> The thing that really narks most of us off in the UK about 
> the fuel prices
> is that 70% of the fuel price goes to the government 
> ..........

I don't see what the % is a major issue - as long as it's 
not, say, 90%+.

It's WHAT the government does with the money it takes in 
that is the most effective focus of ones angst. If you 
effectively target as a nation what you want your 
'representatives' to do and the manner and amount that they 
take will track. If the tax take 'needed' is a certain 
figure then effective action at increasing eg fuel taxes 
will simply produce greater taxes elsewhere. It's reasonable 
to assume that the government distributes its taxation 
burden in a manner which optimises its popularity and its 
prospects of remaining in power. They may not be very smart 
but they are not at all stupid !!! :-).

If fuel tax was say halved - with consequent price reduction 
by 35% and rise in use and impact on balance of payments and 
all that goes with that, where would you like want them to 
make up the lost revenue from? If your answer is 'I 
wouldn't" then you are liable to be more effective targeting 
that as a root problem rather than one already optimised 
manifestation :-)


        Russell






-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist