No cuts on oil tax A quality editorial from a RW rag publication Korean Herald

[rpannier]

The Korean Herald is arguably one of the most reactionary papers I've ever had the displeasure of reading.
But they often have useful information on local events.
But give the devil his due.
I was stunned by this intelligently written Editorial.

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Presidential candidates from rival parties are united in pressuring the administration to cut oil taxes as crude is marching toward $100 per barrel. Lee Myung-bak of the conservative Grand National Party has promised to slash oil taxes by 10 percent if elected. Not to be outdone, Chung Dong-young of the liberal United New Democratic Party has pledged a 20 percent cut. Other candidates from smaller parties are following suit.

Consumers, who are becoming increasingly vociferous in complaining about soaring oil prices, would welcome a cut. But what the politicians are doing is little short of currying favor with voters ahead of the Dec. 19 presidential election. They are as a result going against both national and global campaigns to reduce energy use and thus help curtail climate change.

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But the budget surplus must be put to better use than complying with the consumer demand for instant gratification. For instance, the money can be used to curb snowballing national debt, secure long-term energy supplies or develop renewable and alternative energy.

snip

More importantly, Korea will have no other choice than to reduce oil consumption because it will soon be obliged to cut its greenhouse gas emissions. It has little chance of being exempted from the obligation, as it was as a developing country under the Kyoto Protocol, when new negotiations on climate change are concluded.

link:
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/