Wake Up, Washtenaw!: The basics of Highways and Rails

Wake Up, Washtenaw!: The basics of Highways and Rails: "So it's time to go over some of the basics about the cost of rail travel. I put up a comment; here's a version for you, dear blog readers:

It's true that railroads cost taxpayer money, but so do roads and so do cars. Here are a few facts:

Even toll roads don't pay for themselves; the Illinois Tollway Authority is requesting money from the Illinois State Legislature.
Americans sent $254 billion to other countries for oil in 2009, much if it to unfriendly governments. If American 'patriots' woke up and realized how much they're subsidizing our enemies by hanging on to their SUVs, they might think investing a little of their tax dollars in rail passenger service was a really good deal."

Thousands rally to recall Snyder

Eclectablog: "Several thousand people rally in front of Michigan's Capitol building. A great turnout and LOTS of Snyder recall petitions being signed."

Do not buy the anti-teacher hype

The Rapid millage increase approved by 136 votes | MLive.com

The Rapid millage increase approved by 136 votes | MLive.com: "Voters in the city of Grand Rapids and East Grand Rapids overpowered suburban voters to pass The Rapid transit millage property tax increase by what appears to be 136 votes.
...The transit millage will pay for extending service later into the evening on most routes, expanding some routes, decreasing wait times between buses, and operating the Silver Line high-speed bus line on Division Avenue."

Energy barons want to convert public property to private use

The connection between Michigan's EFM power grab, Rep. Fred Upton and Big Oil/Gas | Eclectablog: "There are others who have benefited, too, of course. There is one family in particular, the McClendons, who own four lots along Ridgeway Avenue. And there's a very close connection between the Uptons and the McClendon's: Fred Upton's cousin Katie is married to one of them, a man named Aubrey McClendon. Who is Aubrey McClendon? He is the owner of Chesapeake Energy, one of the largest natural gas companies in the U.S. and, in 2008, was the highest-paid CEO at all S&P 500 companies. His company is involved in hydraulic fracturing or 'fracking' for natural gas. McClendon is also a developer. While he himself does not live on Ridgeway Avenue, his family does. And those that live on Ridgeway Avenue benefited mightily from the Harbor Shores development."