Jay Bookman

By T

September 9, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

It would be nice to see more train stations and more trains going to different locations.

By Citizen of the World

September 9, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

I love taking MARTA to work. I just put in my earphones and groove to some tunes. It’s virtually stress free and I’m $aving a lot!

I’d like to see bus routes run more often, though. I drive to the train station, but I could easily take the bus to the train if it came by my house more than once every 45 minutes. As it is now, I’d either be way early or way late to work.

By professional skeptic

September 9, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Crowded on MARTA? How could that possibly be true, Jay? After all, MARTA doesn’t even go where people need to go!

I jest, of course. I, too, have noticed that MARTA ridership still seems to be on the increase, even though gas prices have leveled off somewhat in recent weeks. MARTA parking lots are filled with cars sporting tags from counties all over… Hmmmm…

Can it be that people are finally starting to understand that there are better commute alternatives to sitting in 5mph bumper-to-bumper traffic? Never thought I’d see the day!

Again, Jay, thanks for helping to keep the issue of Atlanta’s transportation on the front burner. The Transit Planning Board has made its recommendations, and it is scheduled to dissolve at year’s end. It is now up to our politicians to implement the TBA’s Concept 3 and make metro Atlanta more livable for all of us.

(And it is the job of the media to lambast those politicians who refuse to address transportation, and it is up to us voters to send them packing come election time.)

By jasper

September 9, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

Speaking for Gwinnett, I would love to see Marta take over two lanes on 85, to reward some and punish the rest.

By GodHatesTrash

September 9, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

I’d be leery of riding MARTA what with all those gun totin’ filthy rednecks now riding. Need a mask for the smell and a bullet proof vest in case somebody scares them, which we all know is pretty easy.

They all got 30 round clips, I hear. They need that many bullets because they can’t hit the broad side of a barn from 50 feet.

By The banditry of punditry.

September 9, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

So what? Is there a point? You’re saying that people are trying to save money by taking the Marta?

You know, the nurses, the staff, the doctors, and the men in the white coats at the institute here all tell me that I’ve got to try and control my temper…..and I try….I REALLY really try….but when I see a prize winning journalist writing articles that say nothing, inspire no one, and in fact frighten underaged, unmarried moms-in-waiting into a premature panic, well, then I’ve…. got… to ………..zzzzz (the AJC regrets to inform the lurkers that this blogger just received his meds and is out for a while. Thank your lucky stars that this particular menace is not out there on the streets preying on your underaged, unmarried pregnant daughters, who, of course, comprise the new conservativism.)

By AJC/DNC Management

September 9, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

We’ll all be riding Marta if the dhimmokkkrats get into the White House.

But seeing how there is no way that’ll be happening, who cares?

By "The Corporal"

September 9, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

MARTA is not for everyone. If you have to take it or want to take it that’s fine and I’m glad Jay likes it.

However, it has it’s limitations. In most instances, by the time you walk or drive to a lot, wait for the train, get to your closest destination and then walk to your job - you could have been there by vehcile.

In addition, you are very limited in leaving work in an emergency (i.e., sick or injured child at school) and being able to go right where you need to go.

Bottom line: Let’s work to improve MARTA and the general traffic flow through, in and around Atlanta.

By sunshine and thunder

September 9, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Jay:

People have (legal) guns on MARTA these days.

And they all know your paper fought against their right to be armed.

Smile a lot!

By AJC/DNC Management

September 9, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

DimWet: I know you are out there, sulking over your computer with clenched fists and gritted teeth, eyes bulging out of their sockets, but what do you think of those skyrocketing McBushie poll numbers, homeboy?

Remember, we got a bet.

By Dusty

September 9, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

I like MARTA, ‘specially going to the airport. Jump on the train and hop off at the airport. You can’t beat that.

Crosstown is a problem. Say..going from Tucker to Alpharetta..no way to make that work without an extra hour or two.

I don’t envy MARTA planners who have to decide where the buses should go and when. That sounds like the Gordian knot to me.

By Ron Roberts

September 9, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

MARTA has limitations because suburban county residents have been scoffing at having MARTA go into their area of the metro. They fear the “inner city” element’s gonna ride a train, break into their house, yank their flat screen and jewels, hop back on the MARTA and head back to the ‘hood with their worldly belongings.

It’s ridiculous, of course; but that’s the fear.

Funny, though; you’re handicapped with a vehicle if you live in D.C. or New York. Their public transit systems are just about everywhere and go just about anywhere in their metros you need to get to.

OH, and beofre ya scream “property values,” have you priced property in those two cities?

By Taxpayer

September 9, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

The fear of the undesirable ones riding into the neighborhoods, on buses and trains, to pillage and burn has all but subsided. They found it much easier to simply move next door into one of those cheap, foreclosed houses. It’s the American Dream. Now, lock those windows, install burglar bars, electrify you fence, get a dog, get more dogs, buy more guns…

By Lee

September 9, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

Our city, county and state leaders will talk about this for at least 10 years before you see the first fruits of an expanded rail system.

By art

September 9, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

Jay:

Just because ridership is up doesn’t mean MARTA service is good. Furthermore, the routes MARTA has are useless for most people, requiring either taxis or MARTA buses to get to where one needs to go.

I am a native Atlantan (yes, we do exist). I remember when ol’ Maynard inaurgurated service by giving Susan B. Anthony dollars away to riders the first day (thanks to a doantion from Chick-Fil-A).

Just think: If MARTA had continued to offer Susan B. Anthony dollars to riders, it may not have hemorrhaged the hundreds of millions of dollars it has for 30 years.

It’s time for a MARTA redesign before it starts expanding to more areas. Make the stops sensible without multiple transfers. Use New York as a model.

By RNW

September 9, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

I’d love a line between Atlanta and Athens with stops between. That is, as long as those making decisions do not have a vested interest in doing so. I’d hate a repeat of the Northern Arc where the board members, “just so happened”, to own a lot of land in the proposed corridor.

By T

September 9, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

By “The Corporal”

Good point. It does and can work for a lot of people. Just think of how great traffic would be if more of us could get to our destinations via Marta.

By zeke

September 9, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Atlanta really should get smart and either get rid of marta or privatize it to make it self supporting and not a constant drain on taxpayers! If it is such a great deal, going private will insure it survives and becomes at least a small profit venture without taxpayer subsidy of about $150 million or more every year!!!!!!

By PB

September 9, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

Zeke - I agree. While we are at it, let’s turn all our roads into toll roads and so we can get rid of that taxpayer subsidy too.

By Hey Soose

September 9, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

Not hard to distinguish those without intelligence. Take PB for instance. He doesn’t have an answer, hence, the moronic reply. That entitles him to a free ride on the short MARTA bus.

By GaLiberal

September 9, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

First, I too ride MARTA everyday and have for over 20+ years. However, it is not a DC Metro system or even close to Paris’ and London’s subway systems. That’s because Atlanta is full of Rethuglicon bobble heads who don’t want to pay for a better system. They just want the county/state/federal governments to build them more roads so they can drive their gas guzzling Hummers to work every day. Oh, and they want artificially low gas prices too. So you have the reckless and unnecessary Iraq war bleeding $300+ BILLION out of the economy each year. Paid for with borrowed money because, again, the Rethuglicon bobble heads don’t want to pay. Now they come ride MARTA from Gwinnett, Cherokee, Douglas, and Forsyth where they don’t pay the 1% sales tax for MARTA operation. Again, provide me a service, but I don’t want to pay my fair share. So they suck off the tax dollars from Fulton and DeKalb residents. I’ll remember in November. Will you?

MARTA has significant problems they need to solve. Panhandling at the stations and on the trains is a major problem. In the winter, the trains become Motel MARTA for the homeless. The cars are littered with empty drink bottles and fast food leftovers. It’s hit or miss if the AC/heat is working. There is no police on the trains and little presence in the stations. Trains don’t run on time and frequently break down. All this takes the one thing MARTA doesn’t have - money. So MARTA needs to get with the 21st century and go to a per station fare. They need to surcharge for the airport. They need to have rush hour and non-rush hour fares. They need to stop being a transit system for the poor. And they need to get these freeloader counties to pay their fare share.

When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests. And the freeloaders using MARTA are living proof.

By @@

September 9, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

Jay:

I’m certain that OBlahMa is thrilled to see you, among the herds who are moving to mass transit. It was, after all, HE who said the only problem HE has with higher gas prices is that they went up too fast.

For HIM, moving people in mass is a good thing. The higher prices in goods paid for by the people……..well, I guess HE thinks that’s a good thing too.

Beholdin’ to the environmentalists! That’s your OBlahMa.

By Felix Smith

September 9, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

What about rolling the price back to a quarter and putting police on every bus and every train? Then watch the ridership take off! Yes, we can afford it. The operating cost is peanuts compared to major road projects.

By Felix Smith

September 9, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

What about rolling the price back to a quarter and putting police on every bus and every train? Then watch the ridership take off! Yes, we can afford it. The operating cost is peanuts compared to major road projects.

By GaLiberal

September 9, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

zeke said: Atlanta really should get smart and either get rid of marta or privatize it to make it self supporting and not a constant drain on taxpayers! If it is such a great deal, going private will insure it survives and becomes at least a small profit venture without taxpayer subsidy of about $150 million or more every year!!!!!!

Hey, zeke. What about the roads you drive on every day? They are a huge taxpayer subsidy. Should they also be privatized? What would happen if the price was so high you couldn’t afford to use the roads? I’d bet you’d whine the government needs to control prices so regular people like you can drive again.

You Rethuglicon bobble heads are so predictable. Privatize everything because it will be more efficient (lie) and cost the taxpayer less (lie lie lie). The reason mass transit costs so much is because of little brains like you. You refuse to pay taxes to support operation of the system not to mention expansion. You and your kind just want your needs met without it costing you anything.

When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests. And the zeke is living proof.

By Hey Soose

September 9, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

GaLiberal, I’m sorry but you’ve lived here how long? Because if I’m not mistaken Demokrauts have controlled the City of Atlanta and Fulton County for the past 30 years. Not that your biased or anything, but at least tell the truth.

By Hey Soose

September 9, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

GaLiberal, Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. You’re just as much a Demokraut as anyone is anything else here in the forum. I just didn’t realize you had to be a hypocrite to be a Demokraut.

By No Way

September 9, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

At least two problems with MARTA.

First, it’s basically a north-south, east-west system. Try taking MARTA to the Clifton corridor - you’re better off driving.

Second, try taking MARTA after dark from the airport to Linberg. One generally ends up listening to “thugs” with their Ipods or getting solicited by a panhandler — again, I’d rather drive to off-site airport parking.

Compare MARTA to DC’s METRO — there is no comparison!!!

By Taxpayer

September 9, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

GaLiberal,

There are some of us out here that actually know what you are talking about. I once lived in one of those Republican strongholds, called Gwinnett, that would not stand for allowing Marta into the county for fear of bringing in that undesirable element and paying for it to boot. Of course, that undesirable element is all around them now and they have no way to leave so they’re re-thinking that noMarta is sMarta policy that they once had. If you want to see example after example of failed policies, look no farther than the Republican voter. Some of them just never seem to learn.

By janet

September 9, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

I think some MARTA is better than no MARTA but it could use a lot of help right now. I don’t have a problem with the trains. They seem to be clean, quiet and mostly run on time. Compared to the train from Chicago O Hare Airport into the city of Chicago, this train is 21st century. That said, I live in Roswell and moved there 35 years ago. I chose my home, which I still live in, because the bus stopped at the corner of my street. I moved here from SFO where public transit is commonplace and well used. 35 years ago- Roswell had a population of 5,000 people. The 85 bus ran every 30 mins. Today with a population of 92,000, we still have the 85 bus every 30 mins. No increase in service. And it is not reliable. Last Friday, I waited for 45 mins for a bus which finally arrived. I had gone to the trip planner on the website to be able to arrive at the airport in time for my flight. Bus was late. No traffic, no accidents, no handicapped people requiring extra time and no explanation. Then the bus almost died after crossing the river. And again on GA 400. The driver said that they always put the oldest busses on the 85 route. So I have been paying the extra percent sales tax for 35 years and get the old busses. But people who pay no extra percent, drive to a MARTA station and pay the same for a ride. Time to show a little appreciation to the residents of Fulton and DeKalb who have paid the bill all of these years. And yes, MARTA is here to stay and hopefully will expand and improve. Any major urban city with a good rating has superb mass transit and the Atlanta Metro Area will never be a great international city until ALL the elected officials realize that you can’t keep adding private vehicles to a road and not create an undesirable quality of life. And we must look at every possible solution to our dependence on foreign oil. It amazes me that people will brag how they used the Metro in Paris, the Tube in London, the Sbahn in Munich but back home , they wouldn’t consider using the train. I have a theory about that but will save it for further discussion.

By janet

September 9, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this

I think some MARTA is better than no MARTA but it could use a lot of help right now. I don’t have a problem with the trains. They seem to be clean, quiet and mostly run on time. Compared to the train from Chicago O Hare Airport into the city of Chicago, this train is 21st century. That said, I live in Roswell and moved there 35 years ago. I chose my home, which I still live in, because the bus stopped at the corner of my street. I moved here from SFO where public transit is commonplace and well used. 35 years ago- Roswell had a population of 5,000 people. The 85 bus ran every 30 mins. Today with a population of 92,000, we still have the 85 bus every 30 mins. No increase in service. And it is not reliable. Last Friday, I waited for 45 mins for a bus which finally arrived. I had gone to the trip planner on the website to be able to arrive at the airport in time for my flight. Bus was late. No traffic, no accidents, no handicapped people requiring extra time and no explanation. Then the bus almost died after crossing the river. And again on GA 400. The driver said that they always put the oldest busses on the 85 route. So I have been paying the extra percent sales tax for 35 years and get the old busses. But people who pay no extra percent, drive to a MARTA station and pay the same for a ride. Time to show a little appreciation to the residents of Fulton and DeKalb who have paid the bill all of these years. And yes, MARTA is here to stay and hopefully will expand and improve. Any major urban city with a good rating has superb mass transit and the Atlanta Metro Area will never be a great international city until ALL the elected officials realize that you can’t keep adding private vehicles to a road and not create an undesirable quality of life. And we must look at every possible solution to our dependence on foreign oil. It amazes me that people will brag how they used the Metro in Paris, the Tube in London, the Sbahn in Munich but back home , they wouldn’t consider using the train. I have a theory about that but will save it for further discussion.

By Chris

September 10, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this

I just bought a horse.

By xodus321

September 10, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this

MARTA could do plenty of things that either wouldn’t cost them a dime or would bring them in at least as much if not more money than they would spend on the change:

• moving their police onto the trains and into the stations. If their public transit police, why are they almost always found driving around or at the police station? Police should be so commonplace on MARTA trains and stations that people don’t bat an eye at their presence.

-extend customer service hours. If MARTA is open, so should the customer service line. It’s frustrating to wonder did you miss that last bus but have no way to make sure.

-ok MARTA, so you’re stuck in DeKalb and Fulton and underfunded. That still doesn’t explain why your routes “spaghetti” all over town before going to a station as opposed to just travel up/down main roads or why the skimpy schedules you do have don’t run on time.

I honestly think MARTA is simply poorly managed. The best business will collapse if it’s not managed properly. Alot of these changes are common sense and don’t require you to be an expert in any field.

Beyond that MARTA is like the rest of Georgia when it comes to public transit: form studies and commissions to tell the public about things that won’t be built for decades and that, oh, by the way, we have no idea how they’ll be funded.

By The banditry of punditry.

September 10, 2008 5:50 AM | Link to this

The SnowWitch. Part Five.

“IMNRA”.

The SnowWitch held aloft her wolf hunting rifle. She didn’t leave the podium without a word like B4. She stood there holding her rifle high above her head.

“IMNRA”.

THe crowd went berserk. They all pulled out their concealed weapons and held them over their pointy heads. THey began to chant in lockstep, “WeRNRA…WeRNRA”

The Black Night’s spies, who still wore the “Dont trust yellow SnowWitches” T-shirts made a break for it.

Some folks say the spies got as far as the refreshment stands, but there are those who claim they made it as far as the porto-johns near the parking lot where they were ambushed by some incumbents who happened to be loitering there……

2B continued.

By catlady

September 10, 2008 6:45 AM | Link to this

My daughter is using Marta from East Lake to Ga State daily now. She likes the cost (32 per month) but she has complained of NEVER seeing MARTA police, even in the evening when things get even sketchier. When I have ridden I have only see police helping people get tokens. Why aren’t the police visible and ACTIVE?

By Dennis

September 10, 2008 7:09 AM | Link to this

To jasper: I don’t think you speak for Gwinnett.

Less that 15% of Gwinnett’s daily commuters go inside I-285. Automobile commuters from the NE corridor to the City are congestion free once they pass that barrier.

MARTA specializes in taking people into town and operating inside I-285.

Even though public transit doubles or triples the average commute time I will support it, IF the plan provides transit routes that take people where they need to go.

By Agent of Change (pocket change)

September 10, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this

The poorly run and ignored state of MARTA just epitomizes what is going on with government throughout Metro Atlanta and Georgia. One need to look no farther than the dysfunctional examples of the Georgia Legislature, the Georgia Department of Transportation, the City of Atlanta, the Fulton County Commission, the Clayton County Schoolboard, the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, the City of Snellville and the Town of Lithonia to see why MARTA is the way it is. Many forms of local government from the State of Georgia all the way down seem to be in total disarray. Efficiency of the transportation network and public safety are not just an issue for MARTA, but for much of the metro area. Metro Atlanta will have gone from two million residents in 1980 to nearly six million residents in 2010. That’s a population increase of nearly 200% in 30 years. Clearly one can take a look around North Georgia and see a 19th Century rural system of local government that is just struggling to operate in the 21st Century in an increasingly urban state. Georgia is now one of the ten most populated states in the union with a population rapidly approaching 10 million, but its local government still looks like that of a state with a population of half that, or less. It’s time for Georgia to step into the modern era and start investing in infrastructure. The poorly managed, maintained and highly neglected and inefficient two county agency of MARTA should be overhauled and reincarnated as an extremely safe, clean, highly efficient, expertly managed, highly maintained, highly visible 30-plus-county agency GRTA that goes everywhere and consists of heavy rail, light rain, buses and carpools.

By Bud Wiser

September 10, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this

“By Chris

September 10, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this

I just bought a horse.”

I hope you have a pickup baggy (30 gallon size recommended) to pick up what he leaves behind….

By Agent of Change (pocket change)

September 10, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this

Btw, Catlady. MARTA Police are not the only agency that is having problems with staffing, visibility, staffing and funding. Atlanta Police, DeKalb Police, Clayton County Police and Gwinnett Police are having SEVERE problems recruiting new officers and obtaining adequate funding from their respective local governments. Public safety (or lack thereof) has become a serious issue in the five-county urban core. Cobb, Gwinnett and DeKalb Counties have become densely populated urban counties in the last 15 years or so, but their police departments are still staffed and compensated almost like they’re still sparcely populated, semi-rural, exurban counties in the 1970’s. The public safety, efficiency and governance issues with the MARTA system are just a reflection of what’s going on in the community at large.

By CJ

September 10, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

MARTA really isn’t so bad, for what it is. We must augment the system with other rail systems to connect outlying towns. Also, we need rail systems to connect to points other than downtown. For example: Stone Mountain to Duluth to Alpharetta to Marietta. Wow! Sounds like an Outter Loop, doesn’t it!!!

By Honestly Speaking

September 10, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this

I love riding the train, except on weekends… They’re usually single tracking each train and they don’t run as often. So, it can be easier to drive on the weekends.

It feels like I’m in NYC when I ride the train, but when it breaks down, I remember that I’m in Atlanta.

It’s okay that some counties like Gwinnett and Cobb don’t want mass transit, it just means one less stop that I have to worry about since we don’t have express trains that stop at every other station.

And, I don’t mind riding the train to work, when it’s on time. I think before expanding the system, it would be good to improve the on-time arrivals and frequency of each train.

But for a major southern city, MARTA works just fine.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 10, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

Wealready know that the dhimmocrats are liars, when it really counts:

Meanwhile, remember that “pay as you go” spending promise that Speaker Nancy Pelosi made in 2006? We called it a ruse at the time, and the last two years have proved it. Senator Judd Gregg (R., N.H.) has tallied up at least $398 billion in “paygo” violations so far. Earmarks were also supposed to be cut in half by this Congress. In 2008 there were some 11,000 at a cost of $17 billion, the second most ever, and far more than half the peak of 14,000 in 2006.

The point to keep in mind is that this big spending blitz is coming even before a new President and Congress arrive next year with far more spending promises in tow. As they contemplate their choice for President, voters might want to consider which of the candidates is likely to be a check on Congressional appetites, rather than a facilitator.

Oblahma, thee community organizer, is promising increased spending, and that is on top of what the tax and spend Congress will be doing.

McBushie is not.

By bearcasey

September 10, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this

If I ever need to go to Perry Homes, I’ll take MARTA. Otherwise, I’ll stick with my Mercedes.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 10, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

Mrs. Palin also killed the infamous Bridge to Nowhere in her own state. Yes, she once supported the project: But after witnessing the problems created by earmarks for her state and for the nation’s budget, she did what others like me have done: She changed her position and saved taxpayers millions. Even the Alaska Democratic Party credits her with killing the bridge.

When the Senate had its chance to stop the Bridge to Nowhere and transfer the money to Katrina rebuilding, Messrs. Obama and Biden voted for the $223 million earmark, siding with the old boys’ club in the Senate. And to date, they still have not publicly renounced their support for the infamous earmark.

Mrs. Palin has proven courageous by taking on big spenders in her own party. In March of this year, the Anchorage Daily News reported that, “Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens is aggravated about what he sees as Gov. Sarah Palin’s antagonism toward the earmarks he uses to steer federal money to the state.”

Bwa.

By AJC/RNC Miss Management

September 10, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

Andy lied to me! He told me that he loved me and that he was okay that I couldn’t have children because I was a man. Well, officially I’m still a man, but after the operation I’ll be every bit of a woman as Andy wants to be! I love you Andy! Call me. You can’t deny the love we share and because you object, I won’t go through with the operation. I’ll keep my manhood just for you, Andy. Kisses.

By Copyleft

September 10, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

Mass transit helps reduce our dependence on foreign oil… and @@ is outraged at the very idea.

That’s our choice for this year’s election, folks. Basic logic from the Democrats, or barking-loon insanity from the fasci—whoops, I mean conservatives.

By Paul

September 10, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

AJC/DNC Management

“reflecting the threat posed by Palin, Obama is taking the unusual route of attacking the opposition’s No. 2, a job that would more typically be left to Biden, who focused more on McCain and President Bush.”

Link: Obama, Dems sharpen personal attacks on Palin

So who’d be the top guy in an Obama-Biden administration? Obama goes through the campaign attacking the number 2 while Biden goes after number 1. What would an Obama administration do - send Biden off to negotiate with Medvedev while Obama talks with a cabinet minister?

Or maybe Obama sends the Experienced One to attack the opponent’s Experienced One, while he as the Inexperienced One goes after the opponent’s Inexperienced One.

Either way, it’s a losing strategy. Dems need to demonstrate a better ability to react quickly to the unexpected and craft an appropriate strategy.

Speaking of unexpected - one of McCain’s senior campaign staffers, speaking of Palin, said “what makes you think this was a quick decision?” Dick Morris said he thought the McCain campaign suckered the Obama campaign - publicly concentrating on the older white male familiar faces, leading the Obama team to think they didn’t need to do anything out of the ordinary with their VP pick - so they went with an older white male familiar face. Then came the sucker punch - Palin.

Interesting theory. If true, just think which team will be better at gaming our adversaries.

By Paul

September 10, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

Copyleft 8:46

Domestic oil production from a variety of sources helps reduce our dependence on foreign oil… and Pelosi and Reid are outraged at the very idea.

By T

September 10, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

Can someone help one of the slow children? (refering to myself) I am not against drilling, but I have a question. If we increase drilling here at home, it increases supply to the world market, correct? So, what would stop OPEC from decreasing supply on their end to sucure profits and keep prices the same? (Like they just did)

By Cate

September 10, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

As more people started to ride, it would have been really nice for MARTA to add more trains to the schedule during peak hours.

I’m really getting tired of not only never getting a seat but having to let trains pass because there is not even room to squeeze in without full body contact.

By @@

September 10, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Copyleft:

Let’s just say I favor “The Bridge to Independence.” Don’t want politicians nonchalantly cheering on what robs WE THE PEOPLE of our independence to travel to and from work as we choose.

My workday begins.

By Paul

September 10, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

T

Here’s an article from a few years back that lays our a real-world situation. Seems Congress can easily direct domestic oil go to domestic refineries and consumption. Seems much of our domestic production goes to domestic consumption anyway - from the article it seems it’s easier logistically. I won’t say cheaper - we’re dealing with virtual monopolies here.

Fact is, if we had zero domestic production we’d have 100 percent imports. So it seems even if some domestic oil ends up on the world market increased domestic production decreases the need for imports.

Link: Domestic oil

out for a while -

By Fla Joe

September 10, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

Re: T’s comment on gas prices - RIGHT ON That’s why this is a give away to the oil companies. McCain has ducked most votes on alternative fuel & has oil lobbyists all around him. Oil is a global commodity with a global price - but off shore drilling brings nothing to US tax payers. How many people know most Alaska oil goes to Japan.

Lies, Lies and the small minds that believe them with politicans that spread them. Then they attack the “biased” media that tries to explain issues - oh, if that do present facts they are biased.

By Sony Tony

September 11, 2008 5:39 AM | Link to this

To those of you who have so many concern about MARTA. MARTA doesn’t receive money or much help form the state of Georgia if any unlike many transit systems around the country. Just like MARTA most transit systems loses money, MARTA receives 1% percent sale tax from DeKalb, the city of Atlanta and Fulton. So their will be limits to it service but it still able to operate 7 days a week 21 and a half hours out of the day , unlike Gwinnett , Cobb and Clayton that give much less services some with no Sunday service at all. So it is easy to assume that the other regional transit agency can manage funds more effectively but the truth is they provide less service. GRTA just recently raised its fare as well as Gwinnett to offset gas price also, but when you think about shouldn’t they have been able to absorb the fuel cost. They should have for seen it, and managed their funds appropriately you think they should have been able to see this coming right? MARTA did they bought gas at a set price so they have not raised the fare in at least 7 years

By Sony Tony

September 11, 2008 6:37 AM | Link to this

Also let me make a few more points Marta police force only has about 300 officers so there is no way they could cover every train or station because 38 or 40 station are hard to cover plus 160 plus bus routes on a shoe string budget. Also the comment about the Clifton Corridor being hard to access. Marta had a planed station near the Virginia Highlands/ Carter Center that was under construction that was canceled during the late 80 their were steps taken to fix this but the people stood in the way

By Sony Tony

September 11, 2008 6:48 AM | Link to this

To those of you who have so many concern about MARTA. MARTA doesn’t receive money or much help form the state of Georgia if any unlike many transit systems around the country. Just like MARTA most loses money, MARTA receives 1% percent sale tax from DeKalb, the city of Atlanta and Fulton. So their will be limits to it service but it still able to operate 7 days a week 21 and a half hours out of the day , unlike Gwinnett , Cobb and Clayton that give much less services some with no Sunday service at all. So it is easy to assume that the other regional transit agency can manage funds more effectively but the truth is they provide less service. GRTA just recently raised its fare as well as Gwinnett to offset gas price also, but when think about shouldn’t they have been able to absorb the fuel cost. They should have for seen it, and managed their funds appropriately you think they should have been able to see this coming right? MARTA did they bought gas at a set price so they have not raised the fare in at least 7 years. Now for the rail you would think ever one in Gwinnett would have jumped at the chance at it just for the fact to be able to take one train into the city or to the mall. I am still bewilder at the fact that someone in 2008 thinks that transit is the preferred choice of criminals only who want to steal your TV or daughter, maybe both. Listen people most people who ride public transit or working people just like you, who are just trying to get to and from so don’t worry, they don’t want you or your daughters. As for the state taking over transit I would not trust Old Sunny to take over a Burger King, I mean this guy plane for our water crises was to pray for rain? MARTA has been serving Atlanta for over 30 years you think the critics would at least acknowledge this; they say MARTA is a joke? But when you have so many people who never wanted MARTA from the start, lets face it most of our lawmakers have family in the business of road construction that why they wont fund transit. And to think what would affect a major capital project like build more rail and stations would have on our sagging job market. And MARTA rolls everyday and moves a whole city plus, we really shouldn’t cut off our nose to spite ones face. So what’s in a name if its MARTA or DUCKS the rubber still must hit the road. Why would you even think of bring in an outside agency to run something they have been doing for 3 decades…