Update In a Way in Book Two: The Fifteenth Year of the Third Millennium of the Common Era

  • Dec. 24, 2015, 5:28 p.m.
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In my intellectual/political book, I wrote about the snow and extremely shitty management of roads by the government. HERE is an article written about it where an official specifically states “Can you at least let the state or whoever is responsible for sanding or salting know about the extremely poor conditions on the Interstate between 60th and 84th?’’ the official asked. “Thank you.’’

It goes on to say that Road Crews expected 1 to 2 inches of snow; and then early in the morning, they realized it would be more. The “biggest issue” they claim to be facing is the unexpected “gridlock” on the roads slowing up their plows.

Here’s where I look intensely at them, dumbstruck. On a Thursday morning… between 6am and 9am… you are SURPRISED that people are on the roads? I realize it is the day before Christmas… but… honestly… during rush hour… you’re surprised at how many cars braved the weather? Let me help you understand… for many people… it was either “brave the weather” or be fired. Or lose some money as hourly wage employees.

Plus… they discuss how they focus on priority streets. “He said the top-priority streets on the city’s to-do list in a snowstorm are Dodge, 72nd, 90th, Blondo, Maple and on down the line.” Funny story.... I drove my wife to work today… at 11:30… apparently almost a full 6 hours since they allegedly started work… my wife works on 72nd St… and no, 72nd was not salted or plowed or dealt with.

I’m… not great at math… but I’m thinking pretty hard here… they claim 200 plows… the city is only 130 square miles… and yet… CENTER and adjoining streets still haven’t been cleared. After 10.5 hours. Which brings to mind a political conflict in me.... never trust the government to do their jobs… ever.... but at the same time; I do believe that if Omaha’s policy wasn’t “Wait until the storm clears”… (thus more government spending).... this could have been avoided.


Foofah December 24, 2015

Since I work for a utility company, if I don't show up to work, I get fired. No such thing as inclement weather..plus, as an hourly employee, I need the money.

The solution? Call the police, they will bring you to work. Why can't towns just take care of the safety of their residents and plow. I understand it's Christmas Eve and everyone prefers to be with their families....but no job is worth dying for, but I don't really get a chance to choose.

Park Row Fallout Foofah ⋅ December 24, 2015

Exactly... there are lots of people in that situation... and the police here will arrest you and take you to jail if you call them "for a ride" for any reason. It is a huge frustration with me in this City (in a big way) and other cities (in a more general way) when Roads and Road Safety need to be "considered carefully for budget reasons." Just take care of it... right?

Foofah Park Row Fallout ⋅ December 26, 2015

Yeah, when my job said that if it's inclement weather, you call the police for a ride...I laughed. I am sure with inclement weather, the police will have their own fair share of people needing a lot more assistance then me needing a ride into work....

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