Quote:
Originally Posted by redpoint5
I have a theory that perhaps those areas with extremely high taxes on petrol in the first place are somewhat more insulated against feeling the pain of price increase because they have already invested in more fuel efficient vehicles. In other words, the price increase of the fuel represents a smaller portion of the overall price when taxes are factored in.
That's not necessarily a recommendation to increase taxation, but it should at least be considered. As I continuously argue, the ONLY reasonable and effective way to artificially manipulate oil consumption from the governmental level is via taxation. All else is corruption and ignorance.
|
1) According to Rick Steves, on PBS, most Europeans are perfectly willing to pay higher taxes, as they get a higher standard of living, for most measurable metrics tracked in economics.
2) 26% or higher income tax used to be the dividing line for 'Socialism.'
3) I worked for a fella in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1986, and he was paying 67% 'income' tax, when all local, county, state, and federal taxes were included, and he figured that it got him virtually 'nothing' in return for paying more than 'double' the 'Socialist' rate.
4) The German national I travelled with after leaving Dallas, had paid college ( undergraduate and graduate ), paid six (6)-weeks holiday/ year, and free health care for life.
5) In Canada she got ill, and the Canadian medical system took care of her at no cost, even though she was a 'foreigner.' Friends of hers in Ontario laughed at me when I asked what they had to pay 'to have a baby' at the local hospital.
6) Seven European nations I visited didn't need automobiles in the metropolitan areas. Trams, busses, and light rail were everywhere and ridiculously economical.
7) It wasn't uncommon for Europeans to speak at least three-languages.