Pander Express Gets A Flat
Barack Obama doesn't seem to be backing down from his support for rationality in this gas price 'crisis'. While McClinton have suggested temporarily lifting the 18.4 cent federal gas tax, Obama says no go:
"It would last for three months and it would save you, on average, half a tank of gas," he said. "That’s what Senator Clinton and Senator McCain are proposing to deal with the gas crisis. $25 to $30. Half a tank of gas."
"This is the problem with Washington. We are facing a situation where oil prices could hit $200 a barrel. Oil companies like Shell and BP just reported record profits for the quarter. And we're arguing over a gimmick to save you half a tank of gas over the course of the entire summer so that everyone in Washington can pat themselves on the back and say that they did something," he said.
"This isn't an idea designed to get you through the summer, it's an idea designed to get them through an election," he said, probably a true statement.
Of course, all the candidates have pandered in one way or another. Obama did it when he pledged support for keeping the tariffs on Brazilian ethanol, and his ridiculous calls for an embargo on Chinese toys; but lifting the gas tax is just a really poorly thought out idea that would hurt consumers in the long run.
See Also:
Obama on Gas Prices
Not Pandering Could Cost Obama Indiana
2 comments:
I agree with you. I actually think we should raise the tax. Watch how fast alternative fuels would develop then. Oh yea, I also have to say I agree with what I heard Rev Wright say about a politician does what he has to do and a minister does what he has to. That doesn't mean that some of his views concern me, but he is entitled to them and I enjoyed a great portion of his press conference. Now if Barry would stop trying to deals with his comments like a politician, they might not hurt him as bad. Eh, but what do I know.
TC,
The problem is, he could try to deal with the comments as a person, or even a parishoner, but he has to parse his statements because while he might get a few minutes of unadulterated coverage; the next few days they'd just focus on 15-20 second clips and then project their own view as to what he was actually saying.
The biggest problem with corporate media is that they spend all this time asking pundits what they 'think' someone meant, when they could be using that time to giving the viewers some more context, or at least insightful commentary from people who know about the subjects; not just 'analysts'.
Post a Comment