Originally posted by Koffee Brown
People that compare us to Europe ALWAYS fail to consider that a lot of the price of gasoline out there has to do with the taxes on the gas- we all pay the same price for the oil, yet their governments tax the gas to pay for their programs.
I don't even pay attention anymore when someone starts blabbing on and on about how the US citizens should be grateful we don't pay what they pay in Europe for gas- we're taxed in the USA in different ways to pay for our programs, that's all.
Koffee
yes and people forget that a big chunk of what we pay here for gas is taxes as well (usually $.50 + per gallon .... often more depending on locale). the taxes theoretically went to support the building and maintenance of roads in many locales
this was a classic use tax....you pay for a share of maintenance if you drive....if you dont buy gas you don't
unfortunately...those taxes now pay for a whole host of programs...often completely unrelated to transportation...and the roads and bridges are neglected...to the hazard of vehicles and bikes alike