Keep ‘em at the Teat
Senate Republicans proposed a $100 rebate check for millions of taxpayers Thursday to counter high gasoline costs, but linked the assistance to drilling in an Alaska wildlife refuge, assuring the measure would face stiff opposition from most Democrats.
Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee called the proposal “a bold package that will give consumers some relief” from gasoline prices that have passed $3 a gallon in many parts of the country.
“We are going to ease the burden,” added Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., at a GOP news conference unveiling the measures. Frist said he hoped for a Senate vote next Tuesday.
The idea here is simple… keep people used to paying high gas prices, and pander to oil companies. Typical Republican big-government schtick.
Democrats, meanwhile, were assembling their own package of measures, including a proposal offered by Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., for a 60-day suspension of the 18.4 cent federal gasoline tax and the 24-cent a gallon diesel tax. He said it would provide immediate relief of $100 million a day for motorists.
Hm… Democrats want to reduce the burden that the U.S. government is placing on motorists by temporarily removing the tax. Republicans, to review, want to keep your taxes high, but buy the votes of stupid people by deigning to give you $100 out of the supposed generosity of their hearts. Even if the amount of relief ends up being the same, the methods each send a clear message. Somehow I think I’d rather have the bully stop beating me up for my lunch money, rather than have him continue to beat me up for it and then buy me a soda later in the day.
Thanks to Charles, former registered Republican, for the tip.
