Corridor H could be complete in less than six years

From the time of the Romans over 2000 years ago it has been known that a good road system promotes business and commerce. In 1965 the much needed Corridor H project was initiated as part of the Appalachian Development Highway System for the same reasons. Now some forty-four years later about a third has yet to be completed.[i] For comparison in March of 1942 the US Army began constructing a road to connect Alaska to the rest of the nation. They finished the 1,422 mile unimproved two-lane road through a complete wilderness eight months later in November of 1942.[ii] Interstate 80 which was the first transcontinental Interstate to be completed took only thirty years to complete[iii] its 2899 mile length. The estimates for a Corridor H completion date is still twenty-six years away.[iv] An entire generation of West Virginians will have been born, gone through school, worked a life time and retired before Corridor H’s completion. To build 133 miles of the transcontinental Interstate 80 took an average of sixteen months.

The question to many; Why is the 133 miles Corridor H taking close to seventy years to complete? The short answer for the long delay is the flawed funding mechanism the state is currently using. It relies too heavily on fickle Earmark funding from Washington, funding that can be easily taken away as happened recently.[v] Barry Goldwater once said, “A government that is big enough to give you all you want is big enough to take it all away”[vi] and that is exactly what happen with the Corridor H funding. The state is required to pay 20% of Corridor H construction cost with the Federal Government providing the other 80% through the Appalachian Region Commission.[vii] The reason stated by the Obama Administration for eliminating the latest Corridor H funding was because the Federal portion was exceeding the 80% formula.[viii]

West Virginia can no longer afford to wait to finish Corridor H and as a result we must change the funding model the state is currently using. Let’s compare the current model the state is using to build Corridor H to building a new home. It would be as if when you got your pay check you took a small portion and used that money to buy a few two by fours, some sheet rock or shingles. You would then build a small portion of your new home. Every once and awhile you might get a tax refund or better yet a stimulus check (Earmark) from the government, then you run out, splurge and build a bigger chunk of your new house. The problem with this method is the part of your home you are building now would be much more expensive then the part you built in 1965, meaning overall construction cost will be much higher in the end. Additionally you will not have your home ready to move into until your ready to retire and you would be unable to use it to raise your family. That is why, for the most part, we don’t fund new home construction in this way.

The way most new homes are constructed is we borrow the money, build the new home in a short period of time, move in and pay for it over time. This accomplishes several things. One it locks the price in to the prices at the time of construction. Two it still allows us to pay for the new home over the same amount of time. Lastly it allows us to use the home during our life time. The state should be using the exact system funding method to complete the final sections of Corridor H over the next four to six years, instead of waiting the estimated twenty-six years to completion.[ix]

West Virginia’s bond rating is in the middle of the pack,[x] and the state has been working hard to maintain or improve it. In other words the state has a good credit rating and this gives us the ability to have a good interest rate on a loan to complete Corridor H in the near future. Right now the estimate for building a mile of Corridor H is $22 million per mile.[xi] If we continue to use the current funding method, that final mile of Corridor H will cost the taxpayers around $51 million to build in twenty-six years,[xii] costing the tax payer an additional $29 million the last mile alone. If we build it now by issuing bonds we lock the construction cost in at $22 million per mile. We cannot wait to complete Corridor H and continue this current fiscal irresponsibility.

We must borrow the money to complete Corridor H within the next four to six years locking in the cost savings to the taxpayer. It will provide a strong economic impact in the construction industry during construction over the next four to six years helping to offset the current job losses in the state. As the road nears completion the increased traffic along the route will help create jobs in the travel service industry from Hardy County to Lewis County. The increased ease of transport will help retain and attract industry along the route now, all the while increasing tax revenue for the state without increasing taxes.

The increased tax revenue will make it easier for the state to pay its 20%, while the rest of the loan payments are made with the guaranteed 80% Federal matching funds. If we change now and stop waiting on earmark funding, then we take control of our own destiny and will no longer be subject to whims of Washington politics. Now is the time for West Virginia to stand up, be fiscally responsible and complete Corridor H within six years.

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[i] WVCorridorH.com, The Route, Project Timeline

[ii] MSN, Encarta Encyclopedia, Alaska Highway

[iii] Federal Highway Administration, Celebrating the Eisenhower Interstate System, Facts of the Day March 5, 2009

[iv] Foxnews.com, Byrd’s Road to Nowhere, March 10, 2009

[v] Charleston Daily Mail, Obama’s budget eliminates Corridor H funds, May 8, 2009

[vi] Famous-Quotes.com, Famous Quotes by Barry Goldwater

[vii] Appalachian Regional Commission, ARC Project Guidelines, Section 3.2

[viii] The Intermountain, Obama budget eliminates Corridor H funds, May 8, 2009

[ix] Foxnews.com, Byrd’s Road to Nowhere, March 10, 2009

[x] Michigan State Senate, Senate Fiscal Agency Memorandum, Table 2 State Bond Ratings, Feb. 20, 2007

[xi] Foxnews.com, Byrd’s Road to Nowhere, March 10, 2009

[xii] InflationData.com, US Long Term Inflation Rate

Presidential Retribution Inflicted Upon Eastern West Virginia and Elsewhere

The slow gradual pace of Corridor H construction in eastern West Virginia may soon grind to a halt.

Obama recently axed all funding for the project that, according to current plans, will create a four lane link between Exit 99 on Interstate 79 and the Virginia border near the Interstate 66 terminus at Front Royal.

An infuriated Senator Byrd, whose influence obtained funding for the road in the first place, responded that only Congress has the power of the purse. Byrd assured West Virginians that the money would be restored to the purse.

But will it?

The highway runs through the district of Republican Representative Shelley Moore Capito. Also, Byrd has remained almost as critical of Obama as he was of President Bush over executive infringement upon congressional powers. President Bush never touched this funding or this project, but it appears that the independent nonagenarian Democrat has earned a rebuke from the Obamanation. Possibly that extends to West Virginia voters themselves who chose McCain by a large margin and would probably vote for a dead dog before choosing him to succeed himself. The counties through which the highway runs, even staunchly blue Hardy, rejected Obama.

All is not lost. A return of Congress to GOP control would give Congresswoman Capito more influence. Also the state funding plan proposed by Gary Howell on FOX News remains a viable option, since it worked in South Carolina already.

It is interesting to see Obama reject the ideals of the president who remains ideal in so many liberal eyes. Kennedy was a tax cutter who understood the needs of national security while proposing Appalachian corridor highways as a national investment. Obama has nixed all three of these ideals of JFK while running up unfathomable deficits.

By the way, other rural counties, such as Elk in Pennsylvania also saw funding slashed. They also sinned by voting Republican in the last presidential election. High numbers of affluent communities will get most of the funds from the stimulus. Of course most of them voted for guess who.

His Ruthlessness said exactly what he thought about rural Americans during the campaign, that they were deranged armed zealots. And they get no stimulation. Especially if they voted against the Won.

Scare Force One Picture, All too Symbolic

Look really hard at this picture. It speaks at least a thousand words and this was an intentional shot.

Look at how the president's plane dominates the foreground. Look how insignificant the Statue of Liberty became in comparison.

Does this photo speak volumes about the last hundred or so days of American history or what?

Awakening The Sleeping Giant - A Bicycle Ride for Honesty

For Immediate Release – For more information contact; “Michael Maresco” - info@libertyrider.com

Political Mileage – Be a Part of Something Big

The Ron Paul Rider is at it again... Herding cats from the freedom movement known as the r3VOLution, Michael Maresco is getting back on his bicycle to help spread the message, coast to coast. Going from the Statue of Liberty, to Alcatraz, the undercurrent of the trip is, “America; Freedom to Fascism.”

Named “Ride for Honesty”, it will attempt to promote honest discussions on problems facing our country, and the solutions promoted by the r3VOLution. In addition to the normal canvassing associated with such a stunt, the event will attempt to build rapport between local activists, and county sheriffs all along the route. The idea was born in an online discussion of Sheriff Richard Mack’s latest book, “The County Sheriff- America’s Last Hope” and how “we should all deliver them to our sheriff’s.” Thinking on the worth of that idea, this project was born..

In addition to Sheriff Mack’s small book, Campaign for Liberty has generously provided 100 copies of “The Revolution; A Manifesto”. Also included in the delivery pack will be a DVD of Dr. Edwin Vieira’s, “Power of the Purse and Sword” speech. Basically, an introduction to a r3VOLution that highlights love, honor, respect.

Ways you can help:

Covering the States of NJ, PA, WV, OH, IN, IL, MO, OK, NM, AZ, NV, and CA, the hope is to meet, and interview for a blog, a string of supporters across this great nation. whose simple task will be to help get the books into the right hands and see that Michael's route for their area is safe, and sound. At 94 counties, it’s a pretty big herd of cats, any networking help will be golden. If you live in, or know folk along the route, please become part of the it by emailing, locals@libertyrider.com , including your state’s abbreviation in the subject line.

It is hoped that the trip inspires others to reach out and build better rapport with officials in their county, in that regard, networked blogging will be golden, as well, If you want to help document the project on your favorite social network, become a part of it by emailing socialnet@libertyrider.com

If you are work in any form of media, and want to help promote this event, be a part of it by emailing media@libertyrider.com

And finally, this all costs money, and anyone can “be a part of it” by chipping in $17.76 here.

http://michael4rpr.chipin.com/ride-for-honesty-support

Bio - Michael Maresco was living an idyllic life, on the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i, when he was astounded by the spontaneous uprising of support for Congressman Ron Paul’s presidential run. He wasted no time in joining the rVOLUtion and was one of the original members of Hawaii Meet-up #112. He first organized his meet up to help with a 130 mile 5 day Walk for Ron Paul, in the early summer of ‘07, building the group. By winter 07 he had one upped that stunt with a 3500 mile bicycle trip across the USA, (on his first ever roadbike, a $250 Schwinn from WalMart.) Pulling a trailer festooned with signage he distributed materials, made the front page multiple times, got interviewed on local Fox, and generally built support for the Good Doctor, while inspiring others to step outside the box and get into the streets.

Following that, Michael got into GOTV mode and volunteered for OLFD in NH, he went to SC, and covered two precincts in NY State. In early spring of ‘08 he went to TX to help with the primary challenge for Ron Paul’s congressional seat, and spearheaded a phone bank getting people to the caucuses. During the District 14 effort the Revolution March started gaining steam and Michael was recruited onto the core team, who pulled off that pure grassroots event with style. From there Michael was recruited onto the Walk4Freedom crew, who walked 300 miles across Wisconsin to the Rally For The Republic, holding townhall meetings and handing out Pocket Constitutions all along the way. He was then asked to accompany and assist the producers of the docum3ntary project; For Liberty, where his intimate knowledge of the players and progression of the r3VOLution came in handy. By then it was fall and time to go help GOTV for BJ Lawson. Since the election, he has volunteered and helped promote; both End the Feds, the Boston Tea Party 08, CPAC09 , and the recent Rally on Lexington Green (hosted by Committees of Safety and attended by Oath-Keepers.)

And with this latest venture he shows no signs of letting up…

In addition, as a moderator on Ron Paul Forums he has helped raise money for all of the above, and countless other small, and large projects. Now, he is asking for your help.

Donate today.

http://libertyrider.com/

Time For the Republican Party to Get Back to Basics

The Republican Party since its birth in the 1850s has traditionally stood in some way or another for rights. At that point its rights platform emphasized the right to not be owned just because of your skin color. The Grand Old Party has always been at its best and truest when arguing a positive platform of the right of each individual to enjoy what was promised by the Declaration of Independence and enshrined by the Constitution.

Constitution? Declaration of Independence? Even now that they are terrorist manifestos, they ought to be easy sells to the American people in the upcoming elections right?

The art of selling (and it is an art despite pollsters trying to turn it into a science) requires focus. Right now the Republican Party lacks cohesive focus. Remember when we stormed back in 1994? We had a strong and deep vision that was well articulated. It was based upon the political values and economic principles that have always been Republican strong suits.

We believe in the right of individuals to choose within the law except when those choices result in direct bodily harm to another individual.

We believe that America must retain a strong role in world affairs because we realize if we do not, more unpalatable nations will rise to the fore.

We believe that when the government is knee deep in the private sector instead of an impartial referee, it leads to favoritism and corruption. The Credit Mobilier scandal of the 1870s sprang from direct government involvement in railroads. Lots of politicians stuck their hands into that cookie jar, including future President James Garfield.

Obama is gutting the Constitution and is a real threat to our natural rights. We need to focus our message on a positive alternative vision. Right now we are simply reacting and muddying the water with other issues.

Social conservatives will argue with this, but it is time to jettison gay marriage as a major issue. This is my own opinion, not Gary Howell's. This issue contradicts our general stands on limited government and individual choice. Now on the issue of extending sexual education into elementary school with the idea of teaching children in ways that contradict parental prerogatives, that is an issue of rights where Republicans stand on firm ideological ground. Honestly what are we going to do if gays want to call themselves married? Put shock collars on them? The private sector already recognizes these relationships for insurance and other purposes. This issue muddies the waters and drives away to the Democrats many victims of Obama's stealing, I mean, tax policies.

Abortion, on the other hand, is an issue we need to continue to fight. It is a human rights issue. Children have the right to live, regardless. When the Declaration of Independence says that every person has the right to life, it gets no plainer than that. That is why this is not only a social conservative issue and should not be fought as one. We can even take this one into traditionally Democratic territory. One in three babies aborted is black. That is an astounding statistic. It should be better publicized by the Republican Party.

It's very simple. We only need to get back to the ideals upon which this country was founded. We separated from Britain for economic and individual freedom. We made those ideals our law. They are based upon the right to choose. If we stand by these two founding documents and fight on issues that flow directly from them, we are always strong.

The Pakistan Plan

We'd better have a plan ready. Now.

Since Obama took office, the situation in Pakistan has gone from bad to worse as Taliban forces continue to build momentum and march on the capital. A crucial American ally in the region is about to go the way of Iran and South Vietnam. We had better have a expeditionary force of some sort ready.

Why? Why not let them fall into history like South Vietnam? Why risk more US lives in endless wars against fundamentalism halfway around the world.

Nuclear weapons, that is why. We cannot let terrorists acquire nuclear weapons, especially a group willing to die for their cause. Even worse, they would likely be more aggressive towards Pakistan's historic enemy India, who also has nuclear arms.

Is India likely to tolerate such as disastrous situation on its own borders? At this point it is hard to tell. The only possible help for this situation is a United States currently in a mode of Defense Department firesale.

First, whether they want it or not, US air power must be used against the Taliban to break up and break down their forces. If all else fails, we need an international team of special forces to seize all Pakistani nuclear components before the country falls.

Allowing Pakistani nuclear arms to fall into the hands of Islamic fundamentalist militants who have encouraged destructive attacks on the United States would be a criminal act of folly on the part of the Obama Administration. It is time to stop wasting money on frivolities, stop gutting the Defense Department, and start rounding up a posse to prevent a nuclear Taliban.

Blast from the Past: Shot heard round the world