Oil Tax

Your editorial “Conservation Weakens” (Nov. 16) was a start on a problem. There is little doubt that the U.S. should tax imported oil. This could start at so much a barrel for imported oil. Then a gas tax on gasoline should also be imposed. The tax on foreign oil would be an assist to U.S. oil production. It should help U.S. oil compete with foreign oil. It could also be a help with the trade deficit. The per barrel tax and a gasoline tax could also help with the budget deficit. Both taxes would help the U.S. energy conservation program.

I also believe that the U.S. should impose a luxury tax on a number of items such as it did during World War II. We are in an economic war right now and we are losing it. We need a luxury tax on jewelry, furs, beer, wine, liquor, tobacco products, etc., plus a luxury tax on all automobiles exceeding some price level in the $10,000 to $15,000 range. A luxury tax of 10% to 20% would help with the budget deficit, the trade deficit and encourage people to save money rather than spending it.

The gasoline tax would affect most people. The luxury tax would only affect those who can afford it.

WILLIAM S. MORTIMER

Laguna Beach