Why Europe has beaten us on mass transit

So, I recently glorified Europe rail system, and declared it to be better than what we have in America, in my latest column for the Clayton News Daily. Take a look

London Burning ...

Well, as the entire world already knows, youth in England have been rioting for several days now. As a result, the situation is literally heating up London (now less than a year away from hosting the Olympics), where several large fires have been started by rioters.

Keep in mind that it was not that long ago (a few months ago really) that the youth of London were rioting over higher college tuition costs. This time, it's possible cuts to social programs that have these kiddies upset. I'm beginning to think, however, that the youth of England just like rioting. "The more damage that can be done, the better" is what I believe they are thinking. Then again, that's just my honest opinion. However, British officials have been quoted in media reports s saying that many of the rioters are just coming out only to see something burn. That seems to back up my thoughts on this. 

The future of Britian seems to lie in the hands of a bunch of pyromaniacs. 

This can't bode well for London as it prepares to host the world next summer. Then again, there are some pretty rough people in other parts of the world, and perhaps a head-on run-in between trouble-making youths and "I can beat you into the ground with my fistskies"tourists is just what the kiddos need. Nothing breaks a rebellious streak in someone quite like a good old fashioned ass beating.

Regardless, I'm looking forward to see what unfolds next summer, when I'm in London for the Olympics.

A tourist tax?

I don't think I'll ever go to Tybee Island, near Savannah, again.

Officials on Tybee Island are now raising parking fees on their island, specifically at the beach (although they are planning to add parking meters in front of restaurants and shops as well). Residents get a special parking pass to avoid the fees, so it's basically designed to make tourists on the island pay to come to the island.

Essentially, it's a tourist tax.

In a recent AP article on the parking fees, Tybee Island's mayor basically took an attitude of "They're going to park here anyway, even with higher parking fees." That's like saying "Let's take advantage of their love of the beach as much as possible."

That's just unconscionable, and I sincerely hope tourists now stay away in protest.