Re the May 1 editorial Gas-tax holiday not the solution: Agreed, but we also need to conserve, reducing our energy consumption as alternative sources become viable on a large scale. We can't just focus on supply. In fact, a higher gasoline tax is the obvious and proven solution. Cars average 36 miles per gallon in Europe compared to just 21 in the United States.
Ford, Audi, Peugeot, Renault and Citroen all have four-passenger cars in Europe that get more than 60 mpg using conventional turbo-diesel technology. Meanwhile, we hear ads that tout 30 mpg models as we rumble along in our SUVs, trucks and performance sedans.
Let's gradually raise gas taxes by at least a dollar and allow consumers to make rational decisions about how big or efficient their next vehicle will be. Regressive? Yes, but a higher gas tax could be offset via reduced income-tax rates in the lower brackets. We are addicted to oil. But let's stop gulping and start sipping. Our political leaders must have the fortitude to lead and make tough -- and sometimes unpopular -- decisions.
THOMAS ATKINSON, Miami
I own a gas station. Spanish-language radio and TV told people that Friday should have been a day to boycott gasoline stations because prices are too high.
However, gas stations do not set prices. We have had no profit to speak of in five months, but we're blamed for Exxon, BP and others turning in $40 billion in profit per quarter combined.
Go complain, but leave the gas-station owner alone. We have enough problems. We get hurt by idiocy while the oil companies rake in the cash.
CARLOS R. PONCHIO, Miramar
The price of gasoline is a strain on most Americans' budgets. One hears calls from different quarters for measures to alleviate this burden: drill in Alaska, cut the fuel tax (a disincentive to curb greenhouse gas emissions), produce corn-based biofuels (that, besides being energy inefficient, would result in further food-price increases) and calls for other government actions.
We must face reality. We contribute to this situation with wasteful energy consumption. The solution is changing our ways. Living closer to our workplace is a good start. Switching to energy-efficient vehicles is a sensible and moral decision.
Planning trips to combine chores, taking public transportation and forming car pools save of fuel. Making our homes more energy efficient is a good investment. There are many incentives and resources to help us.
Measures such as these can take us a long way toward alleviating the energy crisis we will face in the future. We cannot expect others to solve our problems if we are not willing to do our share.
TAMAS KALLOS, Coral Gables
