The Triangle's on-again, off-again commuter line gained a new hope as administrators decided to apply for a new FTA program to test whether public-private partnerships could build transit faster and cheaper than all-public projects.
Seems like an obvious attempt by the Bushies to throw more money into corporate hands, which is their favorite thing to do next to blowing up Middle Eastern countries and fucking up disaster responses, but in this case I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.
Some of the earliest transit systems in the country were privately owned, or at least started that way. I'm not going to bother looking this up again to confirm it, but I remember reading that the T in Boston started as at least a quasi-private venture, as did some early subway lines in New York. I know for certain that the streetcars that used to serve Dilworth in Charlotte were built and run by the same company that developed the neighborhood. The precendent certainly exists.
So, let's give it a shot. If these partnerships are succesful, it means a chance to build more transit faster and with lower costs.
If they don't work out any better than solely public projects, the Triangle at least gets something built.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
GM Execs' brilliant recovery plan
So, these guys get to keep their jobs while the factory workers get laid off?
The future of the American Auto Industry is in good hands.
This is why I drive a car with 100% Japanese parts.
Seriously.
49.8 mpg, bitches!
The future of the American Auto Industry is in good hands.
This is why I drive a car with 100% Japanese parts.
Seriously.
49.8 mpg, bitches!
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Tar Heel Bus Tour Expedition
Prompted by recent revelations that there are other schools in North Carolina, faculty from UNC Chapel Hill announced an expedition to explore the state's other 15 campuses.
"When we discovered the existence of other public universities, quite frankly, we were shocked," Richard Gumblefore said.
Rumors of "phantom universities" had floated around Chapel Hill for decades, but most students and faculty dismissed these other schools as impossible. Most believed that Duke was the only other school in North Carolina. Faculty plan to explore the farthest reaches of the state to see the universities for themselves, going as far west as Cullowhee.
"We aren't sure how the mountain folk will respond to our presence," Gumblefore said. "We've brought some trinkets, like light-up pens and Tarheel baseball caps, to gain their trust." He also noted that the faculty planned to bring mountain-climbing equipment, in case the bus is unable to navigate the narrow mountain passes.
One of the first stops on the expedition will be at UNC Charlotte, the fourth-largest school in the system.
"We look forward to seeing their campus," Gumblefore said, "And seeing this city of theirs. We hear it's at least as big as Chapel Hill."
"When we discovered the existence of other public universities, quite frankly, we were shocked," Richard Gumblefore said.
Rumors of "phantom universities" had floated around Chapel Hill for decades, but most students and faculty dismissed these other schools as impossible. Most believed that Duke was the only other school in North Carolina. Faculty plan to explore the farthest reaches of the state to see the universities for themselves, going as far west as Cullowhee.
"We aren't sure how the mountain folk will respond to our presence," Gumblefore said. "We've brought some trinkets, like light-up pens and Tarheel baseball caps, to gain their trust." He also noted that the faculty planned to bring mountain-climbing equipment, in case the bus is unable to navigate the narrow mountain passes.
One of the first stops on the expedition will be at UNC Charlotte, the fourth-largest school in the system.
"We look forward to seeing their campus," Gumblefore said, "And seeing this city of theirs. We hear it's at least as big as Chapel Hill."
Monday, May 15, 2006
Free Ride for Suburbanites -- Again
the Supremes denied DC the right to impose a "commuter tax" on folks who live outside the district but use its infrastructure every day for work. Driving on local streets, riding metro, depending on police services, fire services, etc. It costs money to keep that all up and running.
Hey, if they wanted to pay for all that, they'd move to the district.
Suckas!
Hey, if they wanted to pay for all that, they'd move to the district.
Suckas!
Monday Update
Bits and pieces from the weekend and beyond.
Folks in Baltimore love their dogs.
So much that they let the little rascals run wild all over any strip of grass in the city, no matter how close the nearest busy street or how many other people are trying to walk, run or jog in the same space. Let's make this clear: Fido is, deep down inside his cute, fuzzy wuzzy heart, still wild. He'll bolt at the first sign of a cat, squirrel or other dog and then, well, all you can hope is there isn't a car coming. More than that, when you see me huffing and puffing along in my running gear with my dog on a leash, could y'all at least, for the love of Pete, grab your dog? I mean, do you think I want your dog tripping me up while I exercise? Is this some fun game you like to play? I know it's unfair that there aren't enough Dog Parks in the city, but that doesn't mean you get to just declare any space a Dog Park, like Columbus claiming the New World for Spain. Act responsibly. Fido and I will thank you.
Folks in Baltimore like old crap.
There's a warehouse across the street from Tecki World Headquarters, where nothing much happens. Every once in a while a truck with a pink question mark on the side shows up and drops stuff off. Thought perhaps the Riddler had set up shop there, but alas. No Caped Crusader sightings in my future. Once a year this place has a big ass garage sale. They set up early, and had to tie caution tape in front to keep out the hordes of Roland Park housewives chomping at the bit for their chance to snap up antiques and lewdly painted mailboxes. A team of Pink-clad teenagers buzzed about, selling junk and serving doughnuts -- with their bare hands, yuck. Also serving some concoction known as "momossas." This misspelling made me as angry as the "cinnimon" ice cream at Sylvan Beach the night before.
Craigslist is awesome.
Sold a bunch of stuff already, a bunch more to come. Within a few minutes of posting a new item, I get plenty off responses. Mostly from immigrants, surprisingly. Got to meet a pretty international crowd of bargain-hunters, from as far as Nigeria, India and New Jersey. BTW: Still got stuff to sell, so check out the furniture section of Baltimore's site.
I love the Simple Life.
No, not the TV show. But living simply is the way to go. The previous generation seems to like collecting things. All kinds of things, useless and useful, significant and insignificant, working and broken. Too many people we know have houses full of junk they don't need -- if they ever did. That's why we've hit the CL, trying to dump our junk on other people and start with a clean slate. It's a bit rough at first, trying to pare down to the actual essentials. I don't know if I really want to go the whole Buddhist route, denying all material possessions. But the more books, appliances, furniture and knick knacks we pile up in the spare room, the more stuff we realize we don't need or even want. It's funny just how much stuff we've moved with over the years from place to place, only to get rid of now. But I already feel better. An uncluttered home means an uncluttered mind.
Malls suck, even downtown.
Jim Rouse is some big fucking hero for saving Baltimore and building Columbia, but all he did was plop a suburban mall along the waterfront. Yeah, yeah, he brought the suburbanites downtown to spend money, along with masses of touristas. Know what? Harborplace is the same as every other crappy tourist site in America. Fanieul Hall in Boston is the same place, except with Boston and Red Sox junk instead of Baltimore and Orioles junk. Same stores, same restaurants, same soullessness. It's a nice walk around the water, at least.
Speaking of Soulless malls.
It's time for Blue State America to do our patriotic duty and start makin' babies. Seriously. Went to the hell that is Arundel Mills on Saturday to have lunch with the TeckiUncle and TeckiCousin on their way to board a cruise ship in New Jersey. I've had the "Mills Experience" more times than I'd like, unfortunately, having somehow found myself at four of their mauls. Don't ask why. After saying our farewells to the happy travelers, we decided to do some shopping, as we needed some stuff. God. The grossness, the garishness, the whole ugly mess of it. All that's wrong with our beloved country can be found in Mills Malls across America. I could actually feel myself dying inside as we searched in vain for things we actually needed among the chain stores hawking useless junk and overstock while tripping over filthy, rude children and their cowlike parents. All we got out of the experience was a hat and a new appreciation for Whole Foods. It's time we worked to outnumber these people. Are you with me?
Well, that's the news from Charm City. Good Night, and Good Luck.
Folks in Baltimore love their dogs.
So much that they let the little rascals run wild all over any strip of grass in the city, no matter how close the nearest busy street or how many other people are trying to walk, run or jog in the same space. Let's make this clear: Fido is, deep down inside his cute, fuzzy wuzzy heart, still wild. He'll bolt at the first sign of a cat, squirrel or other dog and then, well, all you can hope is there isn't a car coming. More than that, when you see me huffing and puffing along in my running gear with my dog on a leash, could y'all at least, for the love of Pete, grab your dog? I mean, do you think I want your dog tripping me up while I exercise? Is this some fun game you like to play? I know it's unfair that there aren't enough Dog Parks in the city, but that doesn't mean you get to just declare any space a Dog Park, like Columbus claiming the New World for Spain. Act responsibly. Fido and I will thank you.
Folks in Baltimore like old crap.
There's a warehouse across the street from Tecki World Headquarters, where nothing much happens. Every once in a while a truck with a pink question mark on the side shows up and drops stuff off. Thought perhaps the Riddler had set up shop there, but alas. No Caped Crusader sightings in my future. Once a year this place has a big ass garage sale. They set up early, and had to tie caution tape in front to keep out the hordes of Roland Park housewives chomping at the bit for their chance to snap up antiques and lewdly painted mailboxes. A team of Pink-clad teenagers buzzed about, selling junk and serving doughnuts -- with their bare hands, yuck. Also serving some concoction known as "momossas." This misspelling made me as angry as the "cinnimon" ice cream at Sylvan Beach the night before.
Craigslist is awesome.
Sold a bunch of stuff already, a bunch more to come. Within a few minutes of posting a new item, I get plenty off responses. Mostly from immigrants, surprisingly. Got to meet a pretty international crowd of bargain-hunters, from as far as Nigeria, India and New Jersey. BTW: Still got stuff to sell, so check out the furniture section of Baltimore's site.
I love the Simple Life.
No, not the TV show. But living simply is the way to go. The previous generation seems to like collecting things. All kinds of things, useless and useful, significant and insignificant, working and broken. Too many people we know have houses full of junk they don't need -- if they ever did. That's why we've hit the CL, trying to dump our junk on other people and start with a clean slate. It's a bit rough at first, trying to pare down to the actual essentials. I don't know if I really want to go the whole Buddhist route, denying all material possessions. But the more books, appliances, furniture and knick knacks we pile up in the spare room, the more stuff we realize we don't need or even want. It's funny just how much stuff we've moved with over the years from place to place, only to get rid of now. But I already feel better. An uncluttered home means an uncluttered mind.
Malls suck, even downtown.
Jim Rouse is some big fucking hero for saving Baltimore and building Columbia, but all he did was plop a suburban mall along the waterfront. Yeah, yeah, he brought the suburbanites downtown to spend money, along with masses of touristas. Know what? Harborplace is the same as every other crappy tourist site in America. Fanieul Hall in Boston is the same place, except with Boston and Red Sox junk instead of Baltimore and Orioles junk. Same stores, same restaurants, same soullessness. It's a nice walk around the water, at least.
Speaking of Soulless malls.
It's time for Blue State America to do our patriotic duty and start makin' babies. Seriously. Went to the hell that is Arundel Mills on Saturday to have lunch with the TeckiUncle and TeckiCousin on their way to board a cruise ship in New Jersey. I've had the "Mills Experience" more times than I'd like, unfortunately, having somehow found myself at four of their mauls. Don't ask why. After saying our farewells to the happy travelers, we decided to do some shopping, as we needed some stuff. God. The grossness, the garishness, the whole ugly mess of it. All that's wrong with our beloved country can be found in Mills Malls across America. I could actually feel myself dying inside as we searched in vain for things we actually needed among the chain stores hawking useless junk and overstock while tripping over filthy, rude children and their cowlike parents. All we got out of the experience was a hat and a new appreciation for Whole Foods. It's time we worked to outnumber these people. Are you with me?
Well, that's the news from Charm City. Good Night, and Good Luck.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Why does the NSA need to know when I order a pizza?
The news hit me as I walked the dog this morning for her daily, well, you know. We passed the USAToday box and, as usual, I skimmed the headlines, because that's what USAToday is good for.
Except today.
Fun to watch all the rest of the news sites playing catch-up with the Gannet flagship. In the last few hours, all my usual online news sources have been posting urgent breaking news about how the NSA, late of wiretapping fame, has been collecting all your phone records. And mine, and his, and hers and ...
Although this doesn't exactly make up for the dumbing-down of American journalism or their incompetent management of local newspapers that fall within their grasp, today, at least, I'd like to thank USAToday in all of their color-coded, one-page article, big graphics and photos glory.
Except today.
Fun to watch all the rest of the news sites playing catch-up with the Gannet flagship. In the last few hours, all my usual online news sources have been posting urgent breaking news about how the NSA, late of wiretapping fame, has been collecting all your phone records. And mine, and his, and hers and ...
Although this doesn't exactly make up for the dumbing-down of American journalism or their incompetent management of local newspapers that fall within their grasp, today, at least, I'd like to thank USAToday in all of their color-coded, one-page article, big graphics and photos glory.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
I hate PowerPoint
God, but do I hate it.
I don't believe I've ever witnessed a "good" PPT Presentation (yes, PPT is the business slang for this insidious application, so lucky you, you're part of my Hell now), but some are worse than others.
Mostly, PPTs come in two varieties:
The ones where all the information you could possibly imagine pertaining to a topic is crammed into each slide to the point that they are incomprehensible on the big screen.
And the ones where they have everything bulleted out and then read. every. single. thing. exactly the same as it is written on the screen, essentially making the face-to-face presentation an even bigger waste of time than it would normally be. If you were just going to read it verbatim, why not just e-mail it to me so I can read it myself?
Most business folk labor under the impression that their terrible PPT slides can make up for their terrible public speaking skills, creating an audio-visual misery in conference rooms across North America.
Please, won't you join me in stopping PPT now? It's not too late.
I don't believe I've ever witnessed a "good" PPT Presentation (yes, PPT is the business slang for this insidious application, so lucky you, you're part of my Hell now), but some are worse than others.
Mostly, PPTs come in two varieties:
The ones where all the information you could possibly imagine pertaining to a topic is crammed into each slide to the point that they are incomprehensible on the big screen.
And the ones where they have everything bulleted out and then read. every. single. thing. exactly the same as it is written on the screen, essentially making the face-to-face presentation an even bigger waste of time than it would normally be. If you were just going to read it verbatim, why not just e-mail it to me so I can read it myself?
Most business folk labor under the impression that their terrible PPT slides can make up for their terrible public speaking skills, creating an audio-visual misery in conference rooms across North America.
Please, won't you join me in stopping PPT now? It's not too late.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Read the memo, dumbass
You know, W usually does some stupid things, but picking Red Foreman as the new head of the CIA is brilliant. I predict that Al Qaeda gives up by the end of the week.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
There B'More bars here
Whether it's Old Baltimore or New, dock workers or DC commuters, folks in this town sure do like to drink. How else can one neighborhood support so many bars?
Bitter sectarian strife has taken hold in South Baltimore/Federal Hill South as yuppie newcomers fight a war of attrition against entrenched Old Baltimore dead-enders.
Why can't we all just get along?
Bitter sectarian strife has taken hold in South Baltimore/Federal Hill South as yuppie newcomers fight a war of attrition against entrenched Old Baltimore dead-enders.
Why can't we all just get along?
Monday, May 01, 2006
Happy Loyalty Day!
"The Congress, by Public Law 85-529, as amended, has designated May 1 of each year as "Loyalty Day." I ask all Americans to join me in this day of celebration and in reaffirming our allegiance to our Nation.
I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2006, as Loyalty Day. I call upon all the people of the United States to join in support of this national observance, and to display the flag of the United States on Loyalty Day."
Uh ...
Either this is a sign that the Bush administration is on its last legs, or I should be packing up to move to Canadia.
Didn't May 1 used to be about honoring working people and the value of hard work?
Oh well. They could at least make it one of those awesome 3-Day-Weekend, get drunk at the beach wearing flag shorts kind of holidays. Grill some veggie dogs while signing your loyalty oath. Yeah, it's a party.
I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2006, as Loyalty Day. I call upon all the people of the United States to join in support of this national observance, and to display the flag of the United States on Loyalty Day."
Uh ...
Either this is a sign that the Bush administration is on its last legs, or I should be packing up to move to Canadia.
Didn't May 1 used to be about honoring working people and the value of hard work?
Oh well. They could at least make it one of those awesome 3-Day-Weekend, get drunk at the beach wearing flag shorts kind of holidays. Grill some veggie dogs while signing your loyalty oath. Yeah, it's a party.
A Day Without a Mexican ...
A Colombian
An Ecuadorian
A Guatemalan
Etc.
So the big day has come and I'm at work. Yeah.
We had some vague plans to skip work and ride the train down to DC today, but sort of wimped out at the last minute.
Such is the life of a working adult, I guess.
But, in solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters, I will be doing as little work as possible today and will spend no money.
I will also be reading the news vociforously today to find out the absolute latest on the nationwide protests.
Furthermore, I will attempt to decifer the grammatical rules that make "si se puede" mean "Yes we can." According to my limited espanol, wouldn't that be "Si podemos"?
No se.
An Ecuadorian
A Guatemalan
Etc.
So the big day has come and I'm at work. Yeah.
We had some vague plans to skip work and ride the train down to DC today, but sort of wimped out at the last minute.
Such is the life of a working adult, I guess.
But, in solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters, I will be doing as little work as possible today and will spend no money.
I will also be reading the news vociforously today to find out the absolute latest on the nationwide protests.
Furthermore, I will attempt to decifer the grammatical rules that make "si se puede" mean "Yes we can." According to my limited espanol, wouldn't that be "Si podemos"?
No se.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
The addicts' lament
"Since George Bush and Dick Cheney took over as president and vice president, gas prices have doubled!" charged Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), standing at an Exxon station on Capitol Hill where regular unleaded hit $3.10. "They are too cozy with the oil industry."
She then hopped in a waiting Chrysler LHS (18 mpg) -- even though her Senate office was only a block away.
"I can quit anytime I want," the senator explained. "I just, I just need a little more to get through today, that's all."
She then hopped in a waiting Chrysler LHS (18 mpg) -- even though her Senate office was only a block away.
"I can quit anytime I want," the senator explained. "I just, I just need a little more to get through today, that's all."
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Jane Jacobs, May 4, 1916 - April 25, 2006
American cities have lost a great advocate.
At a time when urban planners demolished entire neighborhoods to make it easier for cars to get around, Jane Jacobs was a voice of reason.
She opposed letting freeways strangle our cities and fought to save landmarks with deep meaning for their neighborhoods. You can still walk the streets of Greenwich Village because of her.
I have to admit that I'm one of those people who always intended to read her books, but never has.
I can only hope that her death will, at least briefly, bring urban renewal to the forefront of the media's consciousness. Not the massive, bulldoze-it-all projects of the last 50 years, but real renewal that engages the residents, rather than displaces them. Renewal that weaves a vibrant urban fabric, rather than tears it apart.
At a time when urban planners demolished entire neighborhoods to make it easier for cars to get around, Jane Jacobs was a voice of reason.
She opposed letting freeways strangle our cities and fought to save landmarks with deep meaning for their neighborhoods. You can still walk the streets of Greenwich Village because of her.
I have to admit that I'm one of those people who always intended to read her books, but never has.
I can only hope that her death will, at least briefly, bring urban renewal to the forefront of the media's consciousness. Not the massive, bulldoze-it-all projects of the last 50 years, but real renewal that engages the residents, rather than displaces them. Renewal that weaves a vibrant urban fabric, rather than tears it apart.
It's a gas, gas, gas
Boy, how about them gas prices, huh?
Bet you wish you hadn't bought that Jeep Grande Escalade Valdez.
I'm not much for gloating, but as bad as things are, I'm glad we had the foresight to buy a Prius back before they were popular. Not only did we get a great deal on the car in December 2002, but we'd have to wait 8 months to buy one today.
Folks said we'd never get the money back from gas savings. That was when gas cost about half what it does now. I mean, we're all hurting here, but I have to say I'm hurting less than a lot of folks I know.
High gas prices force people to pay attention. People talk about hybrids and transit all of a sudden, as if they'd never heard of them before. Unfortunately, most of these same people will go back to their SUVs and forget the bus and train if gas drops just 50 cents.
Thing is, it's going to go back up again. And we'll be right back where we are now, thinking about hybrids and transit, but doing nothing about it.
Long-term thinking. Try some today.
Bet you wish you hadn't bought that Jeep Grande Escalade Valdez.
I'm not much for gloating, but as bad as things are, I'm glad we had the foresight to buy a Prius back before they were popular. Not only did we get a great deal on the car in December 2002, but we'd have to wait 8 months to buy one today.
Folks said we'd never get the money back from gas savings. That was when gas cost about half what it does now. I mean, we're all hurting here, but I have to say I'm hurting less than a lot of folks I know.
High gas prices force people to pay attention. People talk about hybrids and transit all of a sudden, as if they'd never heard of them before. Unfortunately, most of these same people will go back to their SUVs and forget the bus and train if gas drops just 50 cents.
Thing is, it's going to go back up again. And we'll be right back where we are now, thinking about hybrids and transit, but doing nothing about it.
Long-term thinking. Try some today.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Duke students tend to have more money than you
I'm not going to waste my time pontificating on a case that hasn't even gone to trial yet. I'll leave that to Jesse Jackson and Rush Limbaugh.
But, is this not the most obvious, understated headline in the history of journalism?
Duke suspects raised in privileged surroundings
The only surprise here for some folks might be that these guys, along with most of the other lacrosse players, grew up in the North, not the South (It's an obsession in Baltimore, but you couldn't find enough kids for one team in Charlotte). A lot of reporters have framed the story as if it could only happen in the South. Racism doesn't stop at the Mason-Dixon line. This could have happened anywhere in the country.
Okay, that's enough.
Other headlines:
Baltimore has a lot of crime.
NASA announces Outer Space is 'really' big.
Bush is a crook.
Okay, so maybe that last one is only obvious to some of us.
But, is this not the most obvious, understated headline in the history of journalism?
Duke suspects raised in privileged surroundings
The only surprise here for some folks might be that these guys, along with most of the other lacrosse players, grew up in the North, not the South (It's an obsession in Baltimore, but you couldn't find enough kids for one team in Charlotte). A lot of reporters have framed the story as if it could only happen in the South. Racism doesn't stop at the Mason-Dixon line. This could have happened anywhere in the country.
Okay, that's enough.
Other headlines:
Baltimore has a lot of crime.
NASA announces Outer Space is 'really' big.
Bush is a crook.
Okay, so maybe that last one is only obvious to some of us.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
The Great Easter Egg Hunt of 'aught 6
Easter is here! Haven't found the chocolate bunnies yet, but I'm sure they're here somewhere ... right?
Springtime in the NC is beautiful. Flowers bloom from every bush and garden. And the temperature is a cool 90 degrees. Sandals and shorts weather.
The preacher started his sermon by saying there was no way to describe the ressurection. Then spent 30 minutes trying anyway. He told the congregation that God was like music, and we all had to shake our groove things. This did not go over well. Lots of nervous laughter. Episcopalians aren't much fun.
The kids at the church swarmed the yard afterward like well-dressed vandals, uprooting bushes and knocking each other over to find their prized eggs. Some had snuck out early to begin the hunt and were promptly beaten by the others when discovered. Their chocolate-smeared faces gleaming with the maniacal look of junkies in Baltimore.
Being without children, we managed to escape the carnage.
Springtime in the NC is beautiful. Flowers bloom from every bush and garden. And the temperature is a cool 90 degrees. Sandals and shorts weather.
The preacher started his sermon by saying there was no way to describe the ressurection. Then spent 30 minutes trying anyway. He told the congregation that God was like music, and we all had to shake our groove things. This did not go over well. Lots of nervous laughter. Episcopalians aren't much fun.
The kids at the church swarmed the yard afterward like well-dressed vandals, uprooting bushes and knocking each other over to find their prized eggs. Some had snuck out early to begin the hunt and were promptly beaten by the others when discovered. Their chocolate-smeared faces gleaming with the maniacal look of junkies in Baltimore.
Being without children, we managed to escape the carnage.
In the wasteland
Driving up WT Harris from the Old Tecki Homestead in East Charlotte always depresses me. While Baltimore has scads of great old buildings just waiting to be revitalized and filled with families and businesses, Charlotte suffers its own success. Still growing strong, the city and its suburbs sprawl across the landscape like a cancer. If all that growth could be concentrated in pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use neighborhoods instead of strip malls, fast food joints and ever-bigger Targets and Wal-Marts, I would be happier to come home.
Of course, any growth at all in East Charlotte would be nice. That part of town is falling apart, and I worry the eventual revitalization will be much more difficult than in urban cities like Baltimore. No matter how run-down the old homes, commercial and industrial buildings in Baltimore were, someone always eventually came along to renovate beacause those buildings and their neighborhoods had character. The vast stretches of Independence Blvd. and Albemarle Rd. have all the charm of ... parking lots. No one is going to look at the now mostly shuttered Coliseum Shopping Center and say, "Gee, I'll bet folks would love to move into some condos there."
Of course, any growth at all in East Charlotte would be nice. That part of town is falling apart, and I worry the eventual revitalization will be much more difficult than in urban cities like Baltimore. No matter how run-down the old homes, commercial and industrial buildings in Baltimore were, someone always eventually came along to renovate beacause those buildings and their neighborhoods had character. The vast stretches of Independence Blvd. and Albemarle Rd. have all the charm of ... parking lots. No one is going to look at the now mostly shuttered Coliseum Shopping Center and say, "Gee, I'll bet folks would love to move into some condos there."
Friday, March 31, 2006
Spending Priorities
Since I'm on the subject of money, let's return to the $7 billion a month we're spending in Iraq.
It's not just the levees in New Orleans. For decades, our cities and towns have fought tooth and nail to recieve scraps of vital funding for education, crime fighting, drug rehab, urban revitalization, transit improvements, economic revitalization, environmental clean-up, and a whole host of other programs.
The federales say again and again that there just isn't enough money to go around, so all we suffer due to lack of funds. But somehow we can spend $7 billion each month in Iraq for a war that was never necessary.
If we spent $7 billion a month on education in this country, we could rebuild every crumbling school, train and recruit the best teachers and give a private tutor to every struggling kid in America.
If we spent $7 billion on job training, family planning, drug rehab and crime prevention, the streets of every American city would be safe 24/7.
If we spent $7 billion a month on building a clean-energy infrastructure, we could cut our dependence on foreign oil and clean the environment.
If we're going to spend that kind of money anyway, why not spend it right here? How can we presume to tell the rest of the world how to live when we can't take care of ourselves?
It's not just the levees in New Orleans. For decades, our cities and towns have fought tooth and nail to recieve scraps of vital funding for education, crime fighting, drug rehab, urban revitalization, transit improvements, economic revitalization, environmental clean-up, and a whole host of other programs.
The federales say again and again that there just isn't enough money to go around, so all we suffer due to lack of funds. But somehow we can spend $7 billion each month in Iraq for a war that was never necessary.
If we spent $7 billion a month on education in this country, we could rebuild every crumbling school, train and recruit the best teachers and give a private tutor to every struggling kid in America.
If we spent $7 billion on job training, family planning, drug rehab and crime prevention, the streets of every American city would be safe 24/7.
If we spent $7 billion a month on building a clean-energy infrastructure, we could cut our dependence on foreign oil and clean the environment.
If we're going to spend that kind of money anyway, why not spend it right here? How can we presume to tell the rest of the world how to live when we can't take care of ourselves?
When the levee breaks ... again
What can it mean when our president is more than willing to spend $7 billion a month to occupy and, ostensibly, rebuild Iraq, but can't see his way to spending a total of $9 billion over the course of years to rebuild and strengthen the levees that protect a major American city?
Don't say the money isn't there. that isn't the point. We don't have $7 billion a month to spend in Iraq, but we're spending it anyway. I'd say efforts to protect our own citizens are at least as important -- especially when Iraq was a war of choice for our president, and the flooding of New Orleans was an emergency situation caused mainly by poorly built levees in the first place.
America needs to rebuild its own house.
Don't say the money isn't there. that isn't the point. We don't have $7 billion a month to spend in Iraq, but we're spending it anyway. I'd say efforts to protect our own citizens are at least as important -- especially when Iraq was a war of choice for our president, and the flooding of New Orleans was an emergency situation caused mainly by poorly built levees in the first place.
America needs to rebuild its own house.
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