دار الكفر and Unapologetic American  

Who is really raking in the big bucks?  Big Oil is only making 9¢ a gallon in profits that benefit any of us with retirement accounts and investments. The Federal government is getting twice that and state governments are squeezing us for even more--some up to nearly five times that amount!  The reasons they give are combating pollution and protection of the environment. 
Once in the greedy hands of politicians, this revenue is used for whatever pet projects they choose. It's an endless source of for projects  that have nothing to do with the originally stated intent, including covering the losses of earlier projects that failed to "pay for themselves". 
My own state, Oregon, is one of the worst hypocrites when it comes to environmental concerns and charges one of the highest state gas taxes in the country. In the meantime, our state legislators are trying to justify an off-reservation, Casino in the beautiful and historic Columbia Gorge. 
Out in the middle of a pristine wonderland they will have a huge "gaming facility" with hotel, RV park, gas stations, and increased traffic. What part of this is good for the delicate environment they claim to defend--with our tax dollars?
Meanwhile, they are tryng to circumvent their own earlier legislation which only allows Casinos on reservation land only.