Suppose we instituted a defense/war tax on imported oil... Say that tax FUNDED the ME defense budgets (vs roads, which the $0.50 tax does now)... Gas would be near $8 a gallon... Which would certainly cause changes in the economy...

But let's say we -- at the same time -- gave a sizable tax break to everyone in the same amount of a normal persons usage of gas. Let's say $3000/person... So in the end, most people would end up vaguely even...

a) suddenly alternative energy/fuels would be much more attractive, becuase they'd be price competitive.

b) we'd MUCH more rapidly become energy independent, because domestic oil and alternative sources would be viable.

It does seem by having subsidized gasoline we are kind of perpetuating the problem... I'm sure there are tons of problems with this logic (including the obvious impact on the transportation sector) but wouldn't something like this make some sense?
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The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope. -John Buchan