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Del.
Patrick L. McDonough (R), District 7
Lowe
House Office Building, Room 310
84
College Ave.
Annapolis,
MD 21401 - 1991
(410)
841-3334
pat.mcdonough@house.state.md.us
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12/16-Gas Bandits Are to
Blame for Current Gas Prices
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by Delegate Pat McDonough (R - 7) -
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Jesse James and his gang
of thieves are small change compared to the robbery being perpetrated
upon the American people by the “Gas Bandits.” Politicians,
speculators, oil barons and hustlers have combined to push consumers
over a barrel. The current gas price hike, for the most part, is being
promoted by commodities trading hustlers in a wide open market.
The real price of a barrel of oil is not being controlled by market
demand. About seven years ago, the President and Congress
de-regulated the oil trading market, allowing it to become a “Dodge
City, without a sheriff.” Politicians in Washington are sitting
on the sidelines, allowing these hustlers to rob consumers blind and
drive up the cost of living.
Now local politicians, like Senate President Mike Miller, are proposing
a gas tax hike in Maryland, which is unnecessary. This reckless
proposal is occurring when the state’s economy is suffering and people
are losing their jobs. A gas tax increase would be cruel and
counterproductive.
A so-called deficit in the State Transportation Trust Fund is being
used as the excuse for the gas tax hike. The reason for the
deficit is the questionable robbing of the Trust Fund over the years by
state politicians for pet projects and non-transportation
programs. Gas taxes, which are paid for by motorists, are used to
fund the airport, subway system, light rail, Port of Baltimore,and
other non-transportation projects. Motorists and other highway users
who pay the bills receive only partial benefits, while passengers on
the subway and light rail ride free or are subsidized.
Here is an action plan that would protect consumers, grow the economy
and promote energy independence.
1. The speculator’s market should be regulated.
2. Oil exploration should be expanded dramatically.
3. Alternative energies, like electric and hybrid, should be developed
on a fast track.
4. The petroleum reserve should be allowed to release oil in the
domestic market to reduce prices.
5. Maryland should declare a moratorium on big transportation projects
like the light rail system for Baltimore and Washington, D.C. areas
which costs billions of taxpayers’ dollars.
It is time for citizens to demand “energy justice” from their American
and Maryland elected representatives.
For additional information, contact Delegate McDonough by calling
410-238-0025 or send an e-mail to Patmcdee@comcast.net.
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