[PRCo] Business

[Phillip Clark Campbell]

----- Original Message ----

> From: Edward H. Lybarger <trams2 at comcast.net>
> To: pittsburgh-railways at dementia.org
> Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008 5:23:52 AM
> Subject: [PRCo] Re: Merry Christmas Westmoreland County
> 
> The Post-Gazette this morning said that Sony leases the plant from the
> Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority.  So it, too, is part of the
> Milton Shapp legacy.  Millions of dollars in state aid has on two occasions
> been used to attract companies to the site...both of whom decamped about the
> time the incentives expire.
> 
> Don't get me started on subsidies to business (and I'm not exactly a
> liberal...just middle-of-the-road).


Mr.Lybarger;


Just read comments by a market professional who claims the New Deal of
the 1930s not unlike the proposed bailout today.  New Deal didn't promote
prosperity but prolonged agony.  Many claim current bailout is throwing
good money after bad and this is making much more sense isn't it.
If history follows this will only prolong current agony.

Many say that proper communications would make for a better society.
It is probably far more insidious; our problems stem from a love of money.
Case in point:  current transit agencies need more and more money but
is the end product any better than it was in the 1930s, 40s, 50s?
I have often stated that funding for transit should be cut to bare bones;
those with $$ for eyes would leave the agencies and those with an interest in
transit 'might' remain.  Once all the hollering from the agencies completely
dies, then it might be time to reconsider funding.

It would be very painful for 'all' for a while;  the end result might produce
much better service - even infinitely better.

Tough-love?  I don't take pleasure in pain of others;  in fact,
I 'never' take pleasure in the pain of others.   I feel very uncomfortable
even making these observations because of the number of people who
would be hurt.  But it is the trials and associated pain in life that
develops character 'if' the lessons are heeded.

Unfortunately, we all know this famous statement:  History Repeats.
The reason:  we don't learn from the mistakes of the past;
we repeat them.

Did this push any more buttons Mr.Lybarger?  I like your ideas.


Phil

PS:  I changed the Subject line but it is very generic isn't it.