Comments on: Congestion Pricing Op-Art: The Joke’s on Whom? http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/ Covering the New York City Streets Renaissance Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:41:43 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8 hourly 1 By: da http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/comment-page-1/#comment-35973 da Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:40:42 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/#comment-35973 I still have on my fridge a cartoon McCall did for the NYer purporting to introduce a whole new line of "Hummer Style": Nobody needs it, but everybody wants it: we're talking that military-industrial mania called HUMMER STYLE: oversize, overweight, way ugly, and way too clunky to do anything well! And now there's a whole new range of HUMMER STYLE stuff to klutz up your life even more, including: o Titanic Hummer Fountain Pen! World's only 12-lb. pen! 30-second ink supply but keeps writing, even in sandstorms! $780 o Gargantuan Hummer Cell Phone! Only cell phone that can resist land mines. Heavy static on every call, range is shorter than the length of your arm, recharges in 3 months. $12,000 o Humongous Hummer Portable HDTV! High price, low quality, Brobdignagian size. And how's this for irrelevance, Hummer style? Tanks can't dent that screen. Price doubled, to $62,000 He continues thru Hummer Suitcase, Hummer Martini Glass, Humbrella, Hummer Wallet, etc. I still have on my fridge a cartoon McCall did for the NYer purporting to introduce a whole new line of "Hummer Style":

Nobody needs it, but everybody wants it: we're talking that military-industrial mania called HUMMER STYLE: oversize, overweight, way ugly, and way too clunky to do anything well! And now there's a whole new range of HUMMER STYLE stuff to klutz up your life even more, including:

o Titanic Hummer Fountain Pen! World's only 12-lb. pen! 30-second ink supply but keeps writing, even in sandstorms! $780

o Gargantuan Hummer Cell Phone! Only cell phone that can resist land mines. Heavy static on every call, range is shorter than the length of your arm, recharges in 3 months. $12,000

o Humongous Hummer Portable HDTV! High price, low quality, Brobdignagian size. And how's this for irrelevance, Hummer style? Tanks can't dent that screen. Price doubled, to $62,000

He continues thru Hummer Suitcase, Hummer Martini Glass, Humbrella, Hummer Wallet, etc.

]]> By: Joe Rappaport http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/comment-page-1/#comment-35964 Joe Rappaport Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:05:55 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/#comment-35964 Apocalypse Now: I think you're on target, Eric, at least with your view of this cartoon. (I haven't taken a look at the Atlantic Yards cartoon.) At least this is how I interpreted it. I think there is a good chance we can get the car-wash thing in the final legislation, too. Apocalypse Now: I think you're on target, Eric, at least with your view of this cartoon. (I haven't taken a look at the Atlantic Yards cartoon.)

At least this is how I interpreted it. I think there is a good chance we can get the car-wash thing in the final legislation, too.

]]> By: Eric http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/comment-page-1/#comment-35959 Eric Wed, 22 Aug 2007 15:41:27 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/#comment-35959 I was one of those (few, apparently) who thought McCall was skewering the phony Atlantic Yards "scaleback," and I actually think he's being ironic with this cartoon, too. Maybe I have him all wrong, but my take is he's making fun of the "congestion pricing as the apocalypse" mindset of Weprin, Brodsky and others. I was one of those (few, apparently) who thought McCall was skewering the phony Atlantic Yards "scaleback," and I actually think he's being ironic with this cartoon, too.

Maybe I have him all wrong, but my take is he's making fun of the "congestion pricing as the apocalypse" mindset of Weprin, Brodsky and others.

]]> By: Angus Grieve-Smith http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/comment-page-1/#comment-35954 Angus Grieve-Smith Wed, 22 Aug 2007 14:58:20 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/#comment-35954 That kind of makes sense, Nick, but I'm not aware of any rural politicians that are exerting influence, unless you count Bruno. The opponents have all been from the suburbs or the city. Sheldon Silver's district is not rural, and neither is David Weprin's. Elmsford: definitely not rural. McCall's thinking on this, as with the Atlantic Yards cartoon, is just baffling, and not in a wacky R. Crumb kind of way. That kind of makes sense, Nick, but I'm not aware of any rural politicians that are exerting influence, unless you count Bruno. The opponents have all been from the suburbs or the city. Sheldon Silver's district is not rural, and neither is David Weprin's. Elmsford: definitely not rural.

McCall's thinking on this, as with the Atlantic Yards cartoon, is just baffling, and not in a wacky R. Crumb kind of way.

]]> By: daniel http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/comment-page-1/#comment-35953 daniel Wed, 22 Aug 2007 14:57:42 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/#comment-35953 Classic New York Times - you don't know what we're talking about because we don't know what we're talking about either, but we sure do use a lot of words...so we must be witty, or anyway, trust us, very smart. Classic New York Times - you don't know what we're talking about because we don't know what we're talking about either, but we sure do use a lot of words...so we must be witty, or anyway, trust us, very smart.

]]> By: nick http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/comment-page-1/#comment-35951 nick Wed, 22 Aug 2007 14:32:33 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/#comment-35951 "The original concept of congestion pricing, which was held up in Albany, didn't make stuck-up Manhattan smartypants suffer enough, rural New York politicos explain -- so they've added new hinderances, extra confusion and more tolls to make Gothamites squirm." That's the caption at the top, which is cropped out on this page. I thought this was more a jab at the influence rural politicians have over city matters. "The original concept of congestion pricing, which was held up in Albany, didn't make stuck-up Manhattan smartypants suffer enough, rural New York politicos explain -- so they've added new hinderances, extra confusion and more tolls to make Gothamites squirm."

That's the caption at the top, which is cropped out on this page. I thought this was more a jab at the influence rural politicians have over city matters.

]]> By: Chris http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/comment-page-1/#comment-35945 Chris Wed, 22 Aug 2007 14:06:40 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/#comment-35945 GlennQ, Congestion pricing has a large precedent for success (London, Stockholm, etc.) Why do you say it will not work? Truck deliveries have a higher potential for changing their schedules than the (very, very, very few) people that have to drive. They also stand to have some of the highest benefit from reduced congestion. For example, a delivery truck can make more deliveries and be more productive. The extra business that it makes can easily more than make up for the fee. There is setting up the precedent that the more space you use on a road, the more you pay. GlennQ,

Congestion pricing has a large precedent for success (London, Stockholm, etc.) Why do you say it will not work?

Truck deliveries have a higher potential for changing their schedules than the (very, very, very few) people that have to drive. They also stand to have some of the highest benefit from reduced congestion. For example, a delivery truck can make more deliveries and be more productive. The extra business that it makes can easily more than make up for the fee. There is setting up the precedent that the more space you use on a road, the more you pay.

]]> By: glennQ http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/comment-page-1/#comment-35940 glennQ Wed, 22 Aug 2007 11:41:44 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/#comment-35940 The congestion tax will do nothing to reduce congestion. The only reduction is in civil liberties. I think the new tax sets a dangerous precedent for America. Would someone explain how trucks would use mass-transit (or walk, LOL) instead of paying the tax (and forwarding the cost to everyone)? Logic would dictate that cars would pay the $21.00 fee, and trucks less-to-zero... The congestion tax will do nothing to reduce congestion. The only reduction is in civil liberties. I think the new tax sets a dangerous precedent for America.
Would someone explain how trucks would use mass-transit (or walk, LOL) instead of paying the tax (and forwarding the cost to everyone)? Logic would dictate that cars would pay the $21.00 fee, and trucks less-to-zero...

]]> By: mork http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/comment-page-1/#comment-35925 mork Wed, 22 Aug 2007 01:39:45 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/#comment-35925 It's an "Op-Art". Like any "Op-Ed" it has nothing to do with what the editorial page writers think -- and is often presented as a counterpoint to that. It's an "Op-Art". Like any "Op-Ed" it has nothing to do with what the editorial page writers think -- and is often presented as a counterpoint to that.

]]> By: Angus Grieve-Smith http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/comment-page-1/#comment-35919 Angus Grieve-Smith Wed, 22 Aug 2007 00:13:45 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/#comment-35919 You cut off the bottom part where he says that there will be "stiff tolls" on foot traffic, in addition to the $4 bike toll. Because after all, "everyone" drives everywhere, right? So if "everyone" is being tolled, then "everyone" will soon be tolled on every mode of transportation - cycling, hitchhiking, etc. This shows that McCall, like Brodsky and Weprin, are incapable of understanding that the point of congestion pricing is to prioritize foot, bike and bus traffic over car traffic. Speaking of buses, you'll notice that there are none in McCall's picture. Or subways or Metro-North. I guess they wouldn't fit in with his idea of "everyone" being tolled. You cut off the bottom part where he says that there will be "stiff tolls" on foot traffic, in addition to the $4 bike toll. Because after all, "everyone" drives everywhere, right? So if "everyone" is being tolled, then "everyone" will soon be tolled on every mode of transportation - cycling, hitchhiking, etc. This shows that McCall, like Brodsky and Weprin, are incapable of understanding that the point of congestion pricing is to prioritize foot, bike and bus traffic over car traffic.

Speaking of buses, you'll notice that there are none in McCall's picture. Or subways or Metro-North. I guess they wouldn't fit in with his idea of "everyone" being tolled.

]]> By: v http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/comment-page-1/#comment-35914 v Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:11:28 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/#comment-35914 haha, i think it's kinda funny. especially the mandatory car wash. in other news, i can't wait for ziploc bag sales at airport security lines. haha, i think it's kinda funny. especially the mandatory car wash.

in other news, i can't wait for ziploc bag sales at airport security lines.

]]> By: Anne http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/comment-page-1/#comment-35912 Anne Tue, 21 Aug 2007 21:50:16 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/#comment-35912 Well, there is a lot less traffic on the other side of that big toll booth! Looks good to me. Well, there is a lot less traffic on the other side of that big toll booth! Looks good to me.

]]> By: serial catowner http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/comment-page-1/#comment-35911 serial catowner Tue, 21 Aug 2007 21:32:37 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/#comment-35911 Well, it sure beats me what could be considered funny about this cartoon. At least <i>Day by Day</i> gives you big boobs, and <i>Mallard Fillmore</i> gives you a duck. Not only is it not funny, but the message is totally obscure. A toll booth- so what? Come to think of it, it's kinda like the stuff the Ford design team creates, the Ford factory makes, and the Ford company sells. He should have kept his day job. Well, it sure beats me what could be considered funny about this cartoon. At least Day by Day gives you big boobs, and Mallard Fillmore gives you a duck.

Not only is it not funny, but the message is totally obscure. A toll booth- so what?

Come to think of it, it's kinda like the stuff the Ford design team creates, the Ford factory makes, and the Ford company sells. He should have kept his day job.

]]> By: Susan Donovan http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/comment-page-1/#comment-35907 Susan Donovan Tue, 21 Aug 2007 20:36:35 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/#comment-35907 "He is the baby boomer who simply can't grasp that the automobile is no longer a freedom machine. It is unthinkable to many of this generation that we should view the automobile as undesirable and "the open road" as a commodity rather than a birthright." Well said. That's why he can't see any reason to to charge people on foot or bikes for using the city too. The impact that cars have must be invisible. "He is the baby boomer who simply can't grasp that the automobile is no longer a freedom machine. It is unthinkable to many of this generation that we should view the automobile as undesirable and "the open road" as a commodity rather than a birthright."

Well said. That's why he can't see any reason to to charge people on foot or bikes for using the city too. The impact that cars have must be invisible.

]]> By: Susan Donovan http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/comment-page-1/#comment-35905 Susan Donovan Tue, 21 Aug 2007 20:32:42 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/#comment-35905 "Transportation engineers gone wild." Am I the only one who thinks this would make a great show? "Transportation engineers gone wild."

Am I the only one who thinks this would make a great show?

]]> By: Susan Donovan http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/comment-page-1/#comment-35904 Susan Donovan Tue, 21 Aug 2007 20:30:26 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/#comment-35904 Ask any out-of-towner and they'll tell you that this is what NYC already looks like. You must pay pay pay. The thing is, it makes it seem like cars are the tip of the iceberg or slippery slope to other forms of congestion pricing. When the point is to make people want to use other mans to get in to town, not charge them too. Still, I found "no menus" funny. I don't think this is awful, people will have a lot of emotional issues with congestion pricing. And laughter may help them work those issues out. Ask any out-of-towner and they'll tell you that this is what NYC already looks like. You must pay pay pay. The thing is, it makes it seem like cars are the tip of the iceberg or slippery slope to other forms of congestion pricing. When the point is to make people want to use other mans to get in to town, not charge them too.

Still, I found "no menus" funny.

I don't think this is awful, people will have a lot of emotional issues with congestion pricing. And laughter may help them work those issues out.

]]> By: Dan http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/comment-page-1/#comment-35903 Dan Tue, 21 Aug 2007 20:29:40 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/#comment-35903 Read the intro to McCall's futurama book, or whatever its called -- the one with all the 60's style fantasy automobile illustrations. To McCall and plenty of others in his baby boomer cohort, the car still represents freedom, mobility, power, fun, sex, etc. These ideas were drilled into our parents hearts and minds for 30 years via jack kerouac novels, beach boys songs, james dean movies and zillions of dollars in ad campaigns. McCall's cartoon should be read from that perspective. He is the baby boomer who simply can't grasp that the automobile is no longer a freedom machine. It is unthinkable to many of this generation that we should view the automobile as undesirable and "the open road" as a commodity rather than a birthright. Read the intro to McCall's futurama book, or whatever its called -- the one with all the 60's style fantasy automobile illustrations. To McCall and plenty of others in his baby boomer cohort, the car still represents freedom, mobility, power, fun, sex, etc.

These ideas were drilled into our parents hearts and minds for 30 years via jack kerouac novels, beach boys songs, james dean movies and zillions of dollars in ad campaigns. McCall's cartoon should be read from that perspective. He is the baby boomer who simply can't grasp that the automobile is no longer a freedom machine. It is unthinkable to many of this generation that we should view the automobile as undesirable and "the open road" as a commodity rather than a birthright.

]]> By: gecko http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/comment-page-1/#comment-35900 gecko Tue, 21 Aug 2007 20:10:08 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/08/21/congestion-pricing-op-art-the-jokes-on-whom/#comment-35900 Transportation engineers gone wild. Transportation engineers gone wild.

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