Sunday, June 29, 2008

Let's Not Use the Word Boondoggle

Mass Transit Magazine says so, and I tend to agree.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I disagree. I think the word boondoggle can be used when the Wisconsin DOT plans to spend $1.9 Billion to rebuild and expand a freeway from Milwaukee to the IL board where their own documents indicates that over the majority of the route it will not decrease congestion. Further boondooggle is appropriate when they predict future congestion based on $2.30 a gallon a gas... So yea boondoggle has its place:)

Cap'n Transit said...

Somebody say boondoggle? Why not use this word? It's much more applicable to some road projects as to rail projects.

Pantograph Trolleypole said...

I understand what you all are saying. But its really annoying to counter some local just repeating boondoggle over and over again. It's a George Lakeoff framing thing. Say something enough times and it sticks. It's good when we oppose something like a freeway or that airport link in your post cap'n, but it can also get you on the defensive with good projects as well.