The U.S. Chamber of Congress has suggested that a tax be placed on hybrids to make up for a projected shortfall in federal gas tax revenue. Despite the official sounding name, the chamber is a separate business with no connection to the federal government. Unfortunately they are a lobbying group that does have some connections with our politicians. Let’s hope no one in Congress or the White House pays any attention to this asinine idea.

This is such a bad idea. The tax deduction for hybrids is being phased out. This year you can claim $2000, next year only $500, after that zip, zilch, nada. Obviously the fuel crisis and our dependency on foreign oil, especially Arab oil, is over. 6000 lb. trucks and SUV’s are subsidized by the IRS to the tune of $25,000 each but hybrids are being axed. What the fuck? This is an insult to every person who died in the 911 attacks, Afghanistan or Iraq, and to all those who serve in the U.S. military.

The chamber also suggests taxing hybrids based on mileage driven; another asinine idea. Lets turn that around and tax based on vehicle weight and gas mileage. Heavier vehicles cause more damage to the roads and therefore should pay more in taxes to pay their fair share. Gas guzzlers already pay more in taxes since they consume more gas per mile than more efficient vehicles. Consuming less energy should be rewarded not penalized. In World War II we rationed fuel for the war effort. Today we are making an opposite effort by subsidizing gas guzzlers. It’s a matter of national security here. The less money we send to the Arab states the less money the terrorists will have to fight us. Of course this won’t entirely stop terrorism and they will still find the money needed to attack us but at least it won’t be coming from our own wallets.

Economically we shouldn’t hinder hybrids or the desire to be less dependent on foreign energy. By promoting fuel efficient vehicles the economy won’t be harmed. You will be able to travel at lower costs and therefore more likely to. You’ll be more inclined to take the family on a vacation and spend money in various businesses. High energy costs and low efficiencies only discourages spending and hinders the economy. Discretionary income decreases and the economy suffers.

If anything the tax break for trucks and SUV’s needs to go away. The tax credit for hybrids should be increased and extended. This would increase the incentive for automakers including the ever closer to bankruptcy court General Motors to produce energy efficient vehicles.

Pimpdaddy: Welcome to the PoliticalWhore.com brothel Jack. Is it OK if I call you Jack?
Toledo Mayor Jack Ford: Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Pimpdaddy: So what do you believe is your greatest accomplishment as mayor of Toledo?
Toledo Mayor Jack Ford: Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Zzzzzzz, zzzzzzzz zzzzzz zzzzz. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Pimpdaddy: That’s quite an accomplishment. I see you are a big dreamer.
Toledo Mayor Jack Ford: Zzzzzzzzzzzz.

Pimpdaddy: What about job creation and unemployment in Toledo?
Toledo Mayor Jack Ford: Zzzzz.

Pimpdaddy: Do you think that Carty Finkbeiner being white and of German heritage had anything to do with the NAZI riots in North Toledo?
Toledo Mayor Jack Ford: ZZZZZZZZ! Zzzzzz. Zzz. Z.

Pimpdaddy: Well that does seem obvious now that you mention it.
Toledo Mayor Jack Ford: Zzzz.

Pimpdaddy: What about the allegations of special treatment given to Jimmy Jackson and the Steam Plant project?
Toledo Mayor Jack Ford: Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Pimpdaddy: Why did you vote to increase Toledoan’s electric rates?
Toledo Mayor Jack Ford: Zzzzzzzz. Zzzzzzzzz.

Pimpdaddy: So having taken campaign donations from First Energy had nothing to do with your decision to place the tie-breaking vote to raise our electric rates?
Toledo Mayor Jack Ford: Zzzzzz. Zzzzzz.

Pimpdaddy: So I suppose you wish that you had donations from Columbia Energy too?
Toledo Mayor Jack Ford: Zzzzzz/

Pimpdaddy: Is it true you intend to revive “black night” and “white night” at Southwyck mall as means to increase mall traffic?
Toledo Mayor Jack Ford: Zzzz. Zzzzzzzz. Zzzzzzzz.
Pimpdaddy: Yeah, that does sound like a dumb idea.

Pimpdaddy: Would you consider a cage match death fight with Carty Finkbeiner?
Toledo Mayor Jack Ford: Zzzzzz.

Pimpdaddy: So you consider Carty Finkbeiner to be an honorable adversary?
Toledo Mayor Jack Ford: ZZZZZZ. Zzzzz. Zzzzzz. ZZZZZ!

Pimpdaddy: What about the so called “Marina District”?
Toledo Mayor Jack Ford: Zzz “zzzzzzz” zzzz, zzzzzzzzzz zzzzz.

Pimpdaddy: How many firefighters and police do you intend to layoff after the election”?
Toledo Mayor Jack Ford: Zzzz.

Pimpdaddy: And garbage and refuse services will be increased by how much?
Toledo Mayor Jack Ford: Zzz.

Pimpdaddy: Will that include the extra costs in removing Frank Szollosi’s campaign signs?
Toledo Mayor Jack Ford: Zz.

Pimpdaddy: What’s your stance on the proposed Technology Corridor?
Toledo Mayor Jack Ford: Zzzzzzzz.
Pimpdaddy: I thought you might say that.

Pimpdaddy: Any last words?
Toledo Mayor Jack Ford: ZZZzzzzzzz.

Pimpdaddy: Goodnight Mayor.
Toledo Mayor Jack Ford: Zzzzzzz. Zzzzzz zzzz zzzz zzzzzz zzzzzzz zzzzzzzz. Zzzzzz zzzz zzzzz zzzzzz.