Obama gets it right on EU airline tax
For those of you who say I never write anything complimentary about President Obama: He done good this time. From The Hill:
President Obama has signed into law a bill that requires U.S. airlines be excluded from European carbon emissions fees.
Environmentalists had framed the bill as the first test of the president’s commitment to fighting climate change in his second term and urged him to veto it. Obama quietly signed it Tuesday over their objections.
The European Union has been trying since I was living in Brussels to tax any airline, regardless of where it’s based, for the entirety of any flight that enters EU airspace, regardless of how little time the flight actually spends in EU airspace. So, a flight from Los Angeles to London would be taxed for the entire length of the trip, even though only a fraction of it was spent in EU skies.
I don’t think it diminishes what Obama did here to add: He really had no choice. Allowing another government to tax our businesses in this way would open the door to all kinds of mischief — such as taxing a U.S. manufacturer for all its carbon emissions anywhere, not just at its European operations. The U.S. simply can’t cede sovereignty to another government in that way. We fought a war over a similar concept, as you might recall.
As a side note, this issue brings to mind one of my favorite interviews I’ve ever done, with Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary back in 2007. Ryanair is Europe’s leading low-cost air carrier, and O’Leary is one of the most colorful personalities in business, anywhere. The entire interview was fun, but this is the section that’s relevant here:
Airlines have become an enormous target for global-warming doomsayers. Last month, campaigners staged a nine-day protest outside London’s Heathrow airport, hoping to discourage summer vacationers from flying. Mr. O’Leary points out that air transport accounts for only 2% of carbon dioxide emissions world-wide — “It’s less than marine transport, and yet I don’t see anyone [saying], you know, ‘Let’s tax the [bleep] out of the ferries.’”
(”Bleep” was one of the most-used words in my write-up of the interview, as there really was no other way to quote O’Leary at length in a family publication.)
As for Obama: Well done. But if he follows through with that idea of pushing for a global tax on all flights, I’ll be right back to criticizing him …
– By Kyle Wingfield
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199 comments Add your comment
JamVet
November 28th, 2012
7:47 pm
Never mind all of the junk science invoked for the cause.
Hmmmm, this is very difficult.
Do I trust in the OVERWHELMING MAJORITY of greatest scientific minds and experts from around the globe or do I believe the Republicans and the North Koreans.
I’ll have to mull this over for awhile…
Linda
November 28th, 2012
7:48 pm
CC@6:57, Village? More like a cult. I double-dog dare you to go on there when HE’S not there, such as a weekend evening, & proclaim that wrestling is not real. Been there, done that. Go to bed & they will still be bashing you the next morning. Hilarious! Husband lost 10 lbs. laughing on a Sun. morning. Try global warming or the fact that raising taxes never raises revenues. Free entertainment.
md
November 28th, 2012
7:50 pm
Well Mark, the chart from NOAA shows it leveling off over the past decade or so:
http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cmb-faq/anomalies.php
I’ll come back later and post the quotes of the BEST study where the head guy says it’s 50/50…..you do know what 50/50 means right? Just as much chance as being untrue…..
Kamchak - You cons said Elmer Fudd could defeat Obama, so why didn't you nominate him?
November 28th, 2012
7:52 pm
I double-dog dare you to go on there when HE’S not there, such as a weekend evening…
Well, unlike this place, next door doesn’t get shut down on the weekends or when daddy’s gone.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Pat Robertson
November 28th, 2012
8:00 pm
Kamchak
Why does this blog get shut down?
CC
November 28th, 2012
8:08 pm
Rafe:
I had no choice but to take prompt action. An Obammy appointee contacted me and told me that I was undercapitalized and unless I could rectify the situation immediately, I faced either a merger or forced buy-out! I was treated much the same as a bank . . .
Kamchak - You cons said Elmer Fudd could defeat Obama, so why didn't you nominate him?
November 28th, 2012
8:08 pm
Why does this blog get shut down?
Why ask why?
Drink Bud Dry.
Rafe Hollister, dreading the eventual decline caused by Obamanism
November 28th, 2012
8:11 pm
Tiberius, hope you are not holding your breath waiting on that apology. You know their excuse will be that all Conservatives look alike, or would that be type alike.
Speaking of Idiot Messiah, is that the polar opposite of Our Lord and Savior Barack Obama, as that black preacher called him the other day?
MarkV
November 28th, 2012
8:13 pm
md @ 7:50 pm
How are you are qualified to judge what is the BEST study?
As for the presumed leveling, I have already answered that, if you care to notice.
CC
November 28th, 2012
8:14 pm
Linda:
I will try that! I have made it a habit to pretty much stay away from there because I worried that whatever infected these leftists might be contagious! I could stand to lose ten pounds or so and could definitely use the laughs so I will do as you suggest. Leftists, who seem to have no sense of humor, are really quite funny little pieces of work.
Rafe Hollister, dreading the eventual decline caused by Obamanism
November 28th, 2012
8:14 pm
CC
They were just trying to lay the groundwork for later nationalizing you, after Barry I installs himself as President for Life.
Linda
November 28th, 2012
8:21 pm
Kamchak@7:52, The only bloggers Kyle has to ban are liberals. He only bans a conservative every now & then to make himself appear fair & balanced. It’s only liberals who are consistently foul-mouthed & disgusting. It’s in the genes/DNA/RNA of liberals.
Next door doesn’t get shut down ’cause foul-mouthed & disgusting are accepted, expected & applauded.
Kamchak - You cons said Elmer Fudd could defeat Obama, so why didn't you nominate him?
November 28th, 2012
8:24 pm
He only bans a conservative every now & then to make himself appear fair & balanced.
It’s only liberals who are consistently foul-mouthed & disgusting.
It’s in the genes/DNA/RNA of liberals.
There’s your signs.
Pat Robertson
November 28th, 2012
8:28 pm
“Leftists, who seem to have no sense of humor, are really quite funny little pieces of work.”
CC: you are a “leftist”?
Rafe Hollister, dreading the eventual decline caused by Obamanism
November 28th, 2012
8:28 pm
Even conspiracy theorists have trouble making up stuff more out there than the Dems. I think they passed Orwell some years ago. Now they are floating the idea of a wealth tax, Seriously! Next thing you know, they will be attacking our celebrating Christmas, and suggesting we give U.S. drivers licenses to people, who are citizens of other countries.
Pat Robertson
November 28th, 2012
8:29 pm
Linda
You are a liberal?
Pat Robertson
November 28th, 2012
8:30 pm
Rafe
Sort of like birthers, huh?
Pat Robertson
November 28th, 2012
8:30 pm
Rafe
Sort of like Clinton killed half of Arkansas, huh?
Pat Robertson
November 28th, 2012
8:31 pm
Rafe
Sort of like Obama is going to take away everyone’s guns, huh?
Pat Robertson
November 28th, 2012
8:33 pm
Rafe
Sort of like Obama is a Muslim but attends a Christian Black Church, huh?
Hopeful
November 28th, 2012
8:33 pm
What do you think about Alcohol being sold on Sunday ? I guess tax that too huh
Pat Robertson
November 28th, 2012
8:35 pm
Rafe
Sort of like Romney will win the election, huh?
Now that was a good one, I must say
Pat Robertson
November 28th, 2012
8:39 pm
“Alcohol on Sunday’s bought at a restuarant or store is a good thing.”
Would be interesting to know how many people over the years fought against it being sold in restaurants and now stores, yet have had many a drink from both on a Sunday.
Pat Robertson
November 28th, 2012
8:40 pm
Rafe
Sort of like government gets smaller when Republicans are in the WH and control Congress, huh?
That is another good one
Hopeful
November 28th, 2012
8:41 pm
Do you think it will get like the western days?
Linda
November 28th, 2012
8:41 pm
Pat Robertson, You sort of make the point of conservatives that Obama voters are not “all there.”
Pat Robertson
November 28th, 2012
8:43 pm
Linda: ditto
You are a right wing, walking and talking point….
But do carry on
Rafe Hollister, dreading the eventual decline caused by Obamanism
November 28th, 2012
8:46 pm
Pat
Turn the hurricane, please! Are you saying that there is no talk about taxing wealth? You are just showing how uninformed you are.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/19/opinion/to-reduce-inequality-tax-wealth-not-income.html?_r=0
This has been in the news most of the day, catch up! You can’t make this stuff up, the Dems are out there, beyond what the common man can envision. Sandra Fluck, Man of the year, I’m telling you, you can’t make up anything better.
Pat Robertson
November 28th, 2012
8:50 pm
Rafe
Without even opening up the link, it says opinion.
Let me know when there is a bill in the Senate or House regarding this issue.
Many on the right claimed in 08 and just this month, Obama was going to take your guns. Me showing you an article with some kook saying it, doesn’t make it so…….. does it?
Rafe Hollister, dreading the eventual decline caused by Obamanism
November 28th, 2012
8:50 pm
You cons said Elmer Fudd could defeat Obama, so why didn’t you nominate him?
You got us there Kammie, a serious misoverestimation of the intelligence of the voters on our part.
independent thinker
November 28th, 2012
8:51 pm
Maybe Obama secretly took the pledge after being drugged by Grover?
Pat Robertson
November 28th, 2012
8:54 pm
“You got us there Kammie, a serious misoverestimation of the intelligence of the voters on our part.”
Or a serious case of buying into what was being said by the right wing pundits and websites……….
Rafe Hollister, dreading the eventual decline caused by Obamanism
November 28th, 2012
8:57 pm
Pat
Did I say anything about any bills being introduced. Here is what I said.
Now they are floating the idea of a wealth tax, Seriously!
You do know what floating an idea is. If they can stir up any interest at all, it will gain traction. Nothing destructive is ever implement immediately and whole. Pieces are introduced and incrementally things happen, but it all starts with floating the idea. Then some over leveraged, socialistic, nanny state like CA will try it, touts its effectiveness, and sells the idea to others and ultimately to federal politicians.
Linda
November 28th, 2012
9:04 pm
Pat@8:43, Thank you for your accolades.
@8:50, A liberal who won’t trust the “opinion” of the NYT? Must be rabid! Call Animal Control!
md
November 28th, 2012
9:07 pm
“How are you are qualified to judge what is the BEST study?”
Now that was a good chuckle coming from the guy that supposedly gets his info from sources other than the media.
BEST…..Berkeley Earth Surface Temperatures project……..
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2055191/Scientists-said-climate-change-sceptics-proved-wrong-accused-hiding-truth-colleague.html
And the 50/50 reference:
“However, he admitted it was true that the BEST data suggested that world temperatures have not risen for about 13 years. But in his view, this might not be ‘statistically significant’, although, he added, it was equally possible that it was – a statement which left other scientists mystified.”
In laymens terms, “it’s a 50/50 proposition……but I “think” it is the 50% that supports my views”…..
Pat Robertson
November 28th, 2012
9:10 pm
Rafe
Until it is being discussed buy a House or Senate committee, I do not care what that writer is discussing.
People of all political stripes discuss things all the time. Vast majority of it will get you a copy of the AJC…….. if you have a $1.00 in your pocket to purchase it.
Pat Robertson
November 28th, 2012
9:11 pm
“A liberal who won’t trust the “opinion” of the NYT?”
This from someone who believed what the Fox pundits were telling her in regards to the election…..
Go figure
md
November 28th, 2012
9:14 pm
Wealth tax?
Yep, next on the radar……Dr Lamont Hill said recently that the “experts” say we can turn it in when we do our taxes. A form that shows how much furniture we have, how much jewelry we have, how much cash under the mattress, etc etc.
You libs don’t have a clue as to what you just unleashed with these far left whackos. They are feeling mighty emboldened to come out with their wealth tax this soon……..and think it is a wonderful idea, THAT is the scary part, in the name of “fairness”…….
They are talking about your private property folks…….and they want part of it to do as they please.
When/if they ever get that far, folks might want to start loading up on the alcohol and piss that wealth down the drain like so many already do……..
Dusty
November 28th, 2012
9:23 pm
Well, I see that Kyle has gotten the Christmas spirit. Has offered the discontented here a bit of a peace offering. So Obama says no taxing Americans for flying through air. Or something like that.
Very good. I don’t plan on flying any time soon BUT a brave move of air and such!
Anyway, P’nuts, the little people Christmas show was on and it is cute! I know. Made for children. but it is kinda fun, a bit of innocence for a change. . And I am reading Tolstoy’s Anna Karenin (Tolstoy’s spelling) so I will be ready for the movie. Kinda chilly but a nice day…
Linda
November 28th, 2012
9:31 pm
Pat@9:11, A peeping Tom who cased my home to ascertain if I had a TV or cable.
A minion who celebrates the Democrats winning the presidential election but who fails to understand that all Americans are loosing their country.
Pitiful!
Pat Robertson
November 28th, 2012
9:37 pm
Yes Linda, many times what you post is
“Pitiful”
You leave no doubt about that.
Acer706
November 28th, 2012
9:55 pm
Could any other admin point a finger immediately after winning a second term?
MarkV
November 28th, 2012
11:10 pm
md @ 9:07 pm
I was mistaken thinking you wanted to present a serious argument.
Old Timer
November 29th, 2012
12:35 am
Obama flips and flops like a fish out of water. Can’t remember ” conveniently” fro one day to next .
JDW
November 29th, 2012
7:29 am
@CC…”Yes, and Sasquatch is alive, well and living in the suburbs known as Lost Mountain.”
Sounds like breaking news over at Faux News.
JDW
November 29th, 2012
7:35 am
@Rafe…”College Graduates by a large majority voted for Romney, yes the people with advanced degrees did vote for Barry.”
Sorry you will need to attribute that the numbers I saw had a 1.5 difference in those with just a bachelors degree and if you strip out the white males it is not even close. Meanwhile there was a 10 point margin for Obama in those with a post graduate degree…ie the more educated bunch. Again if you look at the demographics the ONLY one Romney carried with any margin at all is white males with no college degree.
Rafe Hollister, dreading the eventual decline caused by Obamanism
November 29th, 2012
9:03 am
So, JDW, we have to strip out white males from the USA? I knew we, the descendants of the founders, were despised, unappreciated, and over taxed, but I thought we still counted, guess not!
Rafe Hollister, dreading the eventual decline caused by Obamanism
November 29th, 2012
9:16 am
JDW
Those with less than a high school degree (a declining share of all voters, 3% in 2012) usually vote for Democratic presidential candidates, while those with a post-graduate degree (18%) have voted for Democratic candidates by substantial margins in recent contests. In 2012, they voted 55% for Obama and 42% for Romney. College grads (29% of all voters) split 51% for Romney, 47% for Obama.
http://www.aei.org/article/politics-and-public-opinion/polls/2012-election-results-from-a-to-z/?gclid=CPnqrMmt9LMCFYKK4AodomsAwA
My point exactly JDW, it is all how you spin it. Looks like a 4% difference, course if you randomly select out those who are white, born of two parents households, believe in God, love their country, etc, you can get whatever you want.
Looks to me like the uneducated overwhelmingly voted for Barry.
md
November 29th, 2012
12:00 pm
“I was mistaken thinking you wanted to present a serious argument.”
Too funny……I guess that means you do not agree with the data they presented so as far as you are concerned it becomes irrelevant.
It’s a good thing real scientists don’t think like you do…….