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Do We Need A Gas Tax Holiday? Will We Get One?

May 6, 2006 -- Posted by Catherine Morgan

What is a gas tax holiday? And would one help you? We have three candidates and three positions on this idea. McCain's proposal doesn't replace the tax revenue lost by this plan, but Hillary's does, and Obama is against it altogether.

Here are video clips of each candidate, and then I'll tell you what I think. Let me know how you feel about this issue in comments.

Hillary Clinton talks with Katie Couric about her proposed "gas tax holiday," which critics say is politically motivated, and the upcoming primaries in Indiana and North Carolina...

Barack Obama on Meet The Press talking about Hillary Clinton's proposed gas tax...

McCain on his gas tax holiday proposal...


So, what do you think? Who is right on the gas tax holiday? The way I see it is...At best this would be a band-aid on a gaping chest wound, and at worst it's simply political pandering. Either way, this gas crisis brought on by the policies of the Bush administration, is going nowhere but up. The truth is...There is no end in site, with or without a gas tax holiday. Sorry.

If we are going to get through these tough economic times, we are going to have to come together, both Democrats and Republicans (and I'm not talking about the politicians here - I'm talking about the people). Sadly, our government isn't going to be able to get us out of this one. So if you are feeling the crunch - Come together with your neighbors (Democrat and Republican), and carpool to work, to the grocery store, to the mall, to the bank, and anywhere else you need to go. If you have to run out to the grocery store, call your neighbor and see if she needs you to pick up something, or would like to come along. Try to reduce unnecessary car rides by planning ahead and getting errands run in one or two days, rather than three or four.

Don't expect a gas holiday...Go on a gas diet. How do you do that? If you normally fill your car up once a week, see if you can reduce your driving enough to make it to day 8 or 9 (keep track of it on your calender). Once you have done that, try to cut back some more. Put yourself and your car on a gas diet.

Look at this gas crisis for what it is...a disaster. And what do we do in a disaster? We prepare, attempt to prevent, and we come together as communities to help each other when the disaster strikes. Yes, this is a disaster (one that I expect will get much worse before it gets better). And yes, we need to come together and help each other out if we are going to get through this. You can start by organizing - The same way we do a town watch, or a neighborhood garage sale. Or invite your neighbors over for coffee to brainstorm ideas that will fit your needs. And if you are reading this thinking..."This gas crisis can't hurt me, I could afford to pay 6 bucks a gallon for gas." Well, if that's what you are thinking, I would challenge you to think past yourself (as in a disaster), and see if there is someone less fortunate in your community that you might be able to help.

So...Tax holiday or no tax holiday. We all need to start looking ahead, and facing our new reality. We have been through worse, and we certainly can get through this, as long as we come together.

80 Comments   add a comment >>
Eric V.
Monday May 12, 2008, 7:12 AM


The tax holiday is nothing more than a short sighted political ploy. Getting rid of the 18% federal gas tax will do nothing for gas prices. Gas stations have such a small profit margin that eliminating the gas tax will only help their profits. Each station sets their prices based on their competitors. Because their profit margins are so small, none of them will lower their prices. Prices won't change and we'll be eliminating crucial funding. We need real, long term solutions to our energy problems. Conservation and renewable energy are the real solutions.

Kyle McAdam
Friday May 9, 2008, 12:25 PM


I don't think eliminating the federal gas tax will do much. Most of the tax money is taxed at the state level. Once , and if the federal gas tax is suspended, the oil companies will raise their prices and a good amount of that $.185 gas tax saving will be lost. Gas prices are going to continue to go up. We need to find other ways to lower our demand for gasoline and diesel fuels. I feel Hillary's idea is just a political idea and going after the oil companies the way she suggested will only end up with having the price at the gas pumps go up.We need other solutions. Lowering the gas tax is only a band aids solution to a cut artery.

Ted W.
Thursday May 8, 2008, 12:12 PM


The gas tax holiday is an example of the political pandering we could expect from the Clintons. It solves nothing.

Lonita Murto
Wednesday May 7, 2008, 10:40 PM


Don't need a gas holiday. Can see where this will eventually raise prices even more would like to agree with your suggestions it is said we all could use a walk too on occasion :) Walk bike enjoy the nature around you. And don't let the issue of a gas holiday influence your vote watch, listen, learn and take a walk share a ride, take a bus and remember its not nice to fool with mother nature

Lonita Murto
Wednesday May 7, 2008, 10:39 PM


Don't need a gas holiday. Can see where this will eventually raise prices even more would like to agree with your suggestions it is said we all could use a walk too on occasion :) Walk bike enjoy the nature around you. And don't let the issue of a gas holiday influence your vote watch, listen, learn and take a walk share a ride, take a bus and remember its not nice to fool with mother nature

Carol C.
Wednesday May 7, 2008, 8:42 PM


More bologna, no solutions.. Does anyone have the b---s to go after BIG OIL? Wimps and woosies.. Hilary thinks we're all stupid.

Carol C.
Wednesday May 7, 2008, 8:42 PM


More bologna, no solutions.. Does anyone have the b---s to go after BIG OIL? Wimps and woosies.. Hilary thinks we're all stupid.

Kirsten K.
Wednesday May 7, 2008, 7:54 PM


I think we need to set-up ration cards for those whom have to travel to work long distances and help those who wish to buy more efficient modes of transportations, charge oil companies high taxes on their high revenues(who gave them the right to own what is not theirs in the first place)and use it to alleviate the problems with infrastructure, put some in energy policies which reduce, reuse, and renew resources that are environmentally safe and healthy for all and don't affect the food chain. Hillary's plan is at least an effort- perhaps it needs some modification, but doing nothing like Obama proposes doesn't solve anything and McCain's is a lame band-aid like Bush's plans have been-Too Late.I want someone who is willing to make a stand on something. Hillary isn't perfect, but she is more a doer, than either of the males. If Edwards isn't in this race and there aren't other viable candidates, then Hillary will get my vote. Obama is a lame duck. Look at his record. Aren't we tired of no one doing anything in the white house or congress that help All people.I think those that don't want Hillary, don't want her because she might want to get 'things done'.

Kirsten K.
Wednesday May 7, 2008, 7:48 PM


I think we need to set-up ration cards for those whom have to travel to work long distances and help those who wish to buy more efficient modes of transportations, charge oil companies high taxes on their high revenues(who gave them the right to own what is not theirs in the first place)and use it to alleviate the problems with infrastructure, put some in energy policies which reduce, reuse, and renew resources that are environmentally safe and healthy for all and don't affect the food chain. Hillary's plan is at least an effort- perhaps it needs some modification, but doing nothing like Obama proposes doesn't solve anything and McCain's is a lame band-aid like Bush's plans have been-Too Late.I want someone who is willing to make a stand on something. Hillary isn't perfect, but she is more a doer, than either of the males. If Edwards isn't in this race and there aren't other viable candidates, then Hillary will get my vote. Obama is a lame duck. Look at his record. Aren't we tired of no one doing anything in the white house or congress that help All people.I think those that don't want Hillary, don't want her because she might want to get 'things done'.

Dennis Martin
Wednesday May 7, 2008, 6:20 PM


Would someone please tell Hilary to get the heck off the bus? Her time is over, her "ideals" lack morality, her strategy is outdated and out of bounds, and ... you know, why waste good space on someone who is everything she professes not to be. And one thing Ms. Clinton will never be is a statesman.


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