Now that petrol prices are halved, the NCGA wants to go revert to using coal-fired trains for hauling freight. The regression would be simple enough, involving only minor tweaks to infrastructure, like the expansion of the Cowee Tunnel. The line would service the economically burgeoning corridor connecting Andrews and Murphy.
Driving the proposal? Returning freight service and attracting tourists: The estimated economic impact to the region is 1,900 jobs over 15 years and $60 million in additional wages. Taxpayers’ estimated cost is $17.4 million to make the dream reality, the draft report says, including paying half of the $4.4 million GSMR says it would need for upgrades.
I say, if people want to fish for tourists, let them – but let’s quit making this a role of government. Contrary to conventional wisdom, governments were not created to collect money. They are not to be run like businesses, because they ought not run at a profit. They would, however, do well to contemplate the concept of trade in their operations. That is, we need to start reaping something for all we’re spending for tourists. Maybe TDA contributions could come with a money-back guarantee.
Expanding the concept of government as a money pit, with few exceptions we’re not little booboos out here. We’re human beings, and as part of a true community, we don’t want to be divided by government into givers and takers. Letting each do some of both adds to self-esteem and potential for growth.
