Still think there's enough separation between Big Brother and Big Oil?

You might not after you read this article about a couple in Decatur, IL who got a visit from two Dept of Revenue agents because of his alternative-fuel car.

Apparently David Wetzel converted his 1986 Volkswagon Golf to run primarily on used vegetable oil, and partly on diesel. The Revenue agents told him he would have to pay a motor fuel tax, and that it would be retroactive.

Quote from the article, attributed to State Rep. Bob Flider:

"The people at the department of revenue apparently feel they need to regulate him in some way. We want to make sure that he is as free as he can be to use vegetable oil. He's an example of ingenuity. Instead of being whacked on the head, he should be encouraged."

Not only do I agree with Mr. Flider, I think the Dept of Revenue needs to be whacked on the head!

Still think there's enough separation between Big Brother and Big Oil?

You might not after you read this article about a couple in Decatur, IL who got a visit from two Dept of Revenue agents because of his alternative-fuel car.

Apparently David Wetzel converted his 1986 Volkswagon Golf to run primarily on used vegetable oil, and partly on diesel. The Revenue agents told him he would have to pay a motor fuel tax, and that it would be retroactive.

Quote from the article, attributed to State Rep. Bob Flider:

"The people at the department of revenue apparently feel they need to regulate him in some way. We want to make sure that he is as free as he can be to use vegetable oil. He's an example of ingenuity. Instead of being whacked on the head, he should be encouraged."

Not only do I agree with Mr. Flider, I think the Dept of Revenue needs to be whacked on the head!