Gas Tax

The logic is irrefutable for increasing the U.S. gasoline tax--a 50-cent tax (less than in Europe) would bring in some $50 billion that would pay for our oil trade deficit, while reducing consumption and pollution.

But such an unpopular tax should not be expected until a real national emergency occurs. A gas tax increase is still a political no-no, due to the vehement objections of two groups of voters--namely those who buy gasoline and those who sell it.

L.F. IVANHOE

Santa Barbara