NAFTA Superhighway; Fact or Fiction

[freethefly 6]

For a few years, I have been seeing bits and pieces about some kind of "Superhighway" that will run from Mexico to Canada that will also have a rail line alongside it. Most of what I have read is on WorldNetDaily. Sort of the nets answer to the Enquirer. I've never taken WorldNet serious. The Onion is more truthful than WorldNet and they admit to being fake stories. However, I saw this on a trucking website http://truckingblog.net/category/nafta-super-highway/ but, there is this that claims it to be an urban legend (I always figured it was) http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003713518_rumor19.html. Yet, I somewhat wonder when I think of the Trans-Texas Corridor. Does anyone have any thought on this. I personally think it is just a myth. But, I could be wrong.

"...And once you're gone, you can't come back
When you're out of the blue and into the black."
Neil Young

[masterrig 1]

Here in West Texas, it's quite true! The concept is, to build a highway that would have hundreds of trucks, hauling Chinese made goods from Mexican ports to huge warehouses here in Texas and throughout the Mid-West and on to Canada. We're fighting it tooth and nail, due to the fact that the trucks from Mexico do not meet the pollution and safety standards here and also, we don't want the excess truck traffic through our towns on their way to the larger cities. This idea would also put many U.S. truckers out of work because, U.S. truck drivers would pick-up Mexican trailers and make the deliveries. With the 'super highway' idea, Mexicans would be allowed to travel straight through. An alternative method of using 'existing' railways has been offered but, certain politicians here in Texas, want the 'super highway'. Probably, because they have something to gain from it and don't really care what their constituants in the smaller towns want. That's the gist of the matter.


Chuck

[freethefly 6]

http://www.house.gov/paul/tst/tst2006/tst103006.htm

Now, after reading this, I'm sure it is not a myth. WTF! There is another page I read but having trouble finding it again that shows that this was started by Bush #1. I do know that NAFTA was originally dreamed up by the Republicans but that Clinton is often blamed for it by signing the bill. Seems to me there is plenty of blame to go around. If this highway is built, many U.S. jobs will be long gone. WTF. Are our politicians flushing us down a China made toilet?

"...And once you're gone, you can't come back
When you're out of the blue and into the black."
Neil Young

[lawrocket 3]

It's both, sir. There is plenty of fact about it. There is also plenty of fiction about it. There is a lot of opinion and slant and spin and the standard stuff you'd find.

But it's not as if a highway between Canada and Mexico doesn't already exist.

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[freethefly 6]

As far as I can tell is this superhighway is for commerce only, unlike the roads that are in use now.
From Ron Paul;

Quote

Proponents envision a ten-lane colossus the width of several football fields, with freight and rail lines, fiber-optic cable lines, and oil and natural gas pipelines running alongside. This will require coordinated federal and state eminent domain actions on an unprecedented scale, as literally millions of people and businesses could be displaced. The loss of whole communities is almost certain, as planners cannot wind the highway around every quaint town, historic building, or senior citizen apartment for thousands of miles.

I've heard about this highway since the days of Daddy Bush back in the late 80's but never nothing more than a blip on the screen. I first heard of it while working on the railroad.
Here is another link that may be of interest for some;
http://www.immigrationwatchdog.com/?cat=41

I wonder why we hear nothing about this?

"...And once you're gone, you can't come back
When you're out of the blue and into the black."
Neil Young

[billvon 3,119]

>as planners cannot wind the highway around every quaint town,
>historic building, or senior citizen apartment for thousands of miles.

Senior citizen apartments? I am horrified! Will they have to kill any bunnies? If so I will certainly vote against any such evil project.

And what about the schools? I heard they will have to bulldoze a few elementary schools, and rumor has it that they will not remove the students first. Think of the carnage! Won't someone please think of the children?

Seriously, I'm thinking we have plenty of highways going those directions anyway. How about a high speed intermodal rail line? Much less space, less traffic, more capacity, less energy required etc etc.

[masterrig 1]

Some highways have been widened by one lane along some stretches, in this area. I think, that stuff about 10-lane highways is just some of that 'rumor' stuff. Seems to me, using present rail systems would be more feasable and would make for more jobs!?


Chuck

[masterrig 1]

There has been, as I mentioned, a lot of pressure and orating by certain politicians in this state who dont' give a rat's ass about those of us who live in these small towns effected by their 'grand plan'. Just so they get their cut from the 'big businesses' who want these roads.


Chuck