Looking back, and speaking of gas taxes, one really should have been implemented after 9/11. The public would have been receptive to the idea if it had been pitched in the name of combatting terrorism. Dump the money directly into a "Manhattan Project" with the focus on any and all technology that would advance efficiency and develop alternative fuels as fast as we possibly can. 25 cent per gallon gas tax to promote fuel efficiency and battle terrorism? People wouldn't have flinched. Maybe the reality of $3 a gallon will wake people up, but good luck trying to pass a gas tax now.
Sorry, but I gotta say it. This country needs real leadership. There's more to winning a war then bombs, and strangling the funding of people who want to kill us is a great way to do it.
Speaking of leadership, I suspect many people who were watching and had done their homework knew that the horrible stuff that is taking place in the Gulf right now was going to happen. Hindsight is 20/20, and obviously no one wanted to cry wolf, but I'm surprised the feds didn't get involved sooner, as in WAY before landfall. Your city is below sea level and there's a Cat 5 coming? Just look East at Florida and what happens when Cat 4 and 5's hit there. Hiroshima style destruction...
Very sad and scary.
Being in the surf some nights (tonight?) we get reminded of how close death can be and the power of nature. Right now, the whole nation is getting a VERY grim reminder as well.
Happy to be in the NorthEast and hoping for the best in the Gulf,
Pete