When I finally found time to log on and check the days activities I was mighty miffed (in my own thoughtful, ladylike way, of course) by the poll results in BarbinMD's Front Page Diary, posted at 10:10 am.
She began the discussion with a quote from Ray LaHood, the new Secretary of Transportation:
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says he wants to consider taxing motorists based on how many miles they drive rather than how much gasoline they burn — an idea that has angered drivers in some states where it has been proposed.
Gasoline taxes that for nearly half a century have paid for the federal share of highway and bridge construction can no longer be counted on to raise enough money to keep the nation's transportation system moving, LaHood said in an interview with The Associated Press.
"We should look at the vehicular miles program where people are actually clocked on the number of miles that they traveled," the former Illinois Republican lawmaker said.
Ms. Morrill then offered a poll, asking this Progressive Community how they felt about a mileage tax. The results horrified me!
22% said Yes
61% said No
15% were not sure
With 12,566 votes cast this turns out to be a fair sample of Progressive opinion on this issue.
What are those 76% thinking?
You want to reduce carbon emissions!
You want to reduce dependence on foreign oil!
Remember how those random, impulsive, driving "moments" decreased when gas shot up to over $4.00 a gallon?
Remember when you planned your trips to conserve fuel?
Remember when you shopped more carefully, thought about future needs more fully, and just stop using your automobile as a gad about toy?
What if the mileage tax were .01 cents per mile? Suppose you drive 60 miles a day, round trip, to work. Then there is the shopping and ferrying the kids on the weekend - add another 100 miles. That is a total of 400 miles a week. Are you saying you wouldn't pay an additional $4.00 a week to support the highway system?
"But", you say, "I'm too poor to pay any more to get to work! I live too far from my job, my car is a gas guzzler, and..." You are facing the consequences of life decisions you have made. And, what did you do when gas was over $4.00 a gallon?
This is typical NIMBY stuff.
I want a world free of carbon dioxide pollution.
I want good roads and no crumbling bridges.
I want less traffic on the roads, and less congestion in the towns and cities.
I don't want to lift a finger to pay for it.
Progressives understand that being a member of a well ordered society requires sacrifices and costs to every member.
But, Progressives can also argue for a floor on this additional cost, to wit, no one making minimum wage, or below, will be required to bear this addition charge.
Bring on the mileage fees. I am currently driving 84 miles a day, 6 days a week. With gas under $2.00 a gallon, I can afford to make a contribution to my nation's infrastructure.