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

Even at Slower Speeds, SUVs and Pickups are a ‘Big’ Problem for Pedestrians

Pedestrians hit by median-height cars have a 60 percent chance of suffering moderate injuries, but that figure rises to 83 percent when they are struck by a median-height pickup truck at that same speed.

December 10, 2024

Can We Build Car-Light Neighborhoods From Scratch — Even in Texas?

Can you really build a car-light neighborhood in suburban Houston — and could it inspire car-dependent places to explore new ideas about development?

December 10, 2024

How Trump’s Mass Deportation Plans Could Make U.S. Roads More Dangerous

President-elect Trump's promise to deport one million people per year will make America's streets less safe.

December 9, 2024

The Buck Stops With Monday’s Headlines

Harry Truman was known for whistle-stop campaigning, and interstates are associated with Eisenhower. But that's not entirely true, as the Eno Center explains.

December 9, 2024

Here’s Why Your Dead Christmas Tree Should Be in the Road, Not on the Sidewalk

The opposite of a heartwarming holiday story? It's the story of Barbara Hutson, who suffered two broken arms after she tripped on some Christmas trees that should have been in the road.

December 9, 2024
See all posts