Saturday, August 11, 2007

Hill "ensures choice" by limiting choice

In his email today applauding the House's recent efforts on energy legislation, Rep. Hill talked about reducing our foreign dependence on oil-- through subsidies to alternative energy sources and "CAFE" restrictions on MPG (although having a lower standard for pick-up trucks).

As I wrote a few days ago, it's odd to see Rep. Hill voting for corporate subsidies. One might add that he is in favor of subsidies to the rich (who are much more likely to buy the subsidized cars).

But in the email, he concludes that a higher CAFE/MPG restriction "ensures consumer choice". Not really...unless he talking about being forced to choose more expensive and more dangerous automobiles. It's a bad idea. But at the least, you hoped he'd own up to its costs rather than trying to spin a cost as a benefit.

I wish Rep. Hill were more "pro-choice" like this on abortion!