Follow the (Warming) Money
In my toilsome fight against global warming alarmism one question is usually posed to me. It is usually something like this:
“If global warming is fake as you say, then why is there so much fuss about it? Where is the motivation?”
My response is short and to the point. “Follow the money.” In most political games all you have to do is follow the money to see the real drivers of the system.
On great thing about a democratic society is capitalism. Even at a time where we are paying $4 for a gallon of gasoline I am hesitant to suggest that the government get involved. At a time where billions of our tax dollars are going to support welfare and other special interest programs where is the line drawn between capitalism and socialism drawn? Is it that much of a stretch to label these programs as a form of wealth redistribution? Don’t get me wrong here. I am not against these programs (so long as they are managed properly–we all know they aren’t) and I’d hope that if I ever fell on hard times that my government could help bail me out. Still, no matter how you frame it, this is taking money from taxpayers and giving it to those who don’t pay taxes.
So what does all this have to do with Global Warming? Our friends across the pond (that’s England I’m referring to) have suggested a new scheme as an effort to curb their carbon output. Some members of Parliament have suggested that each citizen be given a carbon card. Each year this card would be loaded with credits. Every time you fill up your gas tank, pay your electric bill, or take a flight anywhere you have to swipe you carbon card and an amount is debited. If you are an excessive carbon user you can then purchase credits from those frugal carboners to offset your lavish lifestyle.
Lets re-frame this a little bit. I am a successful, hardworking, middle class, family man. I live in the suburbs with my wife and 3 kids in a decent sized house. I have to commute to work every day in my car. I have to heat and cool my house. Occasionally, I like to take well deserved trips to get away from it all.
Now take the Smiths, a blue collar family with 3 kids. They live in a small apartment in the city within walking distance (or able to use public transportation) of most locations they need to go to. They don’t own a car and are rarely ever able to take flights anywhere.
Naturally, my family is going to use much more carbon than the other family. So, because of my lavish lifestyle I have to buy carbon credits from the Smiths. Explain to me how this is not wealth redistribution? It amounts to a luxury tax in the name of reducing carbon.
If you read the linked article above, the author acknowledges that there are many kinks that would need to be worked out before this becomes feasible. I’d like to add to the list. What about weather? Since I live up north in the cold, my heating bills would far outweigh those of somebody in the south. Would there be a regional adjustment? What if I am a business traveler and have to fly every week? Do those credits come out of my allowance or my companies? Who determines how many credits I get to begin with? To children get the full amount? Is it age adjusted?
Perhaps hitting the nail on the head, the articles author pointed out that “There is huge potential for fraud.” If our governments can’t properly run the programs we already have then the idea of a program on this scale is frightening. I’ll be praying for you England. Good Luck.