the price of oil to create a price 'floor'. It would ensure a change in driving behavior, hasten the development/purchase of fuel efficient vehicles and provide funding for the much needed repairs to bridges and roads.
Ballanor from Dallas, Texas writes:
A gas tax is regressive. The citizens who live in poverty would pay the same gas tax or excise tax as the rich folk in gated communities. Should a struggling single mother with 3 kids and no spousal support pay the same gas tax as Oprah Winfrey or "the Monster" Dick Cheney? If you go to a grocery store, you will note that the prices are very high and people have to choose carefully. It is a time of thrift. We are not presently a nation of profligate spenders and will be in no hurry to burn up that gasoline when we need bread on the table.
Terry from North Carolina writes:
Stop putting these ideas on the screen. Some of our lawmakers might just watch the Cafferty File along with the other five people and propose such an idea. We are struggling enough. Let’s leave this alone.