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The drop in driving caused by high fuel prices is kicking in the law of unintended consequences.

This time - with depleted fuel taxes, which fund Federally funded state highway projects.

Guess what that means?

Less mass transit funding, or higher taxes, or both.

My guess: Both.

The alternative is pulling funding on approved projects, which means a bounce in unemployment, a drop in support from transportation vendors and a local populace suddenly cranky with their incumbent.

NY State decided they would pass a law declaring that businesses had nexus in their state if they had affiliate program members in NY (among other things).

Expected Result: Supposedly more sales tax revenue for NY.

Actual Result: Businesses say “We’re leaving NY”. One such example: Overstock.com terminated all affiliate member account contracts for affiliates in NY state.

So, NY. Exactly how much extra tax have you gained so far?

George Will asks some tough questions in this week’s Newsweek.

When you ask the right questions, it really isn’t hard to shoot down any candidate and make them look inept.

Months ago, I joined each major candidate’s email list to see what BS they would spout throughout the campaign. Interesting reading.

Today, I received an email from John McCain campaign talking about his gas tax “holiday” proposal.

In part, it says:

“This week, I laid out an economic plan aimed at providing immediate and
long-term relief for all American families. One of the key components of
this plan is a suspension of the federal gas tax on gasoline from Memorial
Day to Labor Day of this year. “

I think McCain thinks we are complete idiots.

While he is probably right, at least collectively speaking, he is a typical whoring politician for trying this move. Is this leadership? Give me a break.

I suspect 98% of people wont do the math. Or they’ll assume he really means all gas taxes. They’ll see this is a great move for the down on their luck working family - not realizing that a pack of smokes costs more than what McCain just saved them.

The Federal gas tax is “only” 18.4 cents per gallon for gasoline, and a few cents more for diesel. The states levy the majority of gas taxes - often 3-4 times as much as the Federal gas tax.

So if you have a 20 gallon tank, McCain’s amazing plan to save America (cough, cough) will save you $3.60 on this week’s fill up. I can see consumers flocking to stores for imported televisions and clothing as we speak. Nevermind the 40% increase in food prices in the last 6 months.

The shill station, aka FoxNews, offered an analysis of why John McCain’s gas holiday plan is a bad idea - and it was actually a pretty good analysis. Only problem is, they weren’t smart enough to come up with it - instead they parroted a road construction trade groups press release about it. Still, the comments were pretty much on target.

Up until now, I’d kinda given McCain a pass because of his service in Vietnam and what he did for his men there. I just can’t do that anymore. He has become one of the pack. Another of America’s worst enemies - a political whore like the rest of them.

Disappointing.