Sometimes I really hate that AJC letters have to be so short. You can make all sorts of claims in your letters, but there’s no space to provide evidence. If I thought our fair city region was fairly represented by these letters, I’d be under the impression that Atlanta’s population is composed of a bunch of knee-jerk partisans.
Anyway. I still manage to write my letters to the editor from time to time, including this one:
Today’s editorial and equal time response carry the same burden of flawed logic: that adding highway capacity reduces traffic congestion. The reality is quite the opposite. There are no credible studies showing a reduction of congestion as a result of building more or bigger roads. For a more cost-effective results-oriented approach, our state and regional leaders should focus more on building a rail transit system. Every dollar spent on building a transit system would be much more effective than any more dollars wasted on building more roads.
But you fail to provide any ‘credible studies’ to support your position as well. I don’t disagree with you, I’m just saying…
Comment by dpb — December 27, 2005 @ 9:22 am
Well, Dave, that was kind of his point, wasn’t it? Because AJC letters are so short, you CAN’T include supporting evidence, etc. So if that’s how we’re playing then let’s at least have the voice of reason in there with the idiots. Joe remains my hero.
Comment by Amber — December 27, 2005 @ 10:05 am
Honestly, Dave is right.
Credible studies will be on their way, but probably not today. Thanks for your show of faith, Amber.
Comment by Joe — December 27, 2005 @ 10:25 am
Amber, is this our day to clash? If so, don’t worry, I still love you and as for Joe, although not my hero, I’ve got no beef with him either.
I didn’t miss Joe’s point but mama always said “two wrongs don’t make a right” so being the ‘hero’ he is, I was expecting more. To each his ownÉ
By the way, I donŐt really love you. That was just a joke. I donŐt even know you and more importantly I donŐt believe my heart is open to love. Maybe you can help me work on that thoughÉ
Joe, I truly have nothing against you although for some reason I suspect the feeling will not be mutual. I have that kind of effect on people.
Comment by dpb — December 27, 2005 @ 10:37 am
Ha, I win! Nanni-nanni-boo-boo!
I look forward to the info Joe. I, too, am not a fan of Atlanta traffic and would love to see a transit system in the area that actually worked.
Comment by dpb — December 27, 2005 @ 10:39 am
Dave, the only thing I would suspect you may have against me is that I haven’t read your blog before. In any case, I do appreciate the challenge for evidence. I just don’t have time to go into it today — this whole week is actually full of work in the day and various events going on in the evening times. So I’m not sure when I’ll really be able to get into the evidence.
There are studies I’ve read before that have documented congestion benefits from strategic dismantling of roads. Whereas the “experts” believed surrounding roads and neighborhoods would be clogged with traffic, the actual results have shown anywhere from a 20 to 60 percent overall reduction in congestion.
CFTE has a ton of information on their website. Among my favorites, their list of facts. And no, I don’t know why CFTE is calling them “factoids.”
Comment by Joe — December 27, 2005 @ 10:53 am
Yes, it is our day to clash. I have it marked on my calendar… “Clash with some dude named Dave,” right under “Suck Joe’s cock.”
Comment by Amber — December 27, 2005 @ 11:15 am
Joe, I’ve heard similiar information in the past on various news programs or read it in article so in no way was I attempting to dis-credit your claim. I think the biggest challenge Atlanta faces is convincing people that mass-transit is a viable solution. To create a network of trains such as New York, Chicago, or other major cities would require substantial changes to the structure of the city… If people don’t believe the trains can truly alleviate our problems, you’ll never get the support (money) to make those changes.
The above is purely my opinion therefore I have no facts to support its claim.
And don’t worry… you’re not missing much by not reading my blog. It’s just a bunch of people telling me that I’m an asshole. Go figure…
Amber, I can’t say that being under the sucking of Joe’s cock is the ideal location for me but I will take comfort in the thought that at least I made it on the calendar.
Comment by dpb — December 27, 2005 @ 11:31 am
What’s amazing about the system in Manhattan is that the subway infrastructure is so extensive that they can reroute trains in similar ways that MARTA can reroute busses.
I know you’re not trying to discredit my claim, Dave. Hence, what you said…
As for what happens under my desk at work, I suppose today is my lucky day
Comment by Joe — December 27, 2005 @ 11:48 am