Hybrid
tax credits: Give me something to believe in Barack
Monday, May
07, 2007
Time
to give Toyota some credit!
Congress sucks. Numerous Democrats and Republicans have
been speaking about foreign oil dependency and global
warming for at least a couple of years now, yet they've
done little, despite the fact that a majority agree action
is necessary.
O.K. Forget the past.
Barack
Obama has now claimed that if he becomes President,
he's going to push and to help U.S. automakers to develop hybrid
cars. In addition, he also wants to change the tax
credit for hybrid vehicles so that there is no cap by
manufacturer - something Obama has also proposed as a
legislator.
So, what are we waiting for? Foreign oil dependency and
global warming are important, but not important enough to
act upon before the next election?
In terms of uncapping the tax credit, I realize that
protecting U.S. automakers is important - it's the source
of numerous American jobs. Still, foreign oil dependency
could destroy America, so I'll take national security over
jobs. Thus, let's do everything we can as fast as we can
to end foreign oil dependency, which also happens,
coincidentally, to fight global warming. Thus, between
national security and foreign oil dependency, both
Republicans and Democrats can agree that action is needed.
Yet, Toyota's tax credits are expiring at a time when gas
prices are skyrocketing and the dangers of foreign oil
dependency and global warming are escalating. Toyota's tax
credits are expiring when America needs to change and
Toyota has given America the best path to change with
vehicles like the Prius
and the Camry
hybrid.
Besides, giving consumers more tax credits to buy hybrids
isn't going to destroy Detroit, but more tax credits for
Toyota hybrids will send a clear message to Detroit:
Foreign oil dependency and global warming matter and these
issue matter RIGHT NOW.
America cannot wait until fuel cells are developed, until
cellulosic ethanol is developed. America needs to start
taking action - as much action as possible - right now. If
that helps Toyota more than other automakers, then other
automakers need to get with the program. You don't punish
someone for doing the right thing.
Yes, fuel cells and cellulosic ethanol should be further
developed, but waiting for them to develop is NOT an
option.
So, demand action Mr. Obama - not if you become President,
but now as a legislator. Rally Congress. Rally your fellow
Democrats. Rally open-minded Republicans. Prove that you
can unite the parties to achieve necessary, important
legislation today - not tomorrow.
Do that, Mr. Obama, and I think few will doubt your
Presidential abilities.
posted by Dahcredyns
at
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