Old Fogey's Quotes for today

It's true that gas is still cheaper here than in the rest of the industrialized world, although the gap is shrinking. It's also true, in my view, that the world would be better off (though it would put Americans in a really foul mood) if the price went a good deal higher, perhaps through a big hike in the federal gasoline tax. That would raise much-needed revenue, since Bush is the most profligate spender since Louis XIV, and also discourage people from driving so much, which would cut carbon emissions and push back the day when palm trees take root at Kennebunkport.

Eugene Robinson in WaPo
Eating Our Greens

The oil companies, like other big corporations, are mostly owned by ordinary citizens, either directly or through mutual and retirement funds. Presumably some of them support the war and others don't. Do any of these shareholders, pro-war or antiwar, want to pocket $45 billion (or whatever number you choose) from a war that is costing others so much?

WaPo Michael Kinsley on the idea to tax oil company excess profits
Tax the Windfall

"You have one of your members in jail, others being investigated. To still take a position that we don't need reform -- it's unbelievable."

Rep. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) regarding Republicans fighting against pork barrel reform
GOP Unity Headed Off at the Impasse

"It just seems wrong for a company —— or its representative —— to offer money to
someone like me to express a view the company wants expressed in the media," he wrote, adding, "It's one thing to offer an employee buyout; it's quite another thing to offer an integrity buyout."

Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich regarding his being offered money to support the GM buyout
G.M. Entangled in Pay-for-Publicity Dispute