Plan to Lower Gas Tax Only Encourages Waste

Re “Plan to Lower Gas Tax Floated,” April 6: I cannot imagine any action more shortsighted and, frankly, immoral than to lower the gasoline tax in this day and age. State Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez (D-Los Angeles) should be ashamed of himself for such a proposal. The future will look back upon us in disbelief at our callous irresponsibility.

Craig Boreth

Santa Monica

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Rather than pandering to the people who are driving inefficient vehicles, Nunez should be encouraging them to buy the most efficient car available so that the inevitable price increases for gas will hurt them as little as possible. To do the opposite is merely enabling wasteful behavior.

Paul Scott

Santa Monica

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Bush administration officials are guilty of dereliction of duty in not making an effort to protect Americans from runaway oil prices. They also are failing to protect us from the giant oil company mergers that are causing excessive fuel prices. They appear to be doing nothing. People should complain loudly to their legislators. Both Democrats and Republicans should eagerly share carrying this ball.

Ralph Smathers

Newhall

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In the spirit of those whose recent predictions of obscene spikes in the price of a barrel of oil led to the same, I am predicting the opposite, i.e., substantial decreases following an antitrust investigation of the industry. Heck, this letter alone should send prices tumbling!

Craig Brown

Hemet