Challenge: can anyone propose something more economically absurd than subsidies for oil companies?

I submit to you that there is nothing more ridiculous -- nothing that can be conceived that is more patently ludicrous than subsidies for oil companies right now. I challenge anyone to come up with something more preposterous.





The imagination strains even to come up with something that is in the ball park.





How about a $10 billion grant to Harpo Productions for struggling Oprah Winfrey? A donation of the entire State of Rhode Island to Donald Trump -- a man hurting for real estate?





I know -- how about some competitive protection for Microsoft and Wal-Mart?Challenge: can anyone propose something more economically absurd than subsidies for oil companies?
The tax credits were for activities we want to encourage - exploration, research, etc.





One could argue whether the tax incentives are necessary, but they are not wrongheaded on their face.





Oil company profit margins are comparable to, or lower than, those of other industries - which also receive tax credits.





Reducing or rescinding the credits could result in less exploration, drilling, etc., meaning the supply of oil would fall and the price rise correspondingly if the companies did less of it.





Or, capital (including the investments of pension funds, which are the main source of many average Americans' retirement accounts) may well leave that industry and move into others.





Again, tax credits are not wrong on their face - look at what behavior they are encouraging. Is the behavior good or bad?Challenge: can anyone propose something more economically absurd than subsidies for oil companies?
34 billion dollars a year to Germany to be able to keep our NATO troops there and protect them.Since when does the protector pay the one being protected? Seems odd to me. Paying farmers to NOT grow any crops. Odd as well. Microsoft lobbying for more H1-B visas so they can import tech workers into America when our own tech people are having difficulty finding jobs. Beyond odd....it's just more of the same everywhere one looks. Special interests at work.
You're definitely NOT a tax lawyer or CPA, are you?!? :-))





The Tax Code is crammed FULL of nonsense; your ';question'; is more about you and how you FEEL about the Evil Oil Companies, isn't it?
How about bio-diesel or electric cars...
Paying atheletes $20 million/year each.
Welfare.... funding for 'artists'.... similar liberal programs are ALL worse





Subsidizing oil companies keeps out gas prices lower than what we see in places such as Europe... you want $5 a gallon gas, have your libbie-Dems try and cut those subsidies
Federally funded abortions would top it.
how about pay in to social security in hopes you will get some back!?
Farm subsidies that actually pay farmers not to grow thier crops. And yes, we actually do have those.
National Health Care
How about flat income tax? I'd love to see one of the millionaires who complains about the unfair amount of their income they give to the government live on 75% of $25,000 with a family of four!
I suppose you will be the biggest whiner when the price at the pumps goes up. The reason for the subsidies is because the oil market fluctuates often and we cannot afford to be without oil.





I believe the best case scenario would be to stop subsidies on everything corporate or personal but I do see that coming.
Well, since they gained billions of dollars in profits last year, I dont know who is more absurd. What is your arguement from that?
How about permanent tax cuts for the rich? Those poor rich are always struggling to make ends meet, so they could use the help!
Welfare... Economically speaking it is completely absurd. It is however socially necessary, to an extent.
Farm subsidies - NDEILY, you must be an easterner yuppie with a 9-5 desk job and driving either an SUV or a foreign car - or both. Get real. Oil market fluctuates. Subsidies ARE ridiculous.