Sunday November 22, 2009, 9:18 am
You like it so far? Thought so. And the government gets the money by imposing a tax on everything that emits carbon dioxide into the air. The total amount raised by the carbon tax is the same amount that’s being distributed as a dividend. So it’s a wash. The government is no better off at the end of the day.

But you’re better off — if you’ve been frugal with energy, living in a snug house with solar hot water and wood heat, travelling on public transport, eating local food. You lose a bit of your dividend in taxes on gasoline and electricity and what-not — but you get to keep a good chunk of your carbon dividend. Let’s say you pay $400 more in taxes. That money just reduces your windfall dividend. The carbon tax still leaves you $1,600 ahead. How does that sound, sonny?

Fred Foulwater doesn’t.

Fred’s a carbon glutton, so he’s definitely worse off. Sure, he also gets his $2,000 dividend — but he lives in a huge house in the outer suburbs, he doesn’t turn down his thermostat and he commutes 60 kilometres to work in a monstrous SUV. He has a penchant for exotic tropical fruit in midwinter and he flies a lot, so in the end he pays a lot of tax — which doesn’t exactly feel like a tax, but feels like higher prices. Let’s say Fred’s profligacy adds $3,600 to his overall tax bill. So the new taxes have eaten up all of his $2,000 dividend — and another $1,600 besides. That’s the $1,600 that ended up in your pocket, buddy.

Pollute if you want. Buy junk if you like. Emit as you choose. But it’s going to cost you — and the money captured from you goes directly to your clever neighbours. As time goes by and the whole society becomes more serious about slashing emissions, the taxes and the dividend go up. Stupidity becomes more and more expensive......

Sunday November 22, 2009, 9:27 am
SILVER DONALD CAMERON

Thank You for this very well "thought out" article, I must say that maybe the only drawback with your proposal is "It is JUST TO SIMPLE" for most to comprehend! -- This is a "perfect example" of what happens when consumers (voters) consume too much Arsenic and Feces Fed Food!

cowboss

Sunday November 22, 2009, 1:18 pm
Yes, combined with TV shows, it can simply kill your critical mind. And destroy your body.

Great one, Cowboss

Sunday November 22, 2009, 3:52 pm
Thanks Cowboss. The plan is simple in principle, but like the GST in Canada, the responsibility for the bookkeeping nightmare would be downloaded on to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Otherwise, the concept seems pretty fair.

Sunday December 6, 2009, 7:09 pm
Too bad, the story has been eliminated from the link. Thanks Cowboss for explaining for there is nothing more to view.
I like the Stupidity becomes more expensive.....how come those Fearless Leaders of ours are still making out?

Tuesday December 15, 2009, 4:35 pm
Finally a tax I favor. Thanks. Cowboss.

Saturday December 26, 2009, 9:49 pm
Yo, CowBoss. Heads up on a radical departure from 'accepted wisdom' on my part. Check out http://opitslinkfest.blogspot.com/2009/12/4-dec-following-trail-climate-fraud-and.html
Nope. I kid you not. I've posted a number of links to articles since, but CFACT and Global Research.ca ought to convince you there's more than oil company propaganda at work here.

Sunday January 24, 2010, 4:45 pm
This is economic common sense.