I sincerely appreciate the response. I need to correct a couple of items. First, we get the majority of our oil from Mexico and Canada. It's a simple, easily verifiable fact.
Second, conversation is great, but no government legislated program/tax/demand to change consumerism has ever worked. You and I both know it. But market driven circumstances have.
Third, with reference to the Middle East being unstable, you're right: it is, but it's a whole lot more stable now than it was 10 years ago. Does one not think that our continued presence their will not only benefit the region, but in the end, our economy and safety? How could it not?
Forth, you use the term "Global warming" as if it's a fact, when in fact, it is clearly not. In fact, I believe that the proponents now use the term "Climate change", as "Global warming" was lamb blasted by scientists as clearly whacko science. Fact. With the word fact used lots...
Fifth, we do have diesels here; we even have Tier I, then II, now Tier III diesels. And believe me, your paying for them. We have little VW's running around getting great mileage, and little Geos too. They are available, but the idea that you can force a consumer to purchase a product that you forced a manufacture to produce, because you think it's the way you want things, doesn't work. Which is why people by SUV's (or now, overgrown station wagons with big tires). It's because it's THEIR money, to spend as THEY wish.
And last, who cares what profit they make off "every SUV sold"..? What part of "supply and demand", "free market", "capitalism", are we having a problem with?
Bringing me to the last point. All last year I heard complaints about the billions of profit that the oil companies made, and how it was criminal, outrageous, and obscene. So I pose the question? Do you think that a 10-12% profit on my little business that I run is wrong? Doesn't sound like much, and it's a whole lot less than your average big business, say, like a shoe company (Nike rings a bell..I think their profits are in the 30-40% range). So, back to the subject, if I recall correctly, big oil's actual net profit was 8%.. I fail to see what's wrong with that. And of course, like Wal Mart, if one doesn't like it, don't shop there, don't buy their product. Same with SUV's.
I have no doubt that a lobbyist made that comment to you. Takes all kinds. But that one comment doesn't give one the right to propose wrongs.
I offer you substance in my arguments, not talking points. I did appreciate hearing back; but I clearly fear this (and in particular, my first letter) aren't sinking in. It's good that the bill won't pass; but it never should have been introduced, much less written. What say you about the tax increase and its effects had it been enacted?
