No one ever said there weren't, but you made that interpretation.

 

Yes and that's not about to change any time soon.

An issue with nationalizing the highway system is states vs. federal government rights. The states want to retain some control over roads within their borders, hence why the interstate highway system was setup this way in the first place.

I'd love to see the US adopt an Autobahn style concept, but without the funding, and definitely without improvements in driver training and regulation, it's not going to happen.

 

The basic fundamental of the passion of driving is just different. German citizens are as active in maintaining the Autobahn as you could imagine. It's in their heart. No kidding. I've heard where the average German would be very sad to the point of crying if national speed limits were enacted. It's part of their heratige now. And it shows in their cars. German cars, as we all have known for a while, are designed and engineered for Autobahn performance. But it's more than that. They are proud of their passion, and it shows in the craftsmanship of their cars.

 

I think you're idealizing this a bit too much. In fact you're advocating nationalization of something over states' rights and increased taxes. Isn't that a bit out of sync with your political agenda at large?

 

I agree that there are limiting factors to creating a nationalized highway system, and the feasability of such is doubtfull at best. However I do feel that a nationalized system under control of the federal gov't. will be able to keep a more uniform, cohesive, and properly maintained highway system if there is a means to provide adequate funding for just that...such as a highway tax.

Have you had the opportunity to drive on the autobahn Mike? If so you would understand where I am coming from. Compared to most of the highways in the US the autobahn is a far superior road in every aspect. And I would not say we are advocating a nationalized system, rather we I pointed out that in order for an autobahn style highway system here the best method would be to nationalize it. But even at that we are decades away from having it if it were signed into legislation today.

 

Oh I know exactly where you're coming from. Having an autobahn-style highway system in this country would be great. I'm simply noting the contrast between what it would take to create that system, and the ideals of the Republican party. The entire reason Germany is able to implement such a system is because it is historically very socialist/populist. The ideology that facilitated the creation of their highway system which you love so much is in fact the exact opposite of what the party you guys are members of is all about.

Of course the Democrats won't make an American autobahn either, because they're a bunch of regulatory safety-sissies.

 

Agreed.

I can have my moderate moments though

 

I can have my cake and eat it too.