Louisiana Could Soon Have Toll Roads To Drive On

Every year our home state places either first or second in the nation for the worst, lousiest most miserable roads to drive on. Every year. And every year we spend tax payer dollars on things like just GIVING the cast members of Duck Dynasty $70,000 each per episode.  'Cause, hard times, y'know. In 2014 the state paid out $1.3 BILLION dollars just in interest on our public debt, and last year we spent $1.4 million dollars on food stamps for dead people. I could not make this up. SO!

The same great minds that agreed to give Walmart $700,000 in taxpayer money to open two new stores in the two most affluent areas of New Orleans parish, the creative force that has us on the hook to the fracking industry to the tune of $1.5 billion dollars over the next five years, now brings you - TOLL ROADS!!! Circle the wagons and count your ammo, we is about to get a dose of Super Highway Robbery!

Secretary of Transportation Shawn Wilson says toll roads may be necessary as Louisiana cannot rely on federal aid. Besides, toll roads are fun!  "Governor Edwards and I (in other words, the Governor sent me out here to float this idea to the public since his disapproval ratings went up 15%) are very supportive of tolling as an option to fund transportation and to fund projects that are significant compared perhaps to just depending on federal dollars to make that happen." (Obama said no). Wilson then went on to display his keen insight into what might make toll roads successful. "In order for tolling to work, you have to have traffic." And THAT took the room right over the Suspension Bridge of Disbelief and into the high occupancy lane!

Maybe its an idea who's time has come after all. Louisiana currently faces a $13 billion dollar shortfall in funds allocated for bridge and road repair. And chiropractors are flocking to our state with the dream of setting up an open-air office at one of our state highway rest stops. Who among us hasn't commented on the shock of passing over the state line coming from Texas and fighting for control of the wheel as  Louisiana's  potholes welcome you home? And besides,  I  look forward to testing my theory that by driving backward through a quick-pass toll booth, I can get money ADDED to my toll pass credit card account...