The story, below, entitled "2009: Year of the bottom line?" contains some predictions about next year. Anyone may, of course, predict anything they like, but when this rag does it... hold on to your wallets.
One of the moronic observations include the following about the bridge replacement debacle, shilled like no other ignorant project (save for the Hilton) in this moronic paper's existence, includes this:
Last year was a big milestone for the multiyear process toward easing chronic congestion for trucks and commuters, with local governments on both sides of the Columbia River signing onto a plan to replace the aging I-5 Bridge and bring light rail to Vancouver.
There are several idiotic elements to this not-needed, not wanted, bridge-replacement... starting with the lie that replacing this bridge will impact congestion in any way.
But first and foremost of the dozen or so idiotic pronouncements by this excuse for a newspaper in support of the nonsensical idea that IS replacing the I-5 Bridge, is the observation that replacing this perfectly good bridge will "ease congestion."
It will do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to "ease congestion." Nothing.
Even the experts tell us that, optimistically, "Congestion on new I-5 bridge back to today's level by 2030," but the fact is that even with the minor modification of Delta Park, replacing the three through-lanes we have now with, well, the three-through lanes envisioned by the loot rail idjits will accomplish nothing but to blow a $4 Billion hole in the taxpayer's pockets. Well, that and enriching the unions and other special interests demanding this garbage project.
At the end of the day, with this article, The Bankrupt Columbian has ignored the basic tenets of journalism. They are engaging in campaigning for something that essentially meets the agenda of the Vancouver Mafia, while ignoring common sense and what most of the rest of us would want: a 3rd... and then a 4th... bridge across the Columbia River.
The I-5 Bridge is old. But that, in and of itself, is no excuse for replacing it. For those who believe that replacing what appears to be a perfectly serviceable and functional bridge because of it's age... well, lets take a look at our local Newspaper.
We should apply the same reasoning. The bridge is old... the newspaper is old. The bridge, to hear them tell it, fails to meet our needs. The newspaper is circling the drain of bankruptcy, and wouldn't be terribly missed if it were to disappear tomorrow... thus meeting the same observation that it, to, fails to meet our needs.
There are things that can be done to upgrade the bridge without replacing it. The technology exists to increase it's survivability in the event of one of those world-ending earthquakes the Columbian incessantly whines about.
Of course, upgrading the bridge isn't a concern the fishwrapper shares. The newspaper's ONLY concern is to get loot rail over here. Everything else, including the horrific, massive waste of money to replace this serviceable bridge, is secondary.
There are things that can be done to save the newspaper without replacing it. Fire the entire idiocy of an editorial staff. Get rid of that idiot Laird... and Brancaccio. Revert to the true purpose of journalism: start just writing the news without making the news and lying to get what you want.
In this instance, the newspaper engages in the Goebbelian practice of telling a lie long enough, often enough and loud enough until the numbed minds of the masses actually believe it.
There is absolutely no excuse for pumping out this garbage.... none. Yet this paper insists on publishing lie after lie as if it were God's Own Truth. Perhaps a little journalistic introspection might be the order of the day... if they're interested in surviving, that is.
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2009: Year of bottom line?
Money will be the common denominator for major issues
Wednesday, December 31 8:15 p.m.
BY JEFFREY MIZECOLUMBIAN STAFF WRITER
Work continues on “Michaelsen,” a housing development being built by Manor Homes off Northwest 116th Street. Construction started after 10 of the 14 homes in the development were sold. (Zachary Kaufman/The Columbian)
One common denominator will shape Clark County’s top stories for 2009: money.
-- Housing markets will struggle to rebound from the worst year in memory.
-- State agencies, schools and cities will cope with the sting of budget cuts.
-- Big-ticket projects, including the Columbia River Crossing, will scramble to refine financial plans.
With unemployment and foreclosures rising and credit markets and consumer spending tanking, the pursuit of the almighty dollar will be front and center in 2009.
Many of these big stories will continue to unfold in 2009 without final resolution. For example, work on replacing the Interstate 5 Bridge has been under way for much of this decade, but no one expects a final plan, complete with dedicated funding, to be sewn up by the end of this year.
With that in mind, here’s a look at what to expect in 2009:
Housing market
Real estate agents, homeowners with adjustable mortgages and others would just as soon forget 2008. Will 2009 bring a rebound or more misery? Is the worst is still to come?
Home sales fell 33.3 percent in 2008, a year when prices dropped and foreclosures increased. But some real estate experts say there is hope for home sellers as buyers begin whittling away at the housing stockpile.
“I am hopeful that by mid-2009, we’ll see some definite signs of improvement,” said Sandy Hendrick, executive director of the Clark County Association of Realtors.
Hendrick expects softening home prices and abundant selection to rev up the local home-selling scene, a jump start that others say will be helped along by low interest rates on mortgages and a $7,500 federal tax write-off being offered to first-time buyers who purchase homes before July 1, 2009.
“It looks like the government is going to stimulate refinancing and purchasing,” said Kerry Greenwald, owner of Creekside Mortgage in Vancouver.
“If you can borrow money at 4.5 percent and get the government incentive, buying begins to look attractive,” Greenwald said. He also expects 2009 to be a banner year for mortgage refinancing.
National reports caution that the optimism of real estate experts could be premature, given the country’s deepening recession and mounting job losses.
Bridge planning
Last year was a big milestone for the multiyear process toward easing chronic congestion for trucks and commuters, with local governments on both sides of the Columbia River signing onto a plan to replace the aging I-5 Bridge and bring light rail to Vancouver.
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