DOT Re-Opens HOS Rulemaking for Comment

Apparently, FMCSA is re-opening its job-killing, nothing-to-do-with safety rewrite of the hours of service rules to comments. FMCSA is presenting four new studies, and is seeking comments on them. At present, there is no timetable as to when they are going to close the comment window, although the courts have directed FMCSA to have a final rule by July 26.

I have not read the new studies. I am not going to read the new studies. But I know what’s in them. This is simply a very educated guess, but FMCSA’s initial statistics justifying their restrictive rules was so slipshod, they would have been beaten in court. So, voila! 4 new studies, all of which undoubtedly state there’s an epidemic of death on the highways caused by fatigue, and only Obama’s new rules can save us. All patent nonsense, of course. Nevertheless, more junk statistics “justifying” the need for more rules. Maybe they explained how a life went from being worth $3 million to $6 million at the stroke of a pen. At any rate, ATA will turn their statisticians on them and have an answer, at some point.

Obama Administration Plans to Tax Miles Driven

Apparently, in the new highway reauthorization bill slowly being crafted in Congress, Ray LaHood and Obama have inserted language requiring the study and implementation of a plan to tax automobile drivers based on how many miles they drive. More information is found in this blog by “The Hill”.

This is no surprise at all, and will certainly happen if we do nothing and let it happen. It will certainly happen quicker for commercial vehicles, as all will have EOBRs in them within the next 5 years if the Obama Administration and the American Trucking Association get their way. Not a problem to track and tax a truck if it has an EOBR in it.

And now, one of my favorite Beatles tunes, Taxman:

Let me tell you
How it will be.
There’s one for you,
Nineteen for me,

‘Cause I’m the taxman.
Yeah, I’m the taxman.

Should five percent
Appear too small,
Be thankful I don’t
Take it all.

‘Cause I’m the taxman.
Yeah, I’m the taxman.

If you drive a car,
I’ll tax the street.
If you drive to city,
I’ll tax your seat.
If you get too cold,
I’ll tax the heat.
If you take a walk,
I’ll tax your feet.

Taxman!

‘Cause I’m the taxman.
Yeah, I’m the taxman.

Don’t ask me what I want it for,
(Uh-uh, Mr. Wilson.)
If you don’t want to pay some more.
(Uh-uh, Mr. Heath.)

‘Cause I’m the taxman.
Yeah, I’m the taxman.

And my advice to
Those who die.
(Taxman!)
Declare the pennies
On your eyes.
(Taxman!)

‘Cause I’m the taxman.
Yeah, I’m the taxman,
And you’re working for no one but me.
(Taxman!)

I just learned something recently about this song…. it’s actually accurate. I just assumed the part about “One for you, nineteen for me” was George Harrison exaggerating. In truth, he was not exaggerating. Apparently, in the 1960′s the British government taxed high wage earners, like the Beatles, at a 95% tax rate. Therefore, one for you, nineteen for me. Well, coming soon to an IRS office near you.

He’s Dead Jim

Numerous sources are reporting Osama Bin Laden is dead, and U.S. officials have the body. The President to speak shortly. Way to go U.S. Military! Send the bastard to hell.