Gas Tax Holiday Might Extend Beyond The Summer, McCain Says

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. — John McCain said Thursday that his proposal to suspend the gas tax for three months this summer may need to be extended longer if high gas prices continue to take a toll on the economy.

"I think we ought to seriously look at whether we need to have it be longer or not depending on what the economy (does)," McCain said, standing beside the Grand River.

"I think we have to consider all options but the fact is we need a gas tax holiday. We need it, we need it, we need it very badly. The Americans that are hurt the most are low income Americans that are driving the oldest automobiles," he said.

McCain suggested the longer gas tax holiday the day before his visit Friday to a General Motors plant in Michigan, and a town hall meeting with auto workers. The auto industry was already reeling from its own problems when it was rocked again by gas costing $4 a gallon and more, and the state of Michigan's fortunes are tied to the auto industry.

The economy is the main worry of voters, and McCain has been telling crowds he can put the country on a firmer financial footing through low taxes and an emphasis on developing new energy technologies.

As the price of gas soared in the spring, McCain proposed a three-month holiday from the federal gas tax, 18.4 cents a gallon. Obama has derided the idea as a political gimmick that would provide consumers little real relief, ignore the country's energy problems by perpetuating U.S. dependence on foreign oil and take money from road and bridge repairs.

Comments

[marc1antony]

give it up grampa, you will not be able to get this passed in congress, so stop with the pandering.

[Vermontah]

This is such an abominably stupid idea. Even without the gas tax, gas would cost about $3.85 instead of $4.03. The gas tax in the US is miniscule, which, of course, is why our highways are so bumpy and old-fashioned and our bridges fall down.

In Europe, folks, do you know the price of gas is actually lower than in the US. But taxes make up almost 70% of the price at the pump. There, a gas tax holiday would make a difference. But there, nobody complains about the gas tax because there are such beautiful roads, bridges and highways all over the place and the users pay for it.

Also, diesel fuel is substantially cheaper in Europe, and the vast majority of the cars are diesel. Diesel engines get about 50 miles per gallon. So, once again, the European middle class is fine, well served, is paying a little more at the tank but not being slaughtered like us. Slaughtered, that is, on the altar of the oil companies.

Here the gas tax is a joke, and the fact that this is the best McSleepy can do it boggles the mind. I mean, doesn't anyone there know anything about anything?

[meanguy]

okay, would you be willing to pay my gas tax for me?

[NickNas]

Oh my GAWD! Doen't he remember that this has already been laughed out of every serious arena of discussion as pure drivel? MAN!

[Tom95134]

The first version of McSame's idiot gas holiday idea didn't fly so he tries a different version of it. What's that saying about insanity? Something about, "Doing the same thing but expecting different results."

[keepemhonest]

McCain answer on Free Trade that will NOT go over in Michigan:
1. Q: Should trade agreements include provisions to address environmental concerns and to protect workers' rights?
A: No.
[Source: National Political Awareness Test (NPAT) Nov 7, 2004]

* Other Free Trade Quotes From McCain:
2. "Yes, many American families will suffer from the inevitable dislocations caused by the imperatives of a global economy. But the answer to their suffering cannot be the adoption of policies that will sustain one industry by tariff or subsidy. Embracing protectionism here to retaliate for it elsewhere is akin to a murder-suicide pact, and we should resist the temptation whether the product in question is bananas or sugar or steel."
[Source: Speech to National Press Club, 5/20/99 May 20, 1999]

3. "Mexico is one of our largest trading partners, and it is in our best interest to maintain as open a border as possible."
[Source: (x-ref Drugs) Senate statement, "Drug Free Borders" Mar 18, 1999

[keepemhonest]

Dear Sen. McCain,

To date, you have NOT written a Summer Gas Tax Holiday Bill. Thus, there is NO SUCH BILL. The Bill is only IN YOUR MIND.

Maybe McCain thinks this "Mental Summer Gas Tax Holiday Bill" that he wants to extend, will fix his "Mental Recession."

"John McCain said Thursday that his proposal to suspend the gas tax for three months this summer may need to be extended longer if high gas prices continue to take a toll on the economy.
** My head is spinning on this! "Extended LONGER?" How can you "extend" something that DOES NOT EXIST?

"I think we ought to seriously look at whether we need to have it be longer or not depending on what the economy (does)," McCain said.
Man, this guy needs serious help.

Summer is almost over
There is NO Summer Gas Tax Holiday Bill.
It cannot be extended because it does not exist.
McCain has not written the Bill.
McCain has not even shown up in DC to vote on REAL Bills.

[MizLiz]

That gas tax is desperately needed to keep our highways and bridges in some sort of repair. I realize that to a Republican, each and every tax is an assault upon Liberty Freedom ans the American Way, but we need this one. The roads are barely driveable as it is, and many of our older bridges are not earthquake-proof. What could be fairer than to ask the drivers to pay this tax?

[NotMcCain]

Great plan! In addition to price fixing, we can now make even MORE money by not having to pay a government tax on oil!

More millions made for the oil companies on the backs of consumers! Thank you, John McCain!

Signed,

Exxon, Mobile, Texaco, Shell, Chevron

P.S. More donations to your campaign are on the way!

[CindyKay]

He's an

A
S
S
H
O
L
E

People !!!!!!!

[barackobama4prez]

He doesn't know about Economics by his own admission.

[southernfried]

then that will lose jobs more jobs in this country

[gvc]

The way to mitigate gas prices is to cut a check to the people, not to the oil companies.

Suppose you drive 10,000 miles/year and 20 miles/gallon. That's 500 gallons of gas. A $1000 check (which is precisely what Obama proposes) works out to the equivalent of a $2/gallon break.

Or maybe start a car pool, drive 5,000 miles/year and it works out to a $4/gallon break; i.e. free gas!

Compare that to donating $0.18/gal on your behalf to Exxon-Mobil.

The point is to give relief while rewarding conservation, not to subsidize the oil companies and encourage consumption.

[mydogshakespeare]

You just bought my vote, John! Your gas tax holiday puts $10 back in my pocket every month, so now I can afford to supersize my lunch at McD's about once a week!

Hooray for "Supersize McCain and his Gas Tax Holiday!" Let the good-times roll.

[meanguy]

hey, anyone who doesn't need $10 extra a month, send it to me...

[harriscrl3]

Should do wonders for the environment but hey I'm not worried McCain is the Green president.

Carol

[jfor]

Hello my friends..... sniff, gas is expensive, whine, thats why, snivel, I want to extend, sniff, the non-existant, whine, gas tax holiday, snivel.

Now thats what I call a plan.