CNN’s Lou Dobbs reports on the Texas Independence Day protest against the Trans-Texas Corridor (part of the NAFTA superhighway) and privatization of Texas public highways (such as SH 121 toll contract with Cintra). A MUST WATCH - SHARE WITH OTHERS, send them to http://salcostello.blogspot.com/
3/05/2007
CNN reports on Texas Tolls and TTC Protest at Capitol 3/2/07
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Opponents of a proposed superhighway from the Mexican border through Texas today held a major protest. Now, the highway would speed trucks from Mexico into the heart of this country. Critics say it's a threat to our national security. It's part of a plan for a North American integration being carried out by government and corporate elites without congressional or voter approval.
And as Lisa Sylvester reports, Texans aren't giving up without a fight.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
LISA SYLVESTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Not a sight you see every day, farm tractors rolling down the streets of Austin to the Texas capital. A diverse coalition marched opposing the Trans-Texas Corridor.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: They're selling out our infrastructure, and it's really about a part of the NAFTA superhighway creating Mexico, the United States and Canada. It's the first piece.
SYLVESTER: The proposed Trans-Texas Corridor would be a patchwork of superhighways and railroads stretching 4,000 miles from the border of Mexico, cutting through Texas, to Oklahoma.
DAVID STALL, CORRIDORWATCH.ORG: We'll lose control of public infrastructure. We will continue a trend of losing transparency and accountability in government. I think it will set a tone that we'll all come to regret.
SYLVESTER: The Texas Transportation Department says the corridor will improve mobility and safety, create jobs for Texans, and inject billions of dollars into the state's economy. But at a hearing, there were loud complaints from residents. State lawmakers looking at other toll projects, like the Chicago Skyway and the Holland Tunnel, worry that their tolls were increase to a staggering level based on contract formulas.
ELIOT SHAPLEIGH (D), TEXAS STATE SENATE: You're looking in this situation. If you had a $19.27 (ph) toll at one, you get to $185. I think many of us at this table would not be elected if we let that happen.
SYLVESTER: Lawmakers also expressed concern over another road project. A lease has been signed that would make Texas Highway 121 a toll road. A private Spanish company won the bid to billed and collect the tolls for the next 50 years. These deals with private companies are being negotiated largely in secret, and many state lawmakers are worried taxpayers are being solid down the road.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SYLVESTER: In 2003, the state senate gave the Texas Transportation Commission the authority to enter into these agreements with private contractors. Now some state lawmakers believe they gave up too much authority. One bill proposed calls for a two-year moratorium on these new toll roads -- Kitty.
PILGRIM: Thanks very much, Lisa Sylvester.
And that brings us to the subject of tonight's poll.
Should foreign companies be allowed to control vital transportation infrastructure in this country? Yes or no?
Cast your vote at loudobbs.com. We'll bring you the results later in the broadcast.
Even today, highways are the primary way drugs are smuggled into this country from Mexico. The State Department's international narcotics report says legitimate commercial traffic provides ample opportunity for smugglers to move drugs across our borders.
DON SEND AN EMAIL:
For the second time as in two years, the North Texas Tollway Authority has sent me a ticket in the mail (newest violation# 1855445). As I explained to the customer service representative—I live in San Antonio , the vehicle has never been north of San Antonio and I haven’t driven in Dallas in 20 years. It seems to be your policy that when someone drives through your toll booths, the attendant must put something down. Whatever easiest, closest and hopefully gets a hit. What’s more interesting is that you have access to the DMV record, so the “ticket” describes the vehicle although the attendant does not. To draw an analogy—this is like giving an eye witness a view of an individual who the police think did it and then putting them in a line up. In either of my accusations was a picture taken, although it was alleged that I went through the Easy Pass lane and yet there was no picture (wow, the ability to see a license plate without seeing a license plate—who have you got? and can I take them to Vegas?);
As Governor Perry tries to encourage us to make Toll roads a part of Texas—why in God’s name would I agree with that when your organization maliciously and without cause makes accusations while using technology to ignore good faith, common sense and any semblance of intelligence.
Sincerely,
Don Wratislaw
San Antonio, Tx
Thank's for the head up on the video, I reposted with props, keep up the great work Sal, pEaCE
IN THE STATESMAN LETTERS TO EDITORS TODAY:
Tollway tie-ups
I have heard that the traffic lights near toll roads are being manipulated to frustrate drivers.
I encountered this recently at Texas 29 and Texas 130. The traffic lights stayed red for an excessive amount of time and there were no vehicles using the toll road entrances or exits.
BILL HOGLAN
Georgetown
Great piece, Sal. Will forward to all my friends.
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