Everything That's Fit To Print

The major papers are in trouble, the bankruptcy at the Chicago Tribune hit hard as well to a lesser degree the Christian Science Monitor going to an online only edition.


I received these cry outs of desperation for subscriptions today in the mail by 2 of the top newspapers in the country. It made me sad to think a time is nearing where print journalism will be nothing more than a relic to Technologic America.

Both The New York Times and The Boston Globe are offering 50% off home delivery for 6 months. It's a great deal for the news consumer. The subscription savings by consumers will not hurt ether paper as the Times and Globe don't make their money off of subscription, they make it through advertising. The 50% off is a way to raise the subscription level, which will hopefully lead to greater advertising revenue.

There will always be a need for reporters. Even the online world will need people to get the story, otherwise the stories would be written without credibility and like PR pieces for corporations (not that they don't already own the media).

Put it before them briefly so they will read it, clearly so they will appreciate it, picturesquely so they will remember it and, above all, accurately so they will be guided by its light.
--Joseph Pulitzer

Nukes

The US under President Bush seems to have made a correct decision of sorts by not giving Israel Bunker Bombs capable of taking out Iranian suspected nuclear facilities, Although, David Sanger of the New York Times reports Bush did allow for disruption by covert-ops.




Really the fear of an Iranian nuclear attack, ever is unsubstantiated. An attack by Iran is a act of suicide by the Iranian nation. I believe the US would strike fervently probably Russia would retaliate, however, Russia would not want this to happen either. A nuclear weapon by Iran and any other country is a deterrent to invasion mostly by the US.

Gas: Nobody Rides for Free

Here is the lead by Joan Lowy of the Associated Press with the byline

Motorists' Habits Spur Call For Tax Increases:

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Motorists are driving less and buying less gasoline, which means fuel taxes aren't raising enough money to keep pace with the cost of road, bridge and transit programs.

The government wants to raise gas taxes because obviously it needs money to fix federal run roads, etc. The proposal is a $0.10 raise on the federal tax, which is in addition to whatever state taxes exist. If the government needs additional tax money to generate the funds to fix their roads etc. and the government doesn’t have the money to give to the states, then isn’t it logical that the states will have to do the same with their gas tax?

Raising the gas tax by both the state and the federal government will only keep driving habits low if not lower them unless the consumer gets to a level of driving necessity that cannot be altered. Perhaps many of us will give the real American salute (you know, the one you gave to the hockey mom driving the Ford Explorer with Alaska plates that just cut you off).
And we’ll all get vespa’s with 60 miles per gallon. Sure it will take a little longer to get to work, but think of the money we’ll save and don't worry we’ll make it look cool.


In response, the government would more than likely raise the tax, end the subsidies on fuel efficient vehicles, and propaganda motor scooter users as crazed gangs of non-tax paying outlaws.