The carbon tax

[Boudicea Farms]

My question is what about all the other countries polluting this planet that don't have regulations, I say if passed then we should not allow those countries to import products unless they are willing to follow the same guidelines we as Americans are forced to live with, that includes domestic companies that manufacture abroad. Bring those production facilities back to American soil it would help out our economy by creating much needed jobs. (I can keep my backyard clean but unless my neighbor is willing to do the same the smell of garbage will still permeate the air) I am commenting on a bill that has been introduced to congress similar to that in Australia

 

[guinea fowl galore]

Well we have to start somewhere.
the details have come out and most people are actually going to be making money out of the tax. Pensioners and people with a low income get more compensation by a little bit (like $80-$100) it's only the middle to high incomers (

) that have to pay $1000 a year. Which is way lower then I thought it was going to be. Not too bad at all.
So it's a start and I'm happy that it's FINALLY happened

 

[redhen]

This sounds like it really sucks...
Lets hope the USA doesnt follow...

 

[Delta2 23]

Well yes, a lot of people are thinking it a bad idea that Australia starts first... I heard that the US tried out the ETS a while ago and it disintegrated, hasn't been heard of for years.

But I have to admit, it has its merits.

 

[Dunkopf]

I don't think it will happen here. Not for quite a while at least. Right now our whole system is too messed up. They're going to have to cut some social programs and roll back some tax cuts for middle and upper class people before they start a carbon tax. That's going to upset a whole lot of people. They can't do everything at once.

It would be nice if some of the big companies would just come up with a voluntary plan that is reasonable. Something has to happen. The EPA particulate regulations passed back in 72 or whenever did a ton of good. It's scary to think what the air would be like if that had not happened. A 68 Camaro puts out about 100 times the pollution that a 2010 Camaro with the same size engine. On top of that the 2010 Camaro can do the quarter mile in about 2 seconds less, has a higher top speed and is much more comfortable. It took the EPA to get Detroit and Germany/Japan to develop the needed technology. Now the whole world is better for it.

 

[KristyHall]

Quote:
besides the whole mass genocide thing. and the slavery, oh and the giving his men children for their pleasure as a reward.


the infighting among tribes did not even come close to the slavery torture and mass genocide of the invaders.

since the US has gang problems and infighting does that mean its ok for another country to come in and wipe us all out?

 

[Kdub86]

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I'm the same happy it has started somewhere .. .

 

[Q9]

Quote:
Only partially true. Still, it is depressing, though people like Dunkopf welcome it. The fact that most people only get their information from talking heads on TV is really not helping. There are so many factors that contribute to the zombification of Americans that I can't really pinpoint any one as the biggest. People are getting less and less responsible and expect others to take care of them and think for them. Not conducive to a variety of cultures when everyone listens to the same talking heads.

Like others Q, I find you hard to take seriously too. Please don't assume what I welcome and what I don't.

You've strongly implied multiple times that you were pleased with the elimination of distinct cultures - you referred to it as "evolution," I believe, which is generally a positive comment.

 

[Q9]

Quote:
I'm the same happy it has started somewhere .. .

Reminds me of a quote from Star Wars: Episode III.

"So this is how liberty dies. To thunderous applause."

 

[Dunkopf]

Quote:
Like others Q, I find you hard to take seriously too. Please don't assume what I welcome and what I don't.

You've strongly implied multiple times that you were pleased with the elimination of distinct cultures - you referred to it as "evolution," I believe, which is generally a positive comment.

Q, you will have to do better than that. I have not implied that the flat world concept is a great idea. I have only stated that it is happening and it is indeed evolution. Lack of regulation and tariffs as well as the destruction of unions started during the Ronny years started us on this path.
While the wealthy get more wealthy the middle class is shrinking and pay levels are eventually going to match the rising pay levels in what used to be 3rd world countries. Now they are developing nations. Good for them, not so good for us. It will be a difficult transition but it's happening as we speak. All the wondrous technology we helped to create is reshaping our country. The United Nations is going to continue to grow in strength. Our problems as a nation have nothing to do with the UN. They have to do with our trade policies and the numerous tax loopholes available to companies that go elsewhere to manufacture their goods. A lower corporate tax and elimination of those tax loopholes is the way to bring jobs back. Unfortunately those that can make that happen are better off politically voting against that kind of needed action.

The people of the USA need to quit trying to be isolationist while the businesses all take advantage of the global economy.