Formerly About Advanced Micro Devices Message Board

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : Formerly About Advanced Micro Devices

Public Reply Prvt Reply Mark as Last Read File

Previous 10 Next 10 Previous Next

To: Joe NYC who wrote (124143)	9/18/2000 4:40:46 PM
From: tejek	Read Replies (2) of 1571198

I think it is hard to make the argument for need of subsidies based solely on the fuel efficiency while there is a wholesale waste of these dollars happening. Joe, I think $$$ is wasted on all levels of gov't and industry. There is waste in the operation of airports just as there is waste in the operation of Amtrak. Maybe the control of waste per se should not be the prime objective. Maybe it should be measured in the context of the overall good. You say that its ok that Jamica's budget runs a deficit because they make it up in the end with tourist revenue; that its okay because its meets the overall good for Jamaica. Is it then not okay to have a $$$ deficit in train operations when those trains are more energy efficient then cars or planes, resulting in a reduction the cost and consumption of oil? And when those same trains reduce the amount of pollutants in the air, isn't fair to think that the incidence of astma among children will be reduced, thereby reducing the child mortality rate and reducing HMO costs? Isn't that satisfying the overall good in the same way that advertising revenue does in Jamaica? Most people believe that the private sector is highly efficient...its a bunch of bull. Several years ago, there was a price war that broke out among the airline shuttle services between DC and NYC......the airlines had overestimated traffic demand and had too much equipment on the route. When the price war broke out, the airlines did not reduce service since that was a key element in their competition and the lower fares did not pull more people into the market. The result for months was half empty planes going back and forth in the most crowded air sector in the country. You can imagine how much fuel was wasted during this period of time. Yet trains can do the job nearly as quickly with much less fuel per passenger. Even with small subsidies, is that not better than out and out wasting of irreplaceable oil? Capitalism means free enterprise....but does that mean at any cost. I think this country needs to rethink its energy policy. We do not have the right to be wastefully consuming such a large percentage of the earth's resources in the name of free enterprise. At some point we need to consider future generations and what their needs will be. But like I said in a much earlier post, we act like indulgent children.....we need our toys. It looks to me like something will have to give....and I hope its not too painful. ted

Report TOU Violation

Share This Post

Public Reply Prvt Reply Mark as Last Read File

Previous 10 Next 10 Previous Next