You Decide

The distinctions between democrat and republican, liberal and conservative, can become fuzzy when political parties stake their claims to fiscal responsibility, education, and health care. There are moments, however, when the philosophical differences between parties become crystal clear and the budget announcement by President Obama was one of those moments. The President's cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 83 percent below 2005 levels by 2050 was characterized as a revenue raiser. The President highlighted $646 billion in additional revenue from the greenhouse gas reduction scheme over the next 10-years. Conservatives quickly pointed out that the $646 billion would come from power companies paying for the right to emit greenhouse gases. Those costs would be borne by consumers. So, is cap and trade program a cost or a benefit? You decide.

Submitted by ASO member: Tom Sullivan