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Old 07-02-2009
Thematic-Device Thematic-Device is offline
Secretary of State

 
Member Since: Apr 2004
Location: CT
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Re: FT: Obama, Good Issues & Bad Bills

Quote:
Originally Posted by kramer View Post
"a law that really made a difference would make energy dearer, hurt consumers and force an economic restructuring that would be painful for many industries and their workers."
That ones actually a bit squishy. Its supposed to be an ineffective tax (effective taxes don't change peoples behavior) So its supposed to hurt in so far as it makes you take an action you wouldn't have chosen otherwise.

At the same time, most plans call for it to be revenue neutral, as it should be, because while you do want to impose a penalty for producing carbon you don't want to just hurt the economy. Which is why carbon taxation can replace sales taxes/income taxes/etc.
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