Dear Blogger:
Re: Rep. Anh 'Joseph' Cao calls on Gov. Bobby Jindal to support rail project, Times-Picayune, by Lolis E Elie, October 3, 2009
How interesting Gov. Jindal considered applying for-– that is, before he was against the request -- a federal stimulus grant for a rapid rail system between New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
Given the no-brainer advantageous economic and environmental benefits the rapid rail system would create, Gov. Jindal’s refusal to apply for the grant is entirely rooted in the detrimental blow back to his political image -- which applying for the funds would create.
After Gov. Jindal was belittled and berated on the Keith Olbermann Countdown program on MSNBC in August, having chuckled while ridiculing President Obama’s proposed rail project on national television in the Republican response in February to the President’s stimulus package, Jindal’s consideration to apply for the funds, for a decades-overdue rail system, suddenly had the emergency brakes applied.
Jindal’s apparent high speed aspirations for national office, sparing Gov. Jindal from future criticism -– being before rapid rail, before being against it, I believe, has indubitably trumped the interest of the citizens of Louisiana, and what a shame.
In addition, to counter Jindal’s argument that the state could not afford the $18 million annual expense to operate the system, fewer helicopter rides to politic -– at the taxpayers’ expense -– disguised as trips to attend church service on Sunday would be a good start.
As well, the rail system would be a huge complement to a future regional airport between New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
And I thank and congratulate Congressman Anh 'Joseph' Cao, state Sen. Ed Murray, New Orleans City Councilman Arnie Fielkow, and state Rep. Neil Abramson for providing vital leadership.
David C. Bellinger
(404) 762-8779
E-mail: davidc53@juno.com
Atlanta, GA 30315
Labels: Flaming Liberal
