Comments on: Congressman Ridicules Bikes as “19th Century Solution” http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/ Covering the New York City Streets Renaissance Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:07:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Danny http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/comment-page-2/#comment-286311 Danny Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:44:42 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/#comment-286311 typical... typical…

]]> By: Jean Naimard http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/comment-page-2/#comment-54702 Jean Naimard Wed, 06 Aug 2008 17:11:24 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/#comment-54702 Actually, the automobile is a 18th century invention, invented in 1770, 238 years ago, well before the US revolution: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas-Joseph_Cugnot#The_first_self-propelled_vehicle.3F Actually, the automobile is a 18th century invention, invented in 1770, 238 years ago, well before the US revolution:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas-Joseph_Cugnot#The_first_self-propelled_vehicle.3F

]]> By: Mike Blume http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/comment-page-2/#comment-54680 Mike Blume Wed, 06 Aug 2008 07:20:06 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/#comment-54680 Nobody's mentioned Daniel Johnson - he's running against this idiot, and I say we all flood his campaign with contributions, and indicate that it's in direct response to these comments. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Johnson_%28naval_officer%29 http://www.danieljohnson08.org/ Nobody’s mentioned Daniel Johnson – he’s running against this idiot, and I say we all flood his campaign with contributions, and indicate that it’s in direct response to these comments.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Johnson_%28naval_officer%29

http://www.danieljohnson08.org/

]]> By: Jackie Knoch http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/comment-page-2/#comment-53920 Jackie Knoch Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:37:06 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/#comment-53920 I've been trying to e-mail him a video response but there seems to be a problem with his website. Does anyone have McHenry's e-mail? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0Nk2fI_rvg I’ve been trying to e-mail him a video response but there seems to be a problem with his website. Does anyone have McHenry’s e-mail?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0Nk2fI_rvg

]]> By: Robert Nauheimer http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/comment-page-2/#comment-53668 Robert Nauheimer Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:42:56 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/#comment-53668 I deeply apologize, but it's the dizzying stupidity of the people we elect to office, regardless of their political persuasion, that on occasion leaves me ashamed of my own country. We are all responsible for letting fools like this one into office by supporting the most electable instead of the most qualified. I deeply apologize, but it’s the dizzying stupidity of the people we elect to office, regardless of their political persuasion, that on occasion leaves me ashamed of my own country. We are all responsible for letting fools like this one into office by supporting the most electable instead of the most qualified.

]]> By: Ian Turner http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/comment-page-2/#comment-36140 Ian Turner Fri, 24 Aug 2007 15:42:52 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/#comment-36140 Ron, I know that this is a difficult concept for you, but not everything must be subsidized. Rather than trying to subsidize specific technologies (corn ethanol, wind power, solar power, hydrogen), couldn't you achieve the same effect and even encourage new innovation without the subsidy distortions through a carbon or oil tax or cap-and-trade system (which amounts to the same thing)? The answer, of course, is yes: But very few groups will lobby for a carbon tax, because the benefits are distributed throughout the nation (indeed, throughout the world) whereas the costs are centralized in a few industries. Subsidies are pursued because there are specific monied interests to lobby for them. Don't praise the man for more pork, even in an environmental arena. It's still just corporate welfare. Ron,

I know that this is a difficult concept for you, but not everything must be subsidized.

Rather than trying to subsidize specific technologies (corn ethanol, wind power, solar power, hydrogen), couldn’t you achieve the same effect and even encourage new innovation without the subsidy distortions through a carbon or oil tax or cap-and-trade system (which amounts to the same thing)?

The answer, of course, is yes: But very few groups will lobby for a carbon tax, because the benefits are distributed throughout the nation (indeed, throughout the world) whereas the costs are centralized in a few industries. Subsidies are pursued because there are specific monied interests to lobby for them. Don’t praise the man for more pork, even in an environmental arena. It’s still just corporate welfare.

]]> By: Steve http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/comment-page-2/#comment-36135 Steve Fri, 24 Aug 2007 14:41:30 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/#comment-36135 Ron, I work in an office where the parking tax exemption and the mass transit fare exemption are available to everyone. I can shield $215 in income each month from taxes if I pay it to garage owners. I can shield $110 in income a month from taxes if I give the money to mass transit. If I ride a bike or walk, my income is fully taxable. Tell me whether you think that is rational or fair. I have co-workers who live about two-three miles away and drive to work in part because of the financial incentive this garage tax shelter give them. And there are others who live very close to the office, use the parking reimbursement to subsidize the cost of a garage near their home, and simply walk to work. So anyone who might oppose extending this tax sheltering system to bike commuters because of the potential for abuse should address first why that abuse would be any different from that already rampant under the current system, reserved for motorists and mass transit users. Ron, I work in an office where the parking tax exemption and the mass transit fare exemption are available to everyone. I can shield $215 in income each month from taxes if I pay it to garage owners. I can shield $110 in income a month from taxes if I give the money to mass transit. If I ride a bike or walk, my income is fully taxable. Tell me whether you think that is rational or fair.

I have co-workers who live about two-three miles away and drive to work in part because of the financial incentive this garage tax shelter give them. And there are others who live very close to the office, use the parking reimbursement to subsidize the cost of a garage near their home, and simply walk to work. So anyone who might oppose extending this tax sheltering system to bike commuters because of the potential for abuse should address first why that abuse would be any different from that already rampant under the current system, reserved for motorists and mass transit users.

]]> By: Dave http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/comment-page-2/#comment-36122 Dave Fri, 24 Aug 2007 12:15:35 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/#comment-36122 Thanks for the civics lecture, Ron. I'll add to Angus's suggestion. In addition to taking away the hundreds of billions in prized road subsidies, let's also eliminate the vast public moneys used to pay for the military operations that help maintain our steady supply of foreign oil. I'd think that "conservatives" would be very interested in that concept. You'll have to forgive us for not focusing on McHenry's substantive proposals to promote more coal burning, nuclear energy and fantasy hydrogen projects when the guy is playing politics over a measly tax credit for urban bike commuters. Thanks for the civics lecture, Ron. I’ll add to Angus’s suggestion. In addition to taking away the hundreds of billions in prized road subsidies, let’s also eliminate the vast public moneys used to pay for the military operations that help maintain our steady supply of foreign oil. I’d think that “conservatives” would be very interested in that concept.

You’ll have to forgive us for not focusing on McHenry’s substantive proposals to promote more coal burning, nuclear energy and fantasy hydrogen projects when the guy is playing politics over a measly tax credit for urban bike commuters.

]]> By: Angus Grieve-Smith http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/comment-page-2/#comment-36121 Angus Grieve-Smith Fri, 24 Aug 2007 12:05:31 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/#comment-36121 Fine, Ron, let's take away your road and oil subsidies and see how difficult you find that concept. Fine, Ron, let’s take away your road and oil subsidies and see how difficult you find that concept.

]]> By: Ron Lewenberg http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/comment-page-2/#comment-36118 Ron Lewenberg Fri, 24 Aug 2007 08:14:41 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/#comment-36118 I know that this is a difficult concept for liberals, but not everything must be subsidized. There is nothing wrong with riding a bicycle, as long as one follows the law doing so. It is healthy and does reduce a personal gas bill. (The issue of net national effect is questionable. Presumably there are carbon-costs to people biking such as increased consumption of food and water and a possible increase in road congestion.) What you all have not commented on is Congressman McHenry's actual energy proposals. For instance, Congressman McHenry was a co-sponsor of the H-Prize Act of 2006, which was designed to advance hydrogen technology as an alternative source of fuel. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1961364,00.asp I would also note that nuclear power is a long term solution to America's energy crisis. France and Japan both get most of their power from nuclear energy. Their is no reason that we cannot do the same. I know that this is a difficult concept for liberals, but not everything must be subsidized.

There is nothing wrong with riding a bicycle, as long as one follows the law doing so. It is healthy and does reduce a personal gas bill. (The issue of net national effect is questionable. Presumably there are carbon-costs to people biking such as increased consumption of food and water and a possible increase in road congestion.)

What you all have not commented on is Congressman McHenry’s actual energy proposals. For instance, Congressman McHenry was a co-sponsor of the H-Prize Act of 2006, which was designed to advance hydrogen technology as an alternative source of fuel.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1961364,00.asp

I would also note that nuclear power is a long term solution to America’s energy crisis. France and Japan both get most of their power from nuclear energy. Their is no reason that we cannot do the same.

]]> By: Lets be honest http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/comment-page-2/#comment-36074 Lets be honest Thu, 23 Aug 2007 19:54:05 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/#comment-36074 An assortment of other recipients of ADA $$ for your review. National Auto Dealers AssnPAC Contributions to Federal Candidates 2006 Cycle House Candidate Total Contribs Ackerman, Gary (D-NY) $6,500 Andrews, Robert E (D-NJ) $10,000 Bishop, Timothy H (D-NY) $5,000 Crowley, Joseph (D-NY) $9,100 Engel, Eliot L (D-NY) $2,000 Higgins, Brian M (D-NY) $3,500 Israel, Steve (D-NY) $5,000 Maloney, Carolyn B (D-NY) $5,000 McCarthy, Carolyn (D-NY) $2,500 McHenry, Patrick (R-NC) $10,000 Meeks, Gregory W (D-NY) $2,000 Nadler, Jerrold (D-NY) $5,000 Pallone, Frank Jr (D-NJ) $7,500 Pascrell, Bill Jr (D-NJ) $5,000 Rangel, Charles B (D-NY) $2,500 Rothman, Steven R (D-NJ) $10,000 Schwartz, Allyson (D-PA) $10,000 Sires, Albio (D-NJ) $5,000 Towns, Edolphus (D-NY) $2,500 Van Hollen, Chris (D-MD) $10,000 Velazquez, Nydia M (D-NY) $3,000 Weiner, Anthony D (D-NY) $3,000 An assortment of other recipients of ADA $$ for your review.

National Auto Dealers AssnPAC Contributions to Federal Candidates 2006 Cycle

House Candidate Total Contribs
Ackerman, Gary (D-NY) $6,500
Andrews, Robert E (D-NJ) $10,000
Bishop, Timothy H (D-NY) $5,000
Crowley, Joseph (D-NY) $9,100
Engel, Eliot L (D-NY) $2,000
Higgins, Brian M (D-NY) $3,500
Israel, Steve (D-NY) $5,000
Maloney, Carolyn B (D-NY) $5,000
McCarthy, Carolyn (D-NY) $2,500
McHenry, Patrick (R-NC) $10,000
Meeks, Gregory W (D-NY) $2,000
Nadler, Jerrold (D-NY) $5,000
Pallone, Frank Jr (D-NJ) $7,500
Pascrell, Bill Jr (D-NJ) $5,000
Rangel, Charles B (D-NY) $2,500
Rothman, Steven R (D-NJ) $10,000
Schwartz, Allyson (D-PA) $10,000
Sires, Albio (D-NJ) $5,000
Towns, Edolphus (D-NY) $2,500
Van Hollen, Chris (D-MD) $10,000
Velazquez, Nydia M (D-NY) $3,000
Weiner, Anthony D (D-NY) $3,000

]]> By: Julie Audrain http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/comment-page-2/#comment-36002 Julie Audrain Wed, 22 Aug 2007 21:46:54 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/#comment-36002 Why isn't he balking at a trillion dollars being spent in Iraq trying to get more oil to keep the cars rolling? With that money we could have rebuilt most of America into dense, walkable communities where everyone could actually bike to places. And for the longer distances that are not practical for bikes, that's what trains are for, but when all the money is spent on roads and building sprawl, the trains and bikes don't work. I think he is lost in space, and clearly not focused on the fact that world oil supplies are starting to run out, so it won't matter if he thinks biking is silly when no one can afford to drive anymore. Why isn’t he balking at a trillion dollars being spent in Iraq trying to get more oil to keep the cars rolling? With that money we could have rebuilt most of America into dense, walkable communities where everyone could actually bike to places. And for the longer distances that are not practical for bikes, that’s what trains are for, but when all the money is spent on roads and building sprawl, the trains and bikes don’t work.
I think he is lost in space, and clearly not focused on the fact that world oil supplies are starting to run out, so it won’t matter if he thinks biking is silly when no one can afford to drive anymore.

]]> By: Miles Stoneman http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/comment-page-2/#comment-35970 Miles Stoneman Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:28:22 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/#comment-35970 The bicycle is clearly one of the solutions to the fuel costs as well as the obesity in this great nation. We are paying nearly 3.00 a gallon to grow so obese that it's killing us and our kids. Why not bike? The bicycle is clearly one of the solutions to the fuel costs as well as the obesity in this great nation. We are paying nearly 3.00 a gallon to grow so obese that it’s killing us and our kids. Why not bike?

]]> By: Tom http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/comment-page-2/#comment-35894 Tom Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:38:56 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/#comment-35894 From watching the good Congressman's video clip, the bicycle commuter aspect is his only objection. If the $10M out of several Billion dollar legislation is dropped, will he fully lobby the president to sign? This guy is a joke and I hope his opponent in the next election fully utilizes this speech. http://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/110/HR%202776%20August%202007/H.R.%202776%20Summary%20revised.pdf From watching the good Congressman’s video clip, the bicycle commuter aspect is his only objection. If the $10M out of several Billion dollar legislation is dropped, will he fully lobby the president to sign?

This guy is a joke and I hope his opponent in the next election fully utilizes this speech.

http://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/110/HR%202776%20August%202007/H.R.%202776%20Summary%20revised.pdf

]]> By: I Hate Bigotry http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/comment-page-2/#comment-35833 I Hate Bigotry Tue, 21 Aug 2007 01:47:07 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/#comment-35833 Give up the gratuitous slurs about his height. They are not funny and should be screened out of this blog by the moderator. Give up the gratuitous slurs about his height. They are not funny and should be screened out of this blog by the moderator.

]]> By: d http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/comment-page-2/#comment-35818 d Mon, 20 Aug 2007 21:25:10 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/#comment-35818 I just looked up one of the town's in his district, then used their city hall address as my address. I wrote him a sarcastic letter, thanking him for his quality service and for articulately framing the energy debate around 19th century technology, like bicycles. poor guy, I wonder why he likes cars so much? It can't be comfortable sitting on multiple phone books just so you can see over the dash. I just looked up one of the town’s in his district, then used their city hall address as my address.

I wrote him a sarcastic letter, thanking him for his quality service and for articulately framing the energy debate around 19th century technology, like bicycles.

poor guy, I wonder why he likes cars so much? It can’t be comfortable sitting on multiple phone books just so you can see over the dash.

]]> By: Kartik http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/comment-page-2/#comment-35782 Kartik Mon, 20 Aug 2007 17:13:50 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/#comment-35782 Charlie D (post #4) is right that McHenry's website only allows his constituents to contact him via his web form. BUT, his phone number and email address are available to all: 202.225.2576 patrick.mchenry@mail.house.gov (any reference to his district - if you know people there, you know people considering moving there, you have visited before, etc.) will significantly improve the odds that he'll consider your comments at all. -kartik Charlie D (post #4) is right that McHenry’s website only allows his constituents to contact him via his web form. BUT, his phone number and email address are available to all:

202.225.2576
patrick.mchenry@mail.house.gov

(any reference to his district – if you know people there, you know people considering moving there, you have visited before, etc.) will significantly improve the odds that he’ll consider your comments at all.

-kartik

]]> By: David http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/comment-page-2/#comment-35741 David Sun, 19 Aug 2007 15:37:02 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/#comment-35741 I note that that the good Congressman looks a little pudgy as he gazes longingly at his automobile. Perhaps there are additional benefits to bike-riding other than environmental? The Republicans could push this as a health-care bill if they were smart - issue bikes to the poor so that they stay healthy and don't clog up the health care system for those who can't imagine going more than a 100 yards without their SUVs. I note that that the good Congressman looks a little pudgy as he gazes longingly at his automobile. Perhaps there are additional benefits to bike-riding other than environmental? The Republicans could push this as a health-care bill if they were smart – issue bikes to the poor so that they stay healthy and don’t clog up the health care system for those who can’t imagine going more than a 100 yards without their SUVs.

]]> By: Sean http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/comment-page-2/#comment-35543 Sean Wed, 15 Aug 2007 16:31:05 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/#comment-35543 Everyone is taller riding a bike. Everyone is taller riding a bike.

]]> By: granny gear http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/comment-page-2/#comment-35504 granny gear Wed, 15 Aug 2007 13:32:24 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/09/congressman-ridicules-bikes-as-19th-century-solution/#comment-35504 He's a very small man. He’s a very small man.

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