yesthattom (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
yesthattom) wrote2009-01-28 02:57 pm
yesthattom) wrote2009-01-28 02:57 pm
Obama doesn't fear snow
Obama gives chilly reception to canceled school
"Can I make a comment that is unrelated to the economy very quickly?" the new president told reporters at a gathering with business leaders. "And it has to do with Washington. My children's school was canceled today. Because of, what? Some ice?"
The president said he wasn't the only one who was incredulous.
"As my children pointed out, in Chicago, school is never canceled," Obama said to laughter. "In fact, my 7-year-old pointed out that you'd go outside for recess. You wouldn't even stay indoors. So, I don't know. We're going to have to try to apply some flinty Chicago toughness."
Asked if he meant the people of the national's capital are wimps, Obama said: "I'm saying, when it comes to the weather, folks in Washington don't seem to be able to handle things."
no subject
Here's why:
I agree with your other commenters that the area doesn't invest in snow/ice equipment because they don't get enough to make it worth it, so it takes a long time getting the roads clear
Drivers here come in two flavors - terrified 5mph drivers and insane 80mph tailgaters who think SUVs are the only vehicles with 4-wheel braking. Neither has any practical experience driving in winter conditions. I gave up going to work when it snowed not because of the conditions, but because of the other drivers on the road - it just took me too long to get anywhere, between the wrecks and the creepers.
This area gets more ice than snow, and it's harder to see and much more dangerous.
Add icy falling trees as a winter hazard - here in Loudoun my neighbor says she knew 3 people who were killed by trees falling in the last several years. In all my life I've never had so much use for a chain saw. I won't let my son play outside right now bc of the ice and the danger of trees or big branches coming down.
In this case, I think Obama shot off his mouth without thinking or asking any questions first. Mistake, imo.
-P
no subject
Isn't there a market-based solution to this problem?
no subject
I'm not sure I see a problem here. What's wrong with kids missing a few days of school? Investing in upstate NY or Chicago level road clearing equipment makes no economic sense around here. Well, maybe if global cooling continues for a few decades.
What would the Libertarian solution be? Hmm, that's interesting. You'd have to start with the schools being privatized, then parents would choose the schools with the best open/close policies. Or choose distance learning - I bet Microsoft and Apple would go into the virtual private school business, with certified solution providers to sell enrichment activities locally...
Have I given you nightmares yet? Are you ready to have children?
*g*
Anyway, I wish we could have snow instead of ice here. I want to go out and play.
-P
no subject