This brings us to Sen. Richard Lugar, who unlike many politicians is not a hostage to the next election. As usual, Lugar is setting himself apart by thinking about tomorrow's issues today. In this case, the Indiana Republican is pushing a proposal to increase the federal gas tax by $1 or more to reduce the number of miles Americans drive and the demand for imported oil.
Now before you panic, let me explain the other half of this proposal: Every dollar raised by the gas tax would be sent back to Americans through a cut in the payroll tax, higher Social Security checks or some other measure. Lugar insists this is a crucial selling point.
It's a smart plan. After all, there is no denying statistics that show higher gas prices lead to less driving and a reduced demand for oil imports. And, as Lugar recently wrote, "Nearly every major foreign policy challenge we face is aggravated by our continued addiction to oil."
As we talked by phone Monday, Indiana's senior senator acknowledged the controversial nature of the idea. Already, his office has fielded calls from angry voters. Most calmed down after being told the plan includes a tax decrease equal to the increase. Still, it's certain to be a tough sell on Capitol Hill.
"If you added a dollar when gas was $4 a gallon, people would say, 'my goodness, this is over the top,' " Lugar said. "At $1.71, or $2.71, it's still not very appealing."
But, he added, current gas prices provide an opening, and a new administration in Washington could provide opportunity for bold ideas. Moreover, this is not about money. At its core, the plan Lugar supports is about the environment, incentives for Detroit to invest in fuel-efficient vehicles, and national security.
"In 2008, our country spent over $430 billion (on imported oil)," Lugar said. "Unhappily, a very large amount of the money goes to . . . countries that on other occasions we find to be difficult if not dangerous."
Here's the bottom line: Gas is a bargain today. But ultimately, we'll pay heavily if we don't address our dependence on oil. Why wait until the issue returns to the front page?
http://www.indystar.com/article/2009020 ... 1304/LOCAL