Playing both sides of the fence
Here's what I don't get about the NDP's push to control gas prices, as reported in the Richmond Review.On the one hand, the NDP (through their various groups of supporters) say they oppose the twinning of the Port Mann Bridge because it will lead to more cars and more pollution. But then they want to hold back the price of gas (which most economists consider a natural control on cars and pollution), so that more people will be able to afford to put gas in their cars and make pollution. Am I the only one who sees that position as hypocritical?
posted by Jordan Bateman @ 9:05 AM
6 Comments:
Not only is it hypocritical, but it demonstrates a lack of understanding of economics. I suspect the individual MLA's actually know better, but they also know that slamming gas prices always makes for good press.
The funny thing is that if they were serious in reducing gas prices, all they would have to do is reduce gas taxes and the results would be instantaneous. Just look at the price differences between Abbotsford and Langley - gas taxes are 6 cents per litre less in Abbotsford. And what about the prices? Six cents different! What an amazing coincidence.
I thought this was a blog about transportation not partisan politics.
Neither the Liberals or the NDP have very good policies on sustainable transportation in this region.
We should be looking at the best solutions for us and future generations based on evidence and rational arguments. Not based on what some political party tells us to think.
The NDP has been sadly opportunistic on the gas price issue but they have been tragically silent on the Port Mann twinning proposal. There's nothing "hypocritical" about that. It just shows a general lack of understanding of economics and transportation issues. (but that's politics in BC)
The inability of gas prices to go down is simply a reflection of the fact that the demand doesn't go down, and the supplies can't keep pace. Proposed projects like twinning the Port Mann, which do not create the opportunity for much-needed mode shift, will ensure that the demand gasoline will remain high for years to come... and attractive transportation choices and sensible land use developments... non-existant.
Its not a partisan issue, just because Jordan Bateman works for the liberals....
Its called astroturfing.
Yawn. So I guess the Green/NDP folks who call the BC Libs hypocritical will be withdrawing from the transportation debate?
Memo to Jordan and Sacha:
What is your position on gasoline prices? Are they too high or not? Given that crude is at $65 per barrell, shouldn't retail prices be more like about $1 given past pricing? Should consumers simply accept this, or demand an explanation? Why is gasoline so much less in Toronto than in Vancouver?
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