A Forum for Grinches and Ho-Ho-Hoes - Page 324

Replaced_Texan · 03-10-2005, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tyrone Slothrop
So Congress is working on a highway bill that envisions more toll booths on interstate highways. Meanwhile, the gas tax, the major source of federal funding for highways, hasn't gone up in a decade.

I would much rather pay for highways through a gas tax than at tolls. Tolls are just irritating. Why is Congress doing this? Is gas tax money being used to pay for non-highway projects? Tolls can raise a lot of money* -- is Congress looking to raise money through tolls because there is such opposition to taxes?

* Read The Power Broker, about Robert Moses. The key to Moses' power for decades was his control over the spigot of money from toll bridges into and out of Manhattan.

I recently read in a blog (surprise, surprise) about the toll charges in Japan. Something lik $120 for a single toll.

Here in Texas, our Govenor wants to put together a superhighway that's a quarter mile wide, subsidized by tolls and bonds.

Replaced_Texan · 03-10-2005, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Secret_Agent_Man
Both of them are moving to the center (tsunami relief, anyone?). She's already raising lots of money. Consider this plausible scenario -- spun out to me recently by a man who probably would be an Ambassador today if the 2004 election had gone otherwise.

Sen. Clinton is running for reelection to the Senate in 2006. She raises $40 mm for her campaign and spends $10 mm to win. With the remaining $30 mm as seed money, she and hubby begin fund-raising all over the country.

Can she do that? Every article in Texas that talks about Kay Bailey Hutchison's probable run for Governor mentions that she's not allowed to use her Senate war chest for a gubenatorial bid.

ltl/fb · 03-10-2005, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Replaced_Texan
Can she do that? Every article in Texas that talks about Kay Bailey Hutchison's probable run for Governor mentions that she's not allowed to use her Senate war chest for a gubenatorial bid.

I think that's (a) a Texas law thing and (b) a difference between running for federal office then state office. Hillary is staying with federal offices.

Spanky · 03-10-2005, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)
I'm not really knowlegeable about Harleys, but surely they don't come factory-equipped without better sound control.

Of course, the cops may be eager to pop off the breakout panel on the muffler just as much as the other guy.

BTW, by "functions" do you mean porn-video filming events? Or rap-star parties? Because either way, you ought to join us on the FB and regale us with stories far better than Str8's.

Nothing that glamourous. They are political fundraisers. Fashion Board? Pee Wee herman has more fashion sense than I do.

Spanky · 03-10-2005, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Shape Shifter
I think he means when they take the SAs to Thai brothels. BTW, spanky, what firm are you with?

I don't practice anymore. I pay the bills by investing in real estate.

Mmmm, Burger (C.J.) · 03-10-2005, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tyrone Slothrop
I just don't see how you could study that.

If you can prove capitalism breeds democracy, you can study that.

I don't have access currently to econ lit, but I'm reasonably confident someone has made a pretty succesful effort at showing that CAFE has not reduced fuel consumption.

Spanky · 03-10-2005, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Replaced_Texan
I recently read in a blog (surprise, surprise) about the toll charges in Japan. Something lik $120 for a single toll.

Here in Texas, our Govenor wants to put together a superhighway that's a quarter mile wide, subsidized by tolls and bonds.

I don't remember them being that High when I lived in Japan but I remember them being about fifteen dollars at each booth. When deciding to drive or take a train the toll was a big factor. The worst thing was that parking tickets were from 200$-300$. Gas was also really expensive. But then again, everything was expensive. It was often cheaper to go to Thaliand for the weekend than to go somewhere outside of Tokyo.

Spanky · 03-10-2005, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ltl/fb
I think that's (a) a Texas law thing and (b) a difference between running for federal office then state office. Hillary is staying with federal offices.

I believe you are correct. In California you can't transfer funds from a state senate race to a congressional race, but you can transfer funds from a congressional race to a US Senate race.

Did you just call me Coltrane? · 03-10-2005, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Replaced_Texan
I recently read in a blog (surprise, surprise) about the toll charges in Japan. Something lik $120 for a single toll.

Here in Texas, our Govenor wants to put together a superhighway that's a quarter mile wide, subsidized by tolls and bonds.

Do federal and state gov'ts build shitty roads on purpose so DOT employees maintain their jobs? There has to be a better way to make roads. Fuck, how often are they repairing highways? Every two years?

Mmmm, Burger (C.J.) · 03-10-2005, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Did you just call me Coltrane?
Do federal and state gov'ts build shitty roads on purpose so DOT employees maintain their jobs? There has to be a better way to make roads. Fuck, how often are they repairing highways? Every two years?

First of all, the fed'l gov't doesn't build roads--it gives money to states to do it. Second, polls much prefer new roads and bridges to repair, which is part of the problem (funds get directed poorly). Third, get the trucks off the roads and you solve much of the problem. Ever driven on a parkway? Usually pretty high quality.

Replaced_Texan · 03-10-2005, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Spanky
Nothing that glamourous. They are political fundraisers. Fashion Board? Pee Wee herman has more fashion sense than I do.

BTW, if anyone wants to go to a glamorous artsy fundraiser in Houston this weekend, lemme know. I've got a quota to meet.

I can almost guarantee nudity.

Tyrone Slothrop · 03-10-2005, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)
If you can prove capitalism breeds democracy, you can study that.

I don't have access currently to econ lit, but I'm reasonably confident someone has made a pretty succesful effort at showing that CAFE has not reduced fuel consumption.

I found something interesting by Gary Becker on the former subject that I will post about when I get the chance.

I don't doubt that CAFE standards are ineffective. If you want to discourage people from driving, you need to make it more expensive.

Shape Shifter · 03-10-2005, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Spanky
I don't practice anymore. I pay the bills by investing in real estate.

Fuck. A goddamned client.

While I lick your dog's belly, can you please tell us more about your fascinating years in Japan, Mr. Spanky?

Spanky · 03-10-2005, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Did you just call me Coltrane?
Do federal and state gov'ts build shitty roads on purpose so DOT employees maintain their jobs? There has to be a better way to make roads. Fuck, how often are they repairing highways? Every two years?

Seriously - That is a good question? What is the difference between asphault, pavement and cement. Are there different qualities to the stuff you pave the roads with? Cheap stuff that doesn't last as long and quality stuff that lasts longer? Anyone know about this stuff?

Replaced_Texan · 03-10-2005, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Spanky
Seriously - That is a good question? What is the difference between asphault, pavement and cement. Are there different qualities to the stuff you pave the roads with? Cheap stuff that doesn't last as long and quality stuff that lasts longer? Anyone know about this stuff?

I can't believe Hank hasn't mentioned Oscar yet.