Charlie Sykes took another kick at rail again this morning - - one hook is the California train that is moving ahead with a generous contribution from Wisconsin - - and callers complained that trains don't pay for themselves.
And complained that some taxpayers who do not use trains have to contribute to train operations and construction.
What road pays for itself? I-94? I-43?
But through federal funding - - like the train money forfeited by Walker to California - - taxpayers from far away help pay to build, operate, and repair Wisconsin roads, too.
As do Wisconsin residents who do not drive, because gas taxes do not cover all road costs, which are supplemented with state income and local property taxes that also pay for patrol and plowing operations, too.
Any discussion of these realities?
If pay-as-you-go/turn-a-profit is the standard the right wants for trains, should tolls do the same for roads?
Can we rationalize this one-sided conversation built on a double-standard?
Nope.