So, the transition of Bethlehem from a city that used to Make into a city that will simply Take is well underway with the countdown to that all-purpose cure-all for all the ills of government - The Casino.
I spotted an article in the local news about the completion of the new Sands Casino, and was struck by three tidbits in the article:
"A train bridge over Route 412 was removed. "
"The biggest road project pertaining to the casino is yet to come. Route 412 will be widened to four lanes between I-78 and Daly Avenue. "
"PennDOT says it's been working closely with the city to make sure things go as smoothly as possible on opening day. But, a word of advice, if you don't have to drive near the casino on that day, don't!"
So they specifically and deliberately destroyed rail lines into the area - then warn people not to drive.
The Lehigh Valley Railroad had literally hundreds of miles of tracks in Bethlehem alone - not to mention scores of long-haul lines that started and ended in Bethlehem.
They want traffic from Philly & New York - they could have had all the rail lines they could want...if they only had the balls to do it.
What idiocy.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Fire and Money
Today, I begged in the street for money for two hours. I wasn't alone, I was with 5 other people, and we were all begging together.
We were working a "coin toss" for the local volunteer fire company where I used to be a firefighter. I still try to help them out - I was an officer of the company and all that.
If you live in an area like ours, where there is no fire tax, it's one of the scores of ways the volunteer fire companies collect money to run things. We set up some highway cones, put on some fire gear or at least a reflective vest and beg in the street. We'll typically generate anywhere from $1700 to $1800 per coin toss - enough to cover about 5 days of operations.
As I stood in the middle of the road, bucket in hand, as I've done in years past, one thing that I always notice is that the guys driving the pickup trucks that are rusting and held together with duct tape and baling wire - they drop at least a $1.00 or a $5.00. It's the guys driving the $80,000 Porche and the H2 and the shiny black sleek Mercedes - and yes, we know you're local if you're reading this - that drive by with the windows up.
Today, one woman was obviously distraught as she drove up to where I was standing. She said, "I don't have anything I can give - I really don't." From the look on her face, I knew it was true - but I suspect that if she had a dollar to give, she would have.
It was frustrating to be passed by by so many who seemed to have money and to have so many who didn't have much to stop and give.
I don't know if I'm growing more left wing or more cynical, but all I can say is that for $100 a year per resident in a fire tax, the members of the company - a bunch of ordinary working guys - would not have to stand in the road begging for coins with what little time they have. The work for FREE all they ask is that their expenses for things like fire trucks and fuel and building management be covered. It's not that expensive - but the American fear of "excessive taxation" seems to preclude any kind of rational thought on the matter. Screw that. Tax the bastards.
We were working a "coin toss" for the local volunteer fire company where I used to be a firefighter. I still try to help them out - I was an officer of the company and all that.
If you live in an area like ours, where there is no fire tax, it's one of the scores of ways the volunteer fire companies collect money to run things. We set up some highway cones, put on some fire gear or at least a reflective vest and beg in the street. We'll typically generate anywhere from $1700 to $1800 per coin toss - enough to cover about 5 days of operations.
As I stood in the middle of the road, bucket in hand, as I've done in years past, one thing that I always notice is that the guys driving the pickup trucks that are rusting and held together with duct tape and baling wire - they drop at least a $1.00 or a $5.00. It's the guys driving the $80,000 Porche and the H2 and the shiny black sleek Mercedes - and yes, we know you're local if you're reading this - that drive by with the windows up.
Today, one woman was obviously distraught as she drove up to where I was standing. She said, "I don't have anything I can give - I really don't." From the look on her face, I knew it was true - but I suspect that if she had a dollar to give, she would have.
It was frustrating to be passed by by so many who seemed to have money and to have so many who didn't have much to stop and give.
I don't know if I'm growing more left wing or more cynical, but all I can say is that for $100 a year per resident in a fire tax, the members of the company - a bunch of ordinary working guys - would not have to stand in the road begging for coins with what little time they have. The work for FREE all they ask is that their expenses for things like fire trucks and fuel and building management be covered. It's not that expensive - but the American fear of "excessive taxation" seems to preclude any kind of rational thought on the matter. Screw that. Tax the bastards.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
5 secrets to smart debit card use
5 secrets to smart debit card use
Some really good advice if you're moving to Debit-based payments instead of credit cards. The #1 issue I think is that if you buy gas with a debit card, they block out $60 to $75 which can trigger an over-limit fee if you're not careful.
Some really good advice if you're moving to Debit-based payments instead of credit cards. The #1 issue I think is that if you buy gas with a debit card, they block out $60 to $75 which can trigger an over-limit fee if you're not careful.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Us Fidelis: Car Warranty Racket Exposed On Today Show
Us Fidelis: Car Warranty Racket Exposed On Today Show
From the Consumerist web site:
"The Today show recently aired a terrifically entertaining exposé of US Fidelis, one of the biggest companies behind the auto warranty racket that you've probably encountered via junk mail, telemarketing, or even on TV. They start by looking at an individual who spent $3,180 on one of their auto warranties only to be left stranded when her car overheated and they refused to pay."
From the Consumerist web site:
"The Today show recently aired a terrifically entertaining exposé of US Fidelis, one of the biggest companies behind the auto warranty racket that you've probably encountered via junk mail, telemarketing, or even on TV. They start by looking at an individual who spent $3,180 on one of their auto warranties only to be left stranded when her car overheated and they refused to pay."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
