Cap and Trade Disaster

The photo links to a Wall Street Journal article detailing the "Cap and Trade" legislation pending in the House of Representatives.

While the authors touch the subject obliquely, they do not outline or address the effect this will have on things we buy.

How much will a jar of peanut butter or a head of lettuce cost? Will the cost of carbon be laid only on American farmers and producers? That would have the effect of making imported food (and other items) even more attractive to consumers. That would result in fewer American jobs and greater dependence on foreign trade for life-sustaining items.

The optimistic estimate of Representative Markey of "only" $178 per year per household is sure not to have considered this.

Let's face it, carbon emissions are a part of virtually EVERY thing we use.

I live in a rural town with no railroad service. Every item I can purchase or every item we manufacture and sell is transported via truck (that burns carbon-based fuel) to and from our town. The nearest metropolitan area to us is 2 hours away. What will the burden of the carbon tax be on our cost of goods relative to our urban "neighbors"?

This has the potential to devastate the rural economy of America. Once that economy has been destroyed, we will see interstate trade impacted, and ultimately there will be an effect on the urban economies.

But, boy! will we have blue skies and clear water! We'll stop global warming and everyone will enjoy the same climate that currently is only available in Santa Barbara, CA! Never mind that I'll need to work for a week to purchase a loaf of bread - IF my employer hasn't been driven out of business by the rising cost of carbon credits.

Stop the madness!