Back to the Future: Democrats Raise Taxes

They'll never learn, which is the hallmark of idiotic socialism. Well, I'm sure the morons at the Kult of Koslam Konvention cheered when they heard this, but consumers can expect one thing: gas prices will increase to pay for this massive tax hike on oil companies. Unless, of course, the President whips out the veto pen.

House OKs new taxes on oil companies

WASHINGTON - Declaring a new direction in energy policy, the House on Saturday approved $16 billion in taxes on oil companies, while providing billions of dollars in tax breaks and incentives for renewable energy and conservation efforts.

Republican opponents said the legislation ignored the need to produce more domestic oil, natural gas and coal. One GOP lawmaker bemoaned "the pure venom ... against the oil and gas industry."

The House passed the tax provisions by a vote of 221-189. Earlier it had approved, 241-172, a companion energy package aimed at boosting energy efficiency and expanding use of biofuels, wind power and other renewable energy sources.

"We are turning to the future," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Not a word about drilling for oil on our own soil. It's all about gouging the evil oil companies, who make less revenue than the federal government does off oil. They do the heavy lifting while the government spends nothing and collects billions in taxes.

"This will save consumers money," said Rep. Tom Udall, D-N.M., the provision's co-sponsor, maintaining utilities will have to use less high-priced natural gas.

Nonsense. The oil companies, I guarantee you, will increase prices. I'd noticed a decrease in costs at the pump in recent weeks. So much for that.

Naturally, Pelosi whipped out the "it's for the children" canard, forgetting the fact the children's parent's will be forced to pay.

"It's about our children, about our future, the world in which they live," Pelosi said.

There are still some Republicans willing to tell the truth, however.

"There's a war going on against energy from fossil fuels," said Rep. Ralph Hall, R-Texas. "I can't understand the pure venom felt against the oil and gas industry."

Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, said the bill was "a political exercise" to promote "pet projects, ... pet ideas." He predicted it "isn't going anywhere" because President Bush will veto it if it gets to his desk. Feel free to veto, Mr. President.