I was just skimming an article regarding the proposed "high speed" train system planned for California and how it appears to be nothing more than another government boondoggle. This reminded me of two personal run-ins with government "efficiency" this week.
The first was my fleeting thought about "going government green" for the day to save the planet from global warming (just a note to those who may not know me -- this is sarcasm!). I am thinking about going to my favorite SoCal beach sometime to unwind from campaign headaches so I thought maybe I would take the MetroLink. After all, they tell us how cheap and efficient public transportation is, not to mention I can help save the planet. So I looked into it -- for a healthy, middle-aged adult the cost is $28 round trip. The first joke is that the web site tells me that the cost to take my personal vehicle would be around $70+ so look at all the money I save while saving the planet and not having to fight traffic. Now the real world -- my 2001 Toyota Corolla can make it there and back in about 6 gallons -- $19, plus $5 for parking and if I take the toll road to miss some traffic my total is about $28. So same price, no traffic. So far - okay. But then I look at the schedule -- no trains from San Bernardino stop at my beach, and only 1 train stops close -- the 4:40 A.M. train! So if I want to go, I need to wake up at 3:30 in the morning to get to the beach by 6:30ish. Needless to say, I didn't check to see what the the train returned. And they wonder why most people who have an option don't use public transportation! Guess I will just take the car and deal with the traffic. (If the wife joins me I can treat her out to lunch and save money over the MetroLink.)
Example number 2 -- I needed to go to Big Bear to pick up some kids from Church Camp and I knew that there had been some construction delays the week before. So the morning of the trip I called the 1-800 Caltrans number to check for road delays. They said there were none. So I start out and about 1/3 of the way up, guess what Caltrans workers had one lane blocked and were stopping traffic. Then I get up to Big Bear and guess what . Caltrans workers had one lane blocked and were stopping traffic. I guess Caltrans only thinks to post road delays if the shut down the road completely. For those in the San Bernardino area, Caltrans doesn't even mention the "minor" construction that is taking place on the 215!
But have no fear . the Federal government is much more efficient (just ignore the Post Office, Amtrak, medi-care, Social Security, immigration .) and they will prove it to you as they take over the health care system.