Obama's Plan to Track and Tax
By AnjaP
@Rollo1 (16676)
Boston, Massachusetts
May 5, 2011 10:52am CST
No doubt, the big story this week is Osama Dead Laden. So, you may have missed this. Since our attentions are drawn elsewhere, the president probably hopes that the American people overlook the news of a White House proposal to tax automobile drivers based on miles driven.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/159397-obama-floats-plan-to-tax-cars-by-the-mile
Now, calculating and collecting the VMT (vehicle miles traveled) Tax would require the installation of some kind of electronic device in every car on the road.
Americans are already feeling the pinch at the gas pump and traveling by car for anything but necessities - like going to work - has already become prohibitively expensive for many families.
Do you support a VMT? If not, which of the aspects of the VMT do you object to most - the extra tax you can't afford to pay or the installation of a government tracking device on your vehicle?
3 people like this
7 responses
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
5 May 11
http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=13577
Keep us from moving about, the Real ID is not off the table.
2 people like this
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
6 May 11
You either don't drive or get put in jail when you do. The real ID was slated to begin on May 10th or 11th. (don't remember) but has been postponed due to some states that just can't afford to do it right now. Looks like Aug. of 2013 is the deadline.
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
6 May 11
http://anotherblackconservative.blogspot.com/2010/04/democrat-hypocrisy-show-me-your-papers.html
Here's a great blog on why the REAL ID is a wrong move. Arizona's law requiring immigrants to have their papers ready to show is unconstitutional say the Dems., but WE have to have the proper papers ready to show or risk arrest? The hypocricy is gagging me.
@deebomb (15304)
• United States
5 May 11
I read about this some time ago on Biggovernment.com. Some states like Oregon are losing gas tax when people are buying those energy cars. You know we aren't going to get away with out taxes on cars of some kind for the up keep of the infrastructure. They get you even when if you try to do what they want.
2 people like this
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
5 May 11
This has been proposed in several states in response to people buying more fuel efficient cars. Do what the government wants and you get punished.
One question raised is will the police use such devices to issue speeding tickets? If it measures how many miles you drive a computer program could determine the speed of your vehicle.
One thing to consider is the gas tax was developed as a user fee so that the people who used the roads would pay for them. Now this tax is being used to subsidize mass transit for a few people. With the cost of mass transit increasing and ridership declining they need more money so tax the gas more and now charge a mileage tax to cover the cost of the roads. Once a tax is implemented it is rarely removed.
I am opposed to such a tax.
2 people like this
@Rollo1 (16676)
• Boston, Massachusetts
5 May 11
I think the purpose is two-fold:
1. Stop people from buying traditional vehicles that use gasoline and force us into using public transport (high speed rail?) or electric cars; and
2. Implement a system that, in coordination with the new security at bus stations, train stations and airports, keep track of every citizen's movements.
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
6 May 11
For me there is no choice. I do NOT support either of the two choices.
@Rollo1 (16676)
• Boston, Massachusetts
6 May 11
I am afraid it's all part of that Brave New World they envision. A world that they believe that they can micro-manage and save the planet and the human race (well, some of it, they would like to have fewer humans). Problem is, it's not a world worth living in. There's no point to life without choice or freedom. Humans are an independently-minded lot. You may get some to go along quietly, at least outwardly, but you can't control thought and resistance always emerges.
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
6 May 11
That's the plan, reduce our choices and put us all in little boxes than can control.
@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
5 May 11
I certainly do NOT support that, or any new tax. Installing a device in my car is a violation of my right to privacy and I won't do it. How are they going to make people do that? When is enough enough?!
We don't need more taxes, we need the money that the government already seizes from us to be used with more discretion.
1 person likes this
@Rollo1 (16676)
• Boston, Massachusetts
5 May 11
Maybe they don't need to force you to get it installed. They just have to force automakers to install it on all new vehicles. Over time, eventually virtually all drivers will own such a vehicle for no car runs forever. Maybe they can do a Cash for Clunkers to speed up the transition. I agree that it is a violation of privacy and the Fourth Amendment.
@TheMetallion (1834)
• United States
5 May 11
From your link:
“This is not an administration proposal," White House spokeswoman Jennifer Psaki said. "This is not a bill supported by the administration. This was an early working draft proposal that was never formally circulated within the administration, does not taken into account the advice of the president’s senior advisers, economic team or Cabinet officials, and does not represent the views of the president.”
@Rollo1 (16676)
• Boston, Massachusetts
5 May 11
She can say it is not an administration proposal but it was written by and originated in Obama's Department of Transportation. The DOT is part of his administration since the head of that department is appointed by him, not elected by the people. Nice way for them to deny responsibility, but because they have not yet circulated it or polished up a final draft to submit to Congress doesn't meant they had nothing to do with it.
1 person likes this
@TheMetallion (1834)
• United States
5 May 11
Lots of things originate in the Administration and never get proposed. It's not a proposal until they propose it, hence the term.
