Reduce the Gas Tax and Provide Relief to All Americans!

Related Issues: Economic Policy , Taxation , Transportation

Tags: tax relief suggestions , tax reduction proposal , economic recovery , fuel costs

Similar Letters: Search for letters similar to this one

Friday, 03/28/2008 @ 12:28 PM PST

To whom it may concern:

At this writing, March 27, 2008, the NATIONAL AVERAGE for a Gallon of Gas is: Regular Unleaded: 3.267 – Premium: 3.594 – Diesel: 4.022. This is quoted from AAA’s sponsored website: [http://www.fuelgauge.com/] According to this site, the price of gas is polled, daily, from over 85,000 stations.

As anyone knows, the national average may not reflect what the cost of gas is in your neighborhood. Here in Southern California, as per the same site, the average price of regular is $3.623. (Californians are told that this is due to the need for a special blend to meet our more stringent EPA standards.) In Wailuku, HI the cost is $3.932.

The purchase of fuel, whether it be for our homes or our cars is a necessity. This rising cost eats into the bottom line of every working American. The cost of shipping is up. Our food bills are subsequently higher. Every facet of our lives is impacted.

Typically the politicos blame the American public for our consumerism. (“We love our cars; bigger is better in America!”) And yes, there are factions that are driving trucks and SUVs, gas gluttons that don’t have need to drive such big vehicles. Americans are encouraged to commute via public transportation, which is only a viable solution if you actually live somewhere that offers mass transit.

Other politicos blame big oil with their ravenous desire for profit. (And yes, I know that the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming has summoned CEOs from the big five oil companies to testify on oil prices April 1.) Still others blame the car manufacturers themselves for not producing more fuel efficient cars and alternative fuel cars sooner and faster.

The previous are all factors. However, no one explores the fact that the price of gas could be brought down OVERNIGHT if the taxes on gas – Federal, State and City – were out rightly repealed or reduced. The Federal Gas Tax per gallon is 18.4 cents a gallon. This figure is in addition to the following quotes. Each State has a different tax. In New York, the bite is 31.9 cents a gallon. In California, we pay an 18 cent state tax + 6% sales tax + 1.25% County tax AND a 1.2 cents per gallon UST fee. Georgia pays the least amount of tax per gallon; with 7.5% State tax and a 4% sales tax. Therefore, approximately for EVERY GALLON OF GAS YOU PUMP, at least a buck is tax. (These figures were sourced at http://www.gaspricewatch.com/usgastaxes.asp).

Another way to reduce these taxes would for the Federal Government to levy some of these taxes to the Oil Companies themselves; prohibiting them from passing this tax along to the consumer.

Stop talking and reviewing and investigating in the State and Federal Governments and give the American people tax relief NOW. Do whatever it takes to marginalize the taxes paid at the pump and you will see consumer confidence rise. Congress and this Administration’s approval rating will soar.

Your Constituent,

Katya

Total Comments: 95

Write your own comment on this letter!

	ryan, on 03/31/2008 @ 10:05 AM PST wrote:
		It seems as though, every time consumers are faced with continued increasing prices, they cry to the government to try to rescue them. How would you plan on offsetting this gas tax? Transferring the tax to the oil and gas companies will just increase the price in gas (They will find a way to get around any government rules). Additionally, assuming the tax is $1 for simplicity (it's close) per gallon of gas and a consumer drives approximately 12,000 miles per year. If their car gets 20 miles per gallon, they are burning 600 gallons of fuel per year, and paying $600 per year in tax, or $50 per month. This is approximately the price of a person's monthly cable bill. Please stop asking the government to bail us out every time. If the tax is killing you, then cancel your cable and pick up a book.

	jabberwockzan, on 04/01/2008 @ 08:00 PM PST wrote:
		The price of living is so outrageous now and days it is a wonder how people survive with roofs over their heads. I agree that something could be done. And it isn't so much crying to have the government rescue us. It's just not right to let our country hit poverty levels and do nothing about it.

	SacMom, on 04/02/2008 @ 09:13 AM PST wrote:
		I live where it is almost $4.00 a gallon. I think it is a superficial tax. I have read and heard that the Gas stations and Companies have made tons more money scince this tax has been implented well then obviously it's not the high price of oil now is it if they are making millions more a year and not just balancing out.

	taunate, on 04/03/2008 @ 07:25 PM PST wrote:
		how is the price justified? With the country in a recession why are the prices continueing to go up.

	SandynPaul, on 04/04/2008 @ 02:27 AM PST wrote:
		This would have been a way better idea than a stimulus check. Even the poor heat their homes with natural gas, ride the bus, pay for food etc. I couldn't agree more.

	katskills29, on 04/06/2008 @ 10:41 AM PST wrote:
		The price of fuel has risen at an alarming rate. I spent a good portion of this winter freezing in my own home because we couldn't afford to push the thermostat above 55 degrees. Obviously, gasoline is no cheaper.

	starmode6, on 04/07/2008 @ 11:01 AM PST wrote:
		Lets help the people who pay you congress or else we will vote for some else this election.

	SOLOWPOET, on 04/07/2008 @ 08:45 PM PST wrote:
		We as Americans deserve a more fairer shake in this gas economy fiasco let the big boys absorb some of the loses.

	hollyoswalt, on 04/08/2008 @ 02:34 PM PST wrote:
		I agree, with as much gas as American's buy, surely a decrease in the tax on it would not be highly noticed.

	jazy716, on 04/08/2008 @ 07:46 PM PST wrote:
		Reducing taxes on gas would give consumers more money and help stimulate the economy.With the economy going into a recession, the economy needs to be stimulated.

	ilovemeeps2, on 04/08/2008 @ 08:16 PM PST wrote:
		I am just very glad that I use public transportation. We do need to cut the gas price to save money for our citizens who commute to work.

	Jennipah, on 04/08/2008 @ 08:37 PM PST wrote:
		Price of gas (and most of everything else) is outrageous! It not only affects our lives, but our economy too. Example, look at milk. To buy a jug a milk will now cost you around 5 dollars a gallon. Why is that? It is because farmers must pay more in fuel to run their farms. We are spiralling head first into another Great Depression and will not stop unless something is done fast! These fat cat oil tycoons sit there rolling in the proverbial dough whilst we hard working people suffer to scrimp and save every penny we got just to have a enough gas to get to work! It's disgusting!

	4hams, on 04/09/2008 @ 09:58 AM PST wrote:
		With how high gas prices are and they are still climbing we need to get rid of the taxes at the state and local levels. With this in place we would have a bit more money to spend in other areas.

	openarms37, on 04/09/2008 @ 05:57 PM PST wrote:
		We have enough trouble in the economy as it is. Any break we can get, especially with relation to something that we use so often, would be helpful.

	RandyAggie, on 04/09/2008 @ 11:59 PM PST wrote:
		With all of the money being wasted in Iraq, how can the government not help out the common folk and repeal this gas tax?

	Bracholi, on 04/10/2008 @ 10:07 AM PST wrote:
		No.

	amwarner71, on 04/10/2008 @ 01:13 PM PST wrote:
		These gas prices have gone way out of hand. Almost 4.00 a gallon. Explain to me how some will get to work. Who's making a profit here. Not us. This needs to stop.

	Alandale, on 04/11/2008 @ 02:20 AM PST wrote:
		I say raise it, we need to not be driving to the mall twice a day anyways.

	carlyc07, on 04/11/2008 @ 11:30 AM PST wrote:
		Something has to be done about this. It is definitely time for the government to step in. As someone with a decent income, I never imagined that I would actually have to let go of other luxuries in my life just so I can pay to get to and from work. It's ridiculous.

	BellaMortis, on 04/12/2008 @ 10:52 PM PST wrote:
		I disagree, but I only do it, because of the fact that taxes on gas are not really the important issue at stake. The population grew, so the urban centers spread out. It is this spreading that caused the need for more gas, which caused us to use a lot of a very limited resource. While getting rid of the tax would give temporary relief, it would just be a small drop in the bucket of things needed, which is mainly to minimize gas usage.

	LauraMae, on 04/12/2008 @ 11:58 PM PST wrote:
		I disagree. Gas prices are inexplicably high, yes. But that tax goes to build and maintain the highways and freeways you use to cruise around my great country.

	ninjanana15, on 04/13/2008 @ 08:08 PM PST wrote:
		If they don't reduce gas prices soon we'll all be riding around in horse and buggies.

	TLHE, on 04/14/2008 @ 07:47 PM PST wrote:
		Better yet, how about they put a cap on gas prices? Consumers world over are suffering under the price of gas and meanwhile oil companies are experiencing record profits.

	justonejake, on 04/14/2008 @ 07:50 PM PST wrote:
		Decrease gas tax??!?! How about decrease gas usage. I agree to lowering taxes, but that is not the solution to this problem. How long would it take to get back to the same prices? That is a short term solution, that does not address the problem of over-consumption of gasoline on a country and planetary level.

	Svenlol, on 04/14/2008 @ 11:09 PM PST wrote:
		Ride a bike, sell your Hummer, and stop tooling around in your speedboat. Problem solved.

	abbygrace01, on 04/15/2008 @ 07:37 AM PST wrote:
		I drive 25 miles to work one way, so I am averaging nearly $60 week just to get to work in my mid-sized sedan. Doesn't sound like much but when added to what my husband spends we are at almost $500/mo just for gas. I am thinking of switching to 4 day work week to save.

	sticktango, on 04/15/2008 @ 10:05 AM PST wrote:
		Like it or not, the only solution is to limit our dependence on foreign oil.

	littlered, on 04/16/2008 @ 12:10 PM PST wrote:
		I guess I agree and disagree with this letter. I think that repealing the gas tax would be a band-aid. But, the real problem lies with the oil companies. While all of us are being forced to pay more and more every day for gas, the oil companies are posting record profits each and every quarter. The government should do something about big oil, and stop this problem where it started.

	PolicyWonkJr, on 04/16/2008 @ 12:39 PM PST wrote:
		Uh... your math is off. Rounding everything up, 19 cents federal tax plus 18 cents state, plus 6% sales (20 cents, maybe) plus 1.25% county (4 cents), 2 cents UST, is a grand total of 63 cents. Which, while substantial, is a far cry from "at least a buck". And CA is one of the highest taxed states.

	Conti45, on 04/16/2008 @ 05:47 PM PST wrote:
		I disagree. It's time to RAISE the gas tax. The tax money raised should be spent on mass transit and freight railroads. It should be spent on bicycles and bicycle infrastructure. This is a flabby nation. Fight heart disease. Bike to work and get fit. Factories should ship by train. The gas tax should go to massive reforestation, particularly in our cities, to clean the air, reduce "heat island effects" (to reduce electric bills on air conditioning), and create natural habitat for birds and animals. The gas tax will drive down the demand for oil and reduce taxes to spent wage war for oil. The tax will slow the use of oil, or "oil depletion", and reduce the tax breaks for "oil depletion". Hazardous air pollutants will also be reduced, reducing air pollution that triggers asthma, and cancers. Saving tax and business dollars for unnecessary health costs. Eliminate "theft by corn conglomorates" , save more tax dollars from corporate welfare and kill ethanol subsidies.

	usmama25, on 04/16/2008 @ 06:11 PM PST wrote:
		They need to stop lining the politicians pockets and put that money towards making sure we have a fuel alternitive for the future.

	divka, on 04/17/2008 @ 11:55 AM PST wrote:
		I'm hoping that the more gas prices soar the smaller the cars dominating the road will get. I look forward to the dominance of the SUV.

	janesmith222, on 04/17/2008 @ 11:09 PM PST wrote:
		I understand inflation. Fine, prices rise. But when our minimum wage only goes up by five or ten cents it makes life much more difficult. Geesh, one hour of work BARELY pays for a gallon of gas, and most people will be using at least that much getting to work, and then home again... all of a sudden you're working a couple of hours just to pay to get there!

	familyman, on 04/19/2008 @ 12:19 PM PST wrote:
		Although I would like to pay less for gas, I don't agree with lowering the tax. We alreadt have bridges collapsing, and are way behind other countrie in upgrading our infrastructure. I do agree that oil companies should bear their share of this burden. They should not be getting subsidie or tax breaks!

	Aimee, on 04/19/2008 @ 12:36 PM PST wrote:
		Yes, costs of living are rising, and the cost of gas is rising even faster. However, lowering the gas tax will just take money away from the government that they will have to recoup by either cutting programs or raising some other tax. I think the real problem here is that most salaries are not rising in proportion to the cost of living.

	tmthomp3, on 04/20/2008 @ 10:25 AM PST wrote:
		someething must be doen about these gas proces, this is getting out of control. i f the government would investigate that abnormally high gas profits made by these companies and force them to stop the gougin they could keep getying thier taxes and woe could keep a little money in our pocket

	msjbelle, on 04/20/2008 @ 12:11 PM PST wrote:
		Ilovemeeps even though you use public transportation the price of your bus ticket could & will go up because there prices go up. This is a trickle down effect that will effect everyone. It needs to stop. There has been no justification for the rise of gas. My only hope is a new president. Lets do the right thing and vote one in who will make a change.

	bluedove, on 04/20/2008 @ 03:12 PM PST wrote:
		So we pay for the roads with what money then? Maybe if we quit giving big tax breaks and subsidies to Big Oil and give it back to the masses...

	kfrase20, on 04/20/2008 @ 03:54 PM PST wrote:
		Gas here is too cheap as it is. Lowering the tax will only delay the inevitable. It's time to use less oil!

	japhy4529, on 04/20/2008 @ 08:39 PM PST wrote:
		This is definitely worth looking into further. In addition to reducing or eliminating the gas tax, the government should also start HEAVILY investing in alternative energy. We need to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels, before its too late!

	Shalor87, on 04/20/2008 @ 09:23 PM PST wrote:
		I'm not sure if a tax break would be of much help because they government will need to find somewhere to get that money from. In one pocket, out the other. However, something NEEDS to be done about the gas prices. I'll be honest, I have no idea what could be done. I have personally stopped using my car unless I absolutely have to..but with no public transportation going near my job I do use it daily. I can't even imagine the monthly gas price if I was still driving everywhere I went!

	steveiller, on 04/20/2008 @ 09:49 PM PST wrote:
		I wish that more people would be talking about looking into this. It seems everyone is more worried about the oil companies and everything and not looking into just lowering the amount of money we are taxed as a way to lower gas prices some.

	DeadGrrl, on 04/20/2008 @ 10:26 PM PST wrote:
		regardless of how much we reduce the tax on gas we aren't going to save any money. the lack of fuel is why we pay so much already, if the tax goes down more gas will be boight and less will be available, this in turn will raise the price of gas. so why bother lower the price for such a short amount of time that it would last?

	polaris23, on 04/21/2008 @ 02:08 AM PST wrote:
		I remember when I began driving, i was 18 and the gas price was $1.50 and we thought that was high for NY state. Now it is $3.69. We all know how high gas prices are because we have to import it, but we have enough oil in alaska to run the united states for years to come. It is PETA that is standing in our way.

	Brianetics, on 04/24/2008 @ 11:47 PM PST wrote:
		I have to agree with the get a bike sentiment. Stick it to them all. I gotta struggle all day just to afford gas in my car to get to work and then use my pocket change to buy food. Nah! People Pedal Power. Down with big oil.

	rejuvantedone, on 04/28/2008 @ 03:55 PM PST wrote:
		I couldn't agree more. I miss back in the day when gas was less than a dollar a gallon and i only needed 20 dollars per pay check at the pump. Now i'm paying 20 dollars a week just for work and anything else. It needs to come to an end. If gas went down to 2.25 again i would do a rain dance! Please whoever handles this give us a sign of relieve, get out there find some oil, and bring it down.

	EliciaM, on 04/30/2008 @ 09:03 AM PST wrote:
		Raising taxes on oil companie will not solve the problem. This was tried over 30 years ago and was failed.. Anyone remember the 1970's oil crisis?? We need to increase our domestic production on and off shore and quit depending on foreign coutnries. Raising taxes is not the solution to our problem... It is supply and demand.

	griffy, on 05/01/2008 @ 12:16 PM PST wrote:
		And how about the government buying oil for reserves at a time when prices are so high. This drives up demand and raises prices even more

	missna, on 05/02/2008 @ 09:35 AM PST wrote:
		I truly believe that the rising cost of gas will one day soon devastate our economy

	Simplyme, on 05/06/2008 @ 02:32 AM PST wrote:
		When it takes what I make in a day to fill up my tank because of gas prices then it seems to me things have gotten out of hand. I think some people need to put down their books and their state checks and find out what its like in the real world.

	Rocky45, on 05/08/2008 @ 12:25 AM PST wrote:
		Why should we reduce taxes on oil and gas? That would just increase demand on the usage! We need to bite the bullet and be conservative.

	Arianllyn, on 05/11/2008 @ 05:15 AM PST wrote:
		The problem with reducing the gas tax is that the funds are used for specific purposes which aren't funded in any other way, primarily road construction and maintenance. Would you rather have the government selling off the right to charge tolls on our roads (as has already been done in some areas)? Clearly roads need to be maintained, if not improved - you may recall the bridge in St. Louis that collapsed within the last year? The funds have to be raised in some way; what would you suggest?

	Trobs2002, on 05/11/2008 @ 08:40 AM PST wrote:
		Gas Tax relief takes crucial monies away from potential road maintenance and construnction. As a 35W bridge survivor, I think you are a fool.

	jaminthebody, on 05/12/2008 @ 01:51 PM PST wrote:
		Taxing the Oil Companies will make everyone pay more. The best option would be tax breaks, especially in seasons when more gas is consumed, i.e., summer and the holidays. DRILL ANWR.

	g_richards, on 05/12/2008 @ 04:50 PM PST wrote:
		A small decrease in the gas tax will do nothing except let people bury their heads in the sand a little longer. America must walk, bicycle, take public transportation and leave the car home until we can find a viable alternative to fossel fuels. We want to leave a world our future generations.

	mybrainhurts, on 05/12/2008 @ 06:52 PM PST wrote:
		As much as I hate taxes,and paying $4/gallon of gas, this is one of the few taxes that actually make sense. 1st, it's a sales tax: the closest thing to a free will tax that there is. It's not taken out of your paycheck, or tied to your earnings. 2nd, there's a direct correlation between what is consumed and where the tax is spent. The tax is tied directly (unless the politicians hijack it) to transportation spending. 3rd, the transportation system in this country is crumbling & at least a decade behind in many most areas. 4th, the oil companies don't see anything from the gas tax. The tax and the cost of gas are two different issues. Oil prices are the result of bad fiscal policy, a weak dollar, high demand worldwide for oil, and a shortage (both real & created) by the oil-producing countries. Getting rid of the gas tax will produce two results: a short-term drop in the price per gallon and further deterioration and congestion of our roads and rail systems.

	yumyumkibble, on 05/22/2008 @ 11:56 AM PST wrote:
		This looks like a good idea, but it is only a temporary fix for major foreign policy problems.

	cmlm02, on 05/22/2008 @ 12:31 PM PST wrote:
		This is a short term solution to appease the masses. We need to look at the big picture and not just a few extra buck immediately.

	FAMAM_1975, on 05/24/2008 @ 10:07 AM PST wrote:
		I think something needs to be done. I believe that a person can drop their standard of living but you can't live without necessities so their is only so far that you can reduce your standard of living. I do think that government needs to do something since they are a major part of the problem.

	EMLazzarin, on 05/24/2008 @ 07:55 PM PST wrote:
		I hate to say it, but lowering the gas tax would provide negligible relief to consumers. Consumption would increase almost immediately as "good feelings" spread among consumers, forcing prices back up -- all while cutting off valuable government revenue that could be going to research.

	BigTrucker258, on 06/01/2008 @ 03:07 AM PST wrote:
		In reply to someone else on the board here I imagine they can off set it with the millions of dollars being wasted on office chairs and multi million dollar second homes or the $4 a pound they are charging me for hamburger.

	ltygirl04, on 06/05/2008 @ 05:57 PM PST wrote:
		Gas is $4 and some change in Florida and if it keeps going up I feel I may have to take my car back and get a refund. Now that I think about it, milk and gas are the same price:-(

	MadScience, on 06/11/2008 @ 12:27 PM PST wrote:
		I don't think that decreasing the gas tax will help in the long run; it is only a short-term solution. Supply and demand are driving the rise in gas prices, and until we figure out alternatives we will see them rise for a while.

	Cbra131, on 06/17/2008 @ 08:31 AM PST wrote:
		While we would say about $30 bucks a month (which is awesome) it would cost the government about $16 billion dollars. And unfortunately the government needs it a little bit more then we do. Because our government is in so much debt that they might foreclose on the whitehouse!

	stacy_c57, on 06/17/2008 @ 09:08 AM PST wrote:
		Reducing taxes on gas would give consumers more money and help stimulate the economy. I don't understand how the gas companies are bringing in record breaking profits but its not there faullt why gas prices are so high. I think cutting gas prices 50 cents and decrease their paychecks is what we should do.

	wrreid, on 06/17/2008 @ 11:01 AM PST wrote:
		The gasoline crisis is destroying the American middle class. I'm not entirely sure our lobbyist-funded government is opposed to the current rise in oil prices.

	calmccc, on 06/17/2008 @ 08:07 PM PST wrote:
		I come from New England and we have the highest taxes in the country. We are also some of gthe highest oil users. There doesn't seem to be any correlation between taxes and usage.

	nemom, on 06/17/2008 @ 09:21 PM PST wrote:
		We need relief at the pump. With the economy getting worse, people are trying to pinch pennys everywhere they can. Meanwhile gas prices keep skyrocketing up higher, making it harder for the average American to make ends meet. The oil companies are making billions off us, and are allowed to continue to squeeze more and more out of us. I think it is horrible that they choose the summer months to hike up prices. Families finally have a chance to go out and enjoy a summer vacation, and are hit with the highest prices of the year. I think it is ridiculous!

	labrockett, on 06/17/2008 @ 10:57 PM PST wrote:
		amen amen amen! I agree, someone must speak up!

	TommiG1506, on 06/18/2008 @ 11:10 PM PST wrote:
		I heard that they were considering suspending the gas tax for the summer. Well summer is here and prices are still through the roof. Empty promises!

	capnbob, on 06/19/2008 @ 12:33 PM PST wrote:
		Its rather amazing that the oil companies get about 8 cents on the gallon and government takes around 40 cents on the gallon. I know what with exploration, drilling, refining, and transportation what the one di. I just can't see what the other did for their 40 cents a gallon.

	Right_WingNut, on 06/21/2008 @ 12:13 PM PST wrote:
		I agree with most of what you've proposed. With gas prices over $4 in much of the nation, the taxes on gasoline are absolutely a crime. They should be repealed. The one area in which I would disagree with you is in the proposal to tax the oil companies. Unfortunately, there is no way to tax the gas company in a manner that they cannot pass the tax along to the consumer. The fact is, they provide the delivery of a product that nearly every American needs (and wants). Taxing them for fulfilling our wants and needs is not smart -- and in the end, we'll pay that tax in the form of even higher prices at the pump. If you really want to see lower gas prices: repeal all gasoline taxes.

	Raine59, on 06/21/2008 @ 07:53 PM PST wrote:
		The cost of fuel has definitely impacted every aspect of my life. Everything I purchase, especially fuel oil for heat, has risen so dramatically life as I have known it must change equally.

	bethalina, on 06/23/2008 @ 11:36 AM PST wrote:
		I would like to see a reduction in gov't size so that any tax relief might be permanent! The trend here is very clear. Alternative fuel will be the only answer to this issue in time...

	CrownVictoriaCop, on 06/23/2008 @ 03:01 PM PST wrote:
		I agree with this letter. We need the gas tax lowered, because it is causing the standard of living in the United States to go down.

	tesla2010, on 07/02/2008 @ 07:23 AM PST wrote:
		For the past 10 years, everyone has screamed "REDUCE OR ELIMINATE TAXES". Its become a mantra, and it is tearing our society apart. Unfortuantely, this country needs taxes to build roads, fund public education, staff firehouses and police departments, and maintain a military, among other things. Focusing on one type of tax is irresponsible, since the situation in each state and county is different, and can't be solved with a national whitewash.

	jhopwood, on 07/02/2008 @ 12:59 PM PST wrote:
		And who is going to pay for the tens of billions of dollars in infrastructure funds that wiping out the gas tax would take out of the federal budget? The federal gas tax is not the problem: Rampant speculation, which was outlawed until the turn of this century, and which is now enshrined in law, is responsible for the run-up in gas prices. Stop taking your cues from idiots like Rush Limbaugh or John McCain and actually THINK about the problem.

	wiggle_worm7, on 07/09/2008 @ 11:47 AM PST wrote:
		Legislators and Big Oil claim that eliminating the gas tax would only save consumers pennies per gallon. Even so, at a national average of over $4.00 per gallon, a few pennies can add up quickly. We need all the relief we can get, and fast!

	ojones6, on 07/15/2008 @ 01:57 PM PST wrote:
		I just know some thing has to be done and fast ,it just killing me . I am now at 200$ more a mounth on gass HELP!!!

	MLBGirl, on 07/26/2008 @ 10:27 AM PST wrote:
		I can't for the life of me come up with a solution to the gas prices crisis, but I certainly hear lots of complaing about it. Agree or disagree, at least you've put a lot of thought into a solution.

	PCWaitress, on 07/26/2008 @ 10:49 AM PST wrote:
		The last person I heard complaining about gas prices stormed out of the post office into her giant SUV, so I believe part of the problem is taking responsibility for our choice in purchases (it's like buying a mansion and then complianing how much it costs for air-conditioning...) Second, most countries in Europe pay considerably higher gas prices. That tells me that we've been pretty blessed thus far. And it tells me that gas prices are more reflective of location and not necessarily politics...

	redbull101, on 08/04/2008 @ 09:32 PM PST wrote:
		I don't care how it's done but we do need relief. How come while our prices are reaching record highs so are the companies' profits? This isn't do to a shortage, this is manipulation. :(

	Independent, on 09/30/2008 @ 12:38 AM PST wrote:
		Unfortunately, Americans have lived off cheap gas for decades. And now we're spoiled. If you look at the cost of gas relative to inflation and true earning potential, we've been paying far LESS than gas should cost given expected rises in inflation. And especially compared to what other countries pay. Countries with higher taxes, I might add. One of the basic tenets of capitalism -- if you don't like it, stop buying or take your business elsewhere. Perhaps a bike or moped might suit you.

	jldent2008, on 10/08/2008 @ 03:31 PM PST wrote:
		I did not realize how much percentage of the gas prices were due to government regulated taxes. I don't understand why its so much higher in soem states than others. It doesn't seem fair. The government should definitely be doing sonthing more to help those of us who are struggling because of the high gas prices.

	plagueof7deaths, on 10/13/2008 @ 02:28 PM PST wrote:
		This is appalling to me to blame the government for the gas prices. A mere $.18 for tax per gallon. What about the other $3.48 per gallon we have to pay. Has anyone realized that combined the big 5 oil companies have accumulated over $500 billion in just profit. That sickens me, as well it should you. The only reason to blame the government is for alloying it to happen. But that can happen when capitalism and greed are combined.

	targetthyself, on 10/23/2008 @ 02:36 AM PST wrote:
		Whats to stop the companys from pocketing the decrease... NOTHING!

	TwoCents, on 10/23/2008 @ 04:13 PM PST wrote:
		I disagree. America needs to raise the gas tax and give a rebate or tax credit for cars that get more than 40 mpg. We've got to break the oil addiction, NOT make it cheaper to stay addicted.

	breed27, on 10/24/2008 @ 03:17 PM PST wrote:
		the government needs to put a cap on the price of gasonline in relation to the ratio at which gas companies pay for it. why should we be controled by big business.

	mrknowitall, on 12/11/2008 @ 07:52 PM PST wrote:
		Ha! I bet you're feeling stupid now, right? Gas is $1.86 where I live, and we really need those taxes. That's one of those things people don't think about before advocating "common sense" ideas that usually end up breaking a lot more than they fix. When recommending a policy, always think about the law of unintended consequences.

	jmostyle, on 12/31/2008 @ 10:51 AM PST wrote:
		Taxes on these types of commodities only go up. It's funny how no one is talking about gas prices now and is filling up their giant SUVs happily again.

	jrj102, on 01/03/2009 @ 09:59 PM PST wrote:
		I very seldom disagree with someone saying that taxation should be reduced. :) Seriously, though... the gas tax is, for all intents and purposes, a "sin tax." In retrospect (this letter was written several months ago) the price of gas has come down so much recently that this is less of an issue, but I hope that won't result in people no longer paying attention to the insane level of gas taxes.

	rowsdower, on 01/17/2009 @ 11:33 PM PST wrote:
		Reduce ALL taxes across the board! Americans need REAL relief! With that said, the gas tax most certainly should be one of the first to go. Also, stop subsidizing oil companies!

	farnhamj, on 01/24/2009 @ 02:23 AM PST wrote:
		Prices for gas, adjusted for inflation, were at their worst in the 80s, and we saw a great economic boom after that. The problem isn't that Americans are being taxed too much, it's that we're buying too much gas in the first place. Use mass transit; I pay $50 for transportation a month for a government subsidized transit system pass and a few cab rides when I need them. (The bus pass is a tiny $27.50 for unlimited rides for 31 days.) And if you're concerned about not being in range of public transit but can't pay your mortgage because you pay too much for gas, suck it up and move to the city for a while. It's a luxury to have a car, not a necessity.

	mthyer, on 02/28/2009 @ 12:30 AM PST wrote:
		We already pay the lowest gas tax of any First World Nation on the planet. This has lead to the US being a leader in vehicle miles traveled and rate of consumption per capita.

	richizzle, on 03/28/2009 @ 01:49 AM PST wrote:
		We pay for gas by the GALLON nearly every other country pays by the LITER. We have the best gas prices and will continue to be dependent on it until it is too expensive. That's free market if I ever saw it.