General Discussion

DanTex

(20,709 posts)

41. I can understand the flack it's getting.

Thu May 1, 2014, 11:24 AM

May 2014

The problem is, infrastructure is crumbling due to the GOP's obstructionism and their general "starve the beast" strategy. We can't pay for infrastructure by raising taxes progressively, so instead we end up with a regressive tax on driving. In that sense this is a win for the right.

If it were up to me, I would institute a significant carbon tax, but compensate for the regressiveness by making other parts of the tax code more progressive. But that isn't going to happen with this congress.

Another thing is that toll roads are more visible and intrusive than a gas tax -- there is something symbolic about free roads, even though it is sort of equivalent.

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You May Have To Say Goodbye To Your Toll-Free Highways [View all] ProSense May 2014 OP

"We don't want the rif-raff whose jobs we've shipped abroad to use our commerce ChisolmTrailDem May 2014 #1

This would be a terrible, terrible mistake. NYC_SKP May 2014 #2

When did DU become against a carbon tax? Recursion May 2014 #3

Interstate highways were built with federal funds for the good of all people... NYC_SKP May 2014 #5

The Interstates are full of tollbooths in the Northeast; the economy hasn't been damaged Recursion May 2014 #7

because the northeast likes being gouged does not make it ok elsewhere nt msongs May 2014 #8

But the Northeast is tired of paying for red states' bridges Recursion May 2014 #9

LOL! Politicalboi May 2014 #25

Buy local? IronLionZion May 2014 #43

Extra pavement, extra costs for multiple routes, one for the rich, one for the poor. NYC_SKP May 2014 #11

I'm no fan of the super-lanes Recursion May 2014 #20

In all fairness Gore, Dean and Warren can afford to pay the tolls 951-Riverside May 2014 #14

Wow. The "Limousine Liberals" attack, on DU. Recursion May 2014 #18

I'm asking again for you to support your assertion that Gore and Warren and Dean each favor tolls Bluenorthwest May 2014 #47

You're simply denying that a use fee is a carbon tax Recursion May 2014 #48

You do realize that in some states (CA being one of them), Live and Learn May 2014 #29

Another option ProSense May 2014 #10

I don't see a practical difference Recursion May 2014 #12

IIRC, farmers are able to buy fuel with a different tax structure, or substantial tax refunds. NYC_SKP May 2014 #17

I know that in many states 2naSalit May 2014 #19

I think a gas tax would be better. DanTex May 2014 #38

It probably would, I agree with that Recursion May 2014 #39

I can understand the flack it's getting. DanTex May 2014 #41

We should have done it a long time ago, would have accelerated fuel mileage improvements. NYC_SKP May 2014 #13

i don't want driving more expensive, i need to use my car and i don't have a lot of extra dionysus May 2014 #23

Well, that's a fair point, that can be made against any tax Recursion May 2014 #24

"Interstate highways were built with federal funds for the good of all people..." Capt. Obvious May 2014 #44

but tolls are regressive taxes Enrique May 2014 #21

Any carbon tax or VAT is pretty regressive Recursion May 2014 #22

When did DU start confusing highway tolls with carbon taxes? FBaggins May 2014 #34

I don't think that the problem is "DU" in general. lumberjack_jeff May 2014 #37

Goodness sakes yeoman6987 May 2014 #31

We don't need no stinkin' roads! BootinUp May 2014 #4

Or rather, good-bye to the word "Freeway" kentauros May 2014 #6

The gas tax is too low. It hasn't been raised for inflation in over 20 years. n/t taught_me_patience May 2014 #15

We are paying 3.50 a gallon of gas yeoman6987 May 2014 #32

Perhaps if we weren't fighting so many wars on so many continents we could funnel some of that npk May 2014 #16

Oh, heresy! We are supposed to EMBRACE having toll roads! djean111 May 2014 #26

Floridians and Portuguese would be right at home. Hulk May 2014 #27

Floridian on a fixed income here. djean111 May 2014 #28

I understand completely Hulk May 2014 #49

Yep. Thanks for the reply! djean111 May 2014 #50

They DO realize that most food is shipped along interstates, and that companies won't eat that... Shandris May 2014 #30

Say good by to any Senator or Congress man that votes for this idiotic idea oneofthe99 May 2014 #33

It's going to be either this or an increase in the gas tax. n/t ProSense May 2014 #35

Let us raise the gas tax so that the poor whistler162 May 2014 #36

A gas tax is different ,hear me out oneofthe99 May 2014 #52

Am I now in favor of regressive taxation? NCTraveler May 2014 #40

I didn't know I had any to say goodbye to. magical thyme May 2014 #42

When the rethugs WON'T FUND ANYTHING for the people... tosh May 2014 #45

Anything to save corporations and billionaires moondust May 2014 #46

First tolls on the internet, now tolls on the highways? DJ13 May 2014 #51