Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Barack Obama

Fly on the Wall Alert: Obama, LaHood, and Tom Friedman Tee Off

In yesterday's New York Times, columnist Tom Friedman published an impassioned plea for American policy-makers to reconsider their knee-jerk opposition to raising the federal gas tax or debating a carbon tax to set a more appropriate price for energy use. Friedman writes:

obamagolf.jpgThe president on the links. (Photo: Gawker)

Accordingto the energy economist Phil Verleger, a $1 tax on gasoline and dieselfuel would raise about $140 billion a year. If I had that money, I’ddevote 45 cents of each dollar to pay down the deficit and satisfy thedebt hawks, 45 cents to pay for new health care and 10 cents to cushionthe burden of such a tax on the poor and on those who need to drivelong distances.

As it happens, Friedman had the perfect opportunity to talk about his views during a long day of golfing with President Obama and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

The Nation wondered why the White House has focused its media courtship more on "traditional newspapers" rather than the bloggers who helped power Obama's election victory, while Politico's Michael Calderone declared that Friedman's audience with Obama had vaulted him "to the front of the access line."

But if Friedman's tee time with the president -- said to be a fan of the columnist's latest book, Hot, Flat, and Crowded -- is truly a mark of increased influence, one supposes it's only a matter of time before Obama and LaHood reverse their strong opposition to a gas tax hike to pay for long-term infrastructure investment.

Ah, to be a fly on the wall...

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

No, Washington Post, Driver’s Ed Isn’t The ‘Main Cause’ of Our Road Violence Crisis

A recent Washington Post article blamed bad driver's ed for America's dismal roadway safety stats — and gets a lot of facts wildly wrong.

August 14, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines Cross That Bridge

But you shouldn't have to if you're on foot. Plus, Amtrak's 2021 expansion plan faces grim prospects under President Trump.

August 14, 2025

Four Policies Progressives Are Backing for the Next Big Transportation Bill

Progressives are refusing to water down their ambitions in the face of a deeply divided Washington.

August 13, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines on a Hot Tin Roof

We're talking about streetcars, but are really tired of "desire" puns.

August 13, 2025

Femmes + Thems Bike Offers a Safe Space For Chicagoans to Ride Together

Women, femme, nb, and trans Chicagoans are gathering together to enjoy life on two wheels.

August 12, 2025

Vital ‘Lifeline’ or Blatant Ripoff? Instacart Makes NYC Groceries 75% More Expensive

Instacart is arguing that its services are a lifeline to low income New Yorkers, but the app makes groceries 75 percent more expensive.

August 12, 2025
See all posts