Odds And Ends

Been enjoying the relatively low gas prices? The Powers-That-Be in Washington have taken notice and are contemplating an increase in the gasoline taxes. It seems that the low prices translates into lower revenue to the government.

Here, let me offer a quote from one article:

Debate over the gas tax is picking up in Washington as policymakers prepare to hammer out a federal transportation bill before May 31, when funding will run out. Tax-hike proponents say that raising gas and diesel fees could help cover some of the $100 billion in additional revenues needed to fund the six-year transportation plan shortfall. They add that lower fuel prices should give lawmakers political cover to lift the tax above 18.4 cents per gallon of gasoline and 24.4 cents for diesel — the prices set by Congress in 1993.

Perfect! Why should we get a break?

A couple of teenagers who went on a crime spree in the southeast were captured in Florida. An 18-year-old boy and his 13-year-old girlfriend stole some vehicles, cashed (or tried to) some stolen checks, and may have committed a few burglaries along the way. Next, they will get a lesson in legal proceedings. I predict the girl will claim she was kidnapped.

Meanwhile, in Niger, churches were burned and people were killed as members of that "peaceful" religion of Islam became outraged over images of the Prophet Mohammed. They also rioted in Pakistan over that. As I said before, this will not cease (or even abate) until the alleged moderate Muslims demand it. And they will not demand it until the rest of the world treats Islam as a destructive ideology.

And people wonder why I do not view the future in a more positive way...