Oil taxes high risk, foreign reward

As the owner of a transportation company, fluctuating energy prices directly and instantaneously impact my company. This cost gets embedded into all the goods we transport, and this holds true for all transportation companies.

In President Obama's 2014 budget, he sets his sights on some targets of the past, American oil and gas companies. While attacking “big oil” may score some political points, it's misguided and counterintuitive.

The crux of the argument for additional taxes is rooted in the name “fairness.” I ask, fair for whom?

Is it fair that all the seniors living on Social Security, as a result of higher energy taxes, will pay more for groceries, heating their home and filling up their gas tank? The only benefactors from higher taxes on American energy companies are foreign energy companies. I prefer my money go to American companies.

Millions of Americans cannot afford higher energy costs.

So why should we risk jeopardizing our fragile economic recovery for the political gain of a few politicians?

Steve Armstrong

Cedar Rapids