Move to Iceland

The New York Times published a very interesting poll today. Here are the results. (WARNING: PDF)

First, two things we know already:

• 85% of Americans do not “favor a gas tax”
• 63% of Americans do not “favor a gas tax even if you reduce payroll and income taxes”

Now, three heartening, hopeful things that you don’t know

• 55% of Americans “would support a gas tax if it reduced U.S. dependence on foreign oil”
• 59% of Americans “would support a gas tax if cut down on energy consumption and reduced global warming”
• 71% of Americans would not “support a gas tax if the proceeds were used to fight the war on terror”

As David Roberts at the Gristmill put it:

For chrissake, if we have any politicians left with a pair and the sense God gave a turkey, they would jump on this. Americans crave it. They want to be asked to sacrifice. They want to be involved. They just need an opportunity.