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Culture War Roundup for the week of April 14, 2025

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based on two defects

From the document, this came across as an argument rather than a statement of fact (Sec Transp argues that the 1991 exception for congestion pricing was vague so he he's going to interpret it as he sees fit )

Reading between the lines, it's pretty much a 'Biden let you do it. I wont. Fuck you' letter. It even acknowledges the positive reception among the public.

It comes across as another example of Trump pushing the power of the executive to its furthest limits (every executive outdoes their former on this, but Trump 2 is a whole another level)

Congestion pricing is popular. Its in a deep blue state and doesnt have a partisan bent. (Republicans take the subway too). Im not sure why Trump is so appaled by it other than simplistic 'highway good, transit bad' memes.

Unsurprisingly, there has been nothing said about the flagrant disregard for rule of law by the executive of New York.

Executive overreach vs executive overreach. About damn time Democrats started playing politics rather than fumbling around like baboons.

I recognize that FHWA under the prior Administration concluded, when executing the November 21 Agreement, that the CBDTP was eligible for approval under VPPP, and that my determination represents a change in position.

What is the precedent around retroactive change to previous approvals, esp. when the capital expenditure is already done ?

Man, is it hard to get anything done in the US. No wonder the infrastructure is crumbling.

Congestion pricing launched after surviving multiple lawsuits filed on both sides of the Hudson River.

How did stuff ever get built in the US ? The system offers infinite tools for opposition to block every project. How did the interstate system get built ? Was there a clear before-after for when this kind of systemic obstruction became commonplace ?


I'm surprised that Trump fans didnt see the civic disobedience coming. Politics and the balance between the various pillars is a massive grey area, always has been. The boundaries around this area are primarily upheld by expectations of civility and perceptions of what gets you voted out of office. "X is illegal" is never that straightforward.

Trump won by throwing civility out the window, slaughtering every sacred cow and still got the popular vote. Dems are learning the obvious lessions. Trump is about to find out why certain pandoras boxes stay closed. (Assuming the dems are somewhat competent )

From the document, this came across as an argument rather than a statement of fact (Sec Transp argues that the 1991 exception for congestion pricing was vague so he he's going to interpret it as he sees fit )

It's a conclusion, being made by the official in charge of making such conclusions.

Reading between the lines, it's pretty much a 'Biden let you do it. I wont. Fuck you' letter. It even acknowledges the positive reception among the public.

"Biden let you do it even though it was unlawful. I won't. Fuck you."

Congestion pricing is popular. Its in a deep blue state and doesnt have a partisan bent. (Republicans take the subway too). Im not sure why Trump is so appaled by it other than simplistic 'highway good, transit bad' memes.

It's popular in New York City, because many in New York City don't drive so it's a tax on other people. Not so popular outside NYC.

It's popular in New York City, because many in New York City don't drive so it's a tax on other people. Not so popular outside NYC.

Exactly ! Why national outrage over a single bridge in a location where it makes sense ?

Single bridge? This is about most of the roads in Manhattan.

Yes, 1 borough of 1 city containing 1.6 million people. All this outrage over 0.5% of the nation's population ?

60% of commuters use public transport in NYC. 3 types of people drive into NYC : Rich people, Blue collar workers and suburbanites who would who have been forced back by RTO policies. Rich people can pay the toll. RTO suburbanites would be compensated by their companies. Hourly blue collar people would rather save time and make a few more dollars.

I don't know if you've driven into Manhattan before, but it is a total shit show. Tolls or not, I can't imagine anyone wanting to drive into the city by choice. Congestion pricing takes what is a universally miserable experience, and makes it tolerable for some while incentivizing the rest to take the less-painful path (transit). It is a as close to a universally good thing as you can get.