Is the US headed towards a socialist government?

[kandrathe]

I heard about the new energy plan today. The government will substantially increase taxes on energy consumption, pollution emitters, and green house gas emitters, then use a large portion of the revenue raised to compensate poor people who can no longer afford to pay for their heat or gasoline. Does this make sense?

"The president wants to use a portion of the funds generated from emissions trading, which the administration projects would reach a total of $645.7 billion by 2019, to finance a tax credit for some workers as well as invest in clean energy initiatives and help offset higher electric bills for some lower- and middle-income families."

"White House budget director Peter Orszag said yesterday that the administration linked the cap-and-trade program to the tax credits because the system “will have some effects on households."

So far I see higher taxes, higher costs of energy, higher costs of goods and services, lower corporate profits and fewer jobs.