History

I noticed that the Daily Tar Heel has a thumbs up or thumbs down feature called Quick Hits. They gave the symbolic Obama train ride from Philadelphia to DC a sideways thumb, saying it was a bit "too theatrical and corny" for their taste. As a matter of fact, I agree; it's my understanding that it cost a ton of money to set up given the security concerns, but I can't find any figures for that off hand. The idea was to recreate Lincoln's journey to DC, which sounds symbolic, but also brings up hubris and opulence. Had it zero to little cost associated with it, I think it'd be fine, like how the mayor of New York, billionaire Michael Bloomberg, rides the subway to work (occasionally at least). I think the train ride was unnecessary. The fact that the country elected Obama is in itself very significant and symbolic. The fact that a couple million people attended the inauguration was significant and symbolic. Maybe everyone on the National Mall could have joined in song together. That would have been awesome, memorable, and free (or at least cheap). But adding in an expensive, phony train ride to DC is probably taking away from the history being made.

I love the subway too

Post on little boys who love the subway. Very cute.

Mass Transit in the US!

Recently mass transit has been getting some attention in the car-dependent USA thanks to the spiraling gas prices. In North Carolina, the Amtrak line has had a 20% increase in passengers compared to the same time last year. Thanks to Sam for showing me that article.

Another similar article that caught my eye was linked to from Paul Krugman's blog. The article notes that mass transit use is up 10-15% in cities in the West and South were driving culture is the strongest and mass transit options are more limited. I consider the increase in mass transit usage to be very good news. I hope we start investing in more mass transit options.