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STATE SENATOR STEVE MURPHY: ANOTHER BRIDGE COLLAPSE “IS A LIKELIHOOD”
By Michael B. Brodkorb | August 6, 2007
"'We're going to have to swallow the bitter pill, take the political hit and raise these revenues,' [State Senator] Murphy said, adding that another bridge collapse 'is a likelihood, and we don't want that.'" Source: FOXNews, August 3, 2007
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Senator Murphy, which bridge is likely to collapse?
UPDATE: If Senator Murphy thinks another bridge collapse "is a likelihood" he should have a press conference and present evidence of which bridge he thinks is likely to collapse.
Topics: Uncategorized | 45 Comments »
45 Responses to “STATE SENATOR STEVE MURPHY: ANOTHER BRIDGE COLLAPSE “IS A LIKELIHOOD””
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August 6th, 2007 at 9:11 am
Lafayette would be the odds on favorite, it sank 8″ one year, and even Tony Bennett wont drive on it.
August 6th, 2007 at 9:27 am
Maybe we could have a few press conferences describing where the next terrorist attack will occur, too. Get real.
August 6th, 2007 at 9:36 am
[...] STATE SENATOR STEVE MURPHY: ANOTHER BRIDGE COLLAPSE IS A LIKELIHOOD [...]
August 6th, 2007 at 9:42 am
Here’s a notion, discontinue all “transit” projects and divert that funding to roads, where it will be put to good use.
August 6th, 2007 at 9:47 am
Yes Quimby, because terror cells, like bridges are static, stationary objects that we have the capability of closely monitoring (oh yeah, you guys don’t think we should monitor them).
If Murphy thinks another bridge is likely to collapse, we should narrow it down to which one, and not allow people to drive on that particular bridge until it is fixed.
And for the sake of people in that part of the state, he should let us know which bridge(s) he believes are “likely” to collapse.
As for terrorism, let’s monitor those who are suspicious, an do our best (aggressively) to prevent another attack.
August 6th, 2007 at 9:53 am
Monitor the suspicious and do our best to prevent another attack.
Monitor the suspicious and do our best to prevent another collapse.
Another bridge collapse is likely if we don’t raise the gas tax.
Another terrorist attack is likely if we elect Democrats.
I DEMAND Steve Murhpy tell us which bridges are likely to collapse.
August 6th, 2007 at 10:04 am
And they say it’s the Republican’s who use scare tactics…
August 6th, 2007 at 10:19 am
As a person who crosses Lafayette bridge 15-20 times a week, it seems like raising revenue to do better maintenence on bridges is a good idea to me. Without additional $ the risks of another bridge collapse are greater – is the spirit of what Senator Murphy said. Anybody disagree with that? I get very tired of the word parsing and vitriolic commentary from both ends of the political spectrum.
August 6th, 2007 at 10:27 am
The only thing Democrats have to offer is fear its self. …
As for me, yes, I disagree with Senator Murphy’s assumption that without more $$$ more bridges will collapse. First, the state has more than enough money, it’s just spending it on the wrong bullshit.
No need to raise more money. Just a need to spend smarter.
August 6th, 2007 at 10:40 am
Seeting aside the bile and drivel for just a minute or 2, if you are really interested – go look at http://www.nationalbridges.com/ – and you can check the status of any bridge you want – or get a list of the worst bridges in the state, or look at the specs on the 35W bridge.
There will certainly be other bridge failures – maybe not as spectacular and maybe not in Minnesota – but bridge design in the 60’s was not very good – lots of bridges were constructed without redundant backups – meaning that the failure of a key structural component could cause the entire bridge to fail – and those bridges are all approaching 50 years old.
August 6th, 2007 at 10:42 am
Now you see why nothing gets done.
“Which bridge is it?” is a bullshit line. We have list after list from the Met Council to the feds on the structural integrity of our bridges. While you can’t point to the exact one, you can look at those that are in need of the most repair. Oh, and repair them.
Bitching about where the money will come from is useless and the budget is already complete and taxes will have to be raised with Republicans support and Pawlenty’s signature.
August 6th, 2007 at 10:46 am
If Murphy believes another bridge collapse is “likely” why didn’t he support Pawlenty’s proposal to build $1.7 billion worth of roads and bridges (and that was in one year not spread out over 10 years)? Murphy killed Pawlenty’s road/bridge package in the last session of the legislature.
August 6th, 2007 at 10:57 am
Senator Murphy suggests that as the fulcrum of all things transportaion oriented at the capitol he must have had extensive information in his possession about the state of our bridges for a long long time before this catastrophe.
His public comment that another bridge collapse is a likelihood should sound the alarm and call for immediate bridge closures statewide—TODAY!!! Failure to do so after this comment by the lead transportation guy in St. Paul would be criminal.
If Sen. Murphy has information to indicate which bridge will fail and when it will fail he should come forth with it. Otherwise he should use more care in terrifying Minnesotans about bridge conditions he has personally known about for years.
What mainstream media hero is going to ask the senator about this? Probably no one. He’s a democrat and therefore beyond reproach when it comes to any culpability in this frame.
Republicans better grow a vertebrae or two and find a way to fund the infrastructure we need desperately without growing the governmnet by the $5 billion that the leftists craved last year when they disrespected Governor Pawlenty’s more reasonable proposals.
Senator Murphy’s reckless commentary leads me to believe he is enjoying the publicity to the detriment of his office, the senate, and all Minnesotans.
Chalk up another point for nincompoopism.
August 6th, 2007 at 10:59 am
Any time David Ziegler reacts as violently as he did to MDEs post it’s a clue that Michael is on the right track.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK MICHAEL!
August 6th, 2007 at 11:01 am
“the budget is already complete”
O.k., enough said. All the revenue and spending decision have been made. Nothing to see here. Nothing left to do.
Hey, asshole… yeah, you DJZ… if it’s never too late to soak the citizens of this state for more tax revenues, it’s never too late to cut spending elsewhere.
The budget is far from complete. Now is a good time to revisit every spending decision, cut every aspect of state spending that’s not critical, and start spending on only areas that are critical.
August 6th, 2007 at 11:02 am
Oh and Mr. Ziegler (djz), no republican is saying that we shouldn’t repair our delapidated bridges. Nice try though.
We would all benefit if as a lead democrat operative you would spend more time in the wash cycle and less time on the spin cycle.
August 6th, 2007 at 11:22 am
I’d rather be proactive then reactive this time… MnDOT is a joke and needs a new leadership team.
Molnau’s take on the situation was basically, “Well everyone makes mistakes…” What the?!?! Not just one inspector made a mistake it was many inspectors and the leadership of MnDOT that chose to do nothing to fix the bridge.
Obviously there is a flaw in the evaluation and decision process and I for one have no faith that Molnau or her cronies can fix it.
August 6th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Mark,
Nice try blaming Molnau. I heard last night that the very problem that might well have caused the bridge to collapse goes back to 1994. Where was the urgency in the legislature or in MNDot then? Where was Elwyn Tinklenberg’s leadership for four years during the Ventura Administration?
August 6th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
[...] Look at this post he put up earlier today. “‘We’re going to have to swallow the bitter pill, take the political hit and raise these revenues,’ [State Senator] Murphy said, adding that another bridge collapse ‘is a likelihood, and we don’t want that.’” Source: FOXNews, August 3, 2007 [...]
August 6th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
The New York Times reported this morning that the construction company working on the bridge had “Trucks carrying tens of thousands of pounds of crushed stone were parked on the Interstate 35W bridge, and more stone was sitting on the deck”…
… could be the straw that broke the bridge’s back.
August 6th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
Drew Emmer,
I use my initials for a reason but, you seem to take glee in writing my whole name on here over and over. Its typical minnesota nice republican intimidation from a phoney moralist talker who’s morals line up with the hackiest of political hacks. If I was Chestnut, I’d just call you out for the pig shit asshole that you are but, I’ll leave that for Chestnut to hurl at me.
You guys are reaping what you’ve sown with your anti-government stances. Last year it was the Iraq War that led to dozens of upsets and locally this year it will be the Righties inability to know when to STFU. Now would be the time.
August 6th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
Funny. DJZ criticizing anyone’s morals. That’s a good one.
It’s interesting to consider Iraq as driving the 2006 results. Most certainly it did… Funny thing is, almost nobody who ran as a liberal won. Ellison did, but any jerk-off with a DFL endorsement will win in the 5th CD.
Nobody supports liberal’s defeat and surrender strategy in Iraq. So Democrats who ran, ran as conservatives who would take a measured approach. They lied their way in to office.
I’m sure 2008 will be an another close and interesting election cycle. But it’s a real fool who thinks liberals are going to gain anything more with the record of lies, corruption and non-accomplishment their stacking up so far.
As for the bridge, it’s time to cut non-essential funding. The socialist programs aren’t a priority. Reinforcing our infrastructure is.
I’m looking forward to the GOP sounding off about the hundreds of millions wasted on DFL socialist programs.
August 6th, 2007 at 2:15 pm
DLZ:
“While you can’t point to the exact one, you can look at those that are in need of the most repair. Oh, and repair them.”
Isn’t that precisely what WAS happening prior to the collapse?
Bridges inspected. Priorities established. Repairs scheduled accordingly.
And very, very, very rarely you will get it wrong.
Because try as you might, you cannot repeal the law of gravity with tax increases.
August 6th, 2007 at 3:00 pm
Sen Murphy,
Please stop this truly shameless pandering. It would almost be amusing if the subject was not so deadly serious.
If you believe bridges are about to fall down, close them. It doesn’t cost a dime. I am willing to adjust my driving and take a little longer to get where I need to go with my kids.
Otherwise, please follow the lead of more serious leaders in your party and the party opposit and tone down the haymaking.
August 6th, 2007 at 3:30 pm
[...] August 6th, 2007 • 3:30 pmSen. Murphy: “Another Collapse Is Likely” State Sen. Steve Murphy told Fox News that another bridge collapse is likely. (H/T: MDE) Here’s what Sen. Murphy said: “We’re going to have to swallow the bitter pill, take the political hit and raise these revenues,” Murphy said, adding that another bridge collapse “is a likelihood, and we don’t want that.” [...]
August 6th, 2007 at 3:55 pm
Why is it that the NY Times has the story on possible over stressing of the bridge with tons of weight and the StarTrib doesn’t say a word?
Oh yeah. Now I remember. Because the DFL talking points won’t let them REPORT it.
August 6th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
DJZ,
Want some cheese with your whine? If you can’t take it, then don’t dish it out.
August 6th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
Does any else remember “Murphy’s Law?”
August 6th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
DJZ said: “I use my initials for a reason but, you seem to take glee in writing my whole name on here over and over. Its typical minnesota nice republican intimidation from a phoney moralist talker who’s morals line up with the hackiest of political hacks. If I was Chestnut, I’d just call you out for the pig shit asshole that you are but, I’ll leave that for Chestnut to hurl at me.”
Dear David J. Ziegler, Esq.,
Ok. I’ll stop using your full name here now that I realize that you feel intimidated. That was not my intention. Why is it when someone disagrees with you your custom is to douse them in rhetorical gasoline and set them ablaze?
I didn’t start using your full name until I saw that others were doing the same. I thought you may have come out of the closet and started using your full name. I’m sorry that you haven’t. It would add a great deal to the conversation if you were to reveal your occupation, your role within the DFL and your reasons for wanting to remain conveniently above reproach when you disgrace these pages with the vicious words you choose to inflict upon us all.
I have no issue with anonymous posts unless they devolve into deeply personal attacks, lacking in dignity and respect, and ultimately become destructive to the level of civility I strive to forward in my blogging.
You certainly have a right to your opinion about the issues and about my character. Just as I have as much right to disagree with your positions whenever I so choose. I’ve stayed away from your character because I do not know you personally. That and the fact that I have more respect for myself and everyone else on here than to engage in mental midgetry via objectionable vocabulary.
I’ll leave the personal insults to others who are better at it than I am. Chesnut is quite talented in that department and I will admit that I find a certain amount of satisfaction when he fillets you.
Once again, just as I did when you fouled your breezers over the whole Keith Ellison fiasco, let’s meet for coffee so we can perhaps improve our dialog.
I’m sorry I intimidated you. I apologize for using your full name. I hereby commit to not outing you again on the blogs. Please send me an email at drew2be@gmail.com with your address and phone number so I can call you directly about coffee.
Thanks DJZ!
All best!
Drew Emmer
August 6th, 2007 at 6:06 pm
David J. Ziegler, Scumbag lawyer and DFL sock puppet belched:
“Bitching about where the money will come from is useless and the budget is already complete and taxes will have to be raised with Republicans support and Pawlenty’s signature.”
Pfft.
Typical lefty obfuscation…”never mind where the money comes from, and never mind about how much goes to where we said it would; just send it in.”
Not this time goofball. We will be out here and out in the streets reminding people the we, the taxpayers, had to go to the extreme measure of a constitutional amendment to wrench our transportation dollars out of the hands of the leftists who siphoned off the lions share and slipped it to their pals.
And we will remind them that even *that* didn’t work….
Choo-choo trains to nowhere or maintaining our roads and bridges? Moonbat mummery or rational management?
The choice is clear.
August 6th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
Steve Murphy appears to be searching for political relevence, and seems to be attempting to keep himself in the news.
On the flip side, I am proud of the way Pawlenty, Stanek, and Rybak have handled this whole tragedy.
I don’t want the blame game played right now. If someone dropped the ball, they should admit it once the cause of the tragedy is determined.
August 6th, 2007 at 7:26 pm
Hey Drew, go screw yourself.
August 6th, 2007 at 9:44 pm
Drew, I’m afraid you might have hurt the tender feelings of our resident DFL hack\scumbag lawyer.
Why, one can almost hear the tassles on his tiny lit-tle shoes rattling as he stomps his tiny lit-tle feet in a perfect fit of pique.
Heh.
August 6th, 2007 at 10:06 pm
Speaking of Rybak, I watched him early this morning on MSNBC. It was somewhat a smarmy story he was reciting regarding how the city’s disaster plan had been fully implemented in conjunction with the plans of other governmental organizations in such a disaster. Well, I saw a lot of people who were not part of the “plan” who involved themselves in helping people and trying to do as much as possible. One picture I remember was of eight+ people maneuvering a patient, on a backboard, from a ledge to an awaiting private vehicle. One of them was a sheriff’s deputy, the rest were civilians of all shapes, sizes, and color of skin. I am sure they were never instructed in the city’s disaster plan but of the common sense plan they practiced in an emergency.
August 7th, 2007 at 6:32 am
A couple things David J. Ziegler can’t handle: 1) An honest debate; 2) Someone as earnest as Drew (I’m not that earnest); 3) Facts and figures.
DJZ is a nincompoop of the highest order. Blind to facts, no ability to reason. Anyone who would hire DJZ as a lawyer is a fool as a client.
I’ve called DJZ some nasty names. I think just plain retarded will suffice from here on out. Too stupid to vote. Too ignorant to recognized cold, hard facts.
David J. Ziegler: Classless, retarded asshole.
August 7th, 2007 at 6:38 am
Bob K., I agree that Rybak is among the slimiest and stupidest Minneapolis politicians. I have particular disregard for his schtick of wearing mis-matched socks…. how clever.
But I think on the whole, he’s handled himself well during this crisis. And I think there is plenty of reason to applaud the execution of the cities emergency plan… they did plan, and it worked reasonably well.
I also agree that there are plenty of reasons to applaud all those who selflessly rushed to the scene to help. They weren’t part of the plan… nor should they be. They were just good neighbors.
Further proof of how Minnesota is not like New Orleans, dependent on bloated, corrupt government to handle everything. Though, there is certainly a bloated, corrupt government in Minneapolis. It hasn’t completely destroyed the character and vigilance of our citizens.
August 7th, 2007 at 7:00 am
It appears to me that all the agencies and departments involved have functioned very well together. Whether that’s part of “the plan”, I am not sure. I just don’t see evidence of “turf wars” that sometimes accompany such joint efforts.
August 7th, 2007 at 10:22 am
Swiftee aka Tom Swift (failed candidate for St Paul School Board),tassels on shoes are as outdated as that mullet with the bald spot on top you proudly sport.
Chestnut, you and anyone of the regular posters of MDE are not who I post to on here. Your minds are warped beyond change. I post to show either the inaccuracies, or inconsistencies of the participants (ie True Believers) of the most read Blog of the Opposition. Its far too easy at times.
When I’m bored with presenting my case, I occasionally poke certain posters in the eye. Like you. I can only imagine the string of profane insults rolling out of you froth filled mouth as fast as your Tourette clouded perspective can produce them.
Since we’re on a first name basis here, I insist that you all call me what everyone (including Ms Swift)calls me- Jay.
Fuck you Drew.
Jay
August 7th, 2007 at 10:31 am
Jay,
I am honored. Thank you!
God bless,
Drew
August 7th, 2007 at 10:53 am
“I post to show either the inaccuracies, or inconsistencies of the participant”
We’re still waiting for you show us anything, “Jay,” other than how completely dishonest and incompetent you are. If it were “easy”, one would think you would be successful.
In that regard, you’re a true ignorant, retarded Democrat.
August 7th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
Hey I got a great idea. Have DOT make a list of all the bridges that need to be replaced and have the govenor call a special session to approve the bonds. We for example have $300 million already that people wanted to spend.
Lets get one idea for the total bill and than cut spending from things which we thought were priorties before the bridge collapse. Health for people at 200% above poverty level will be a good start. There is plenty of money in a $34 billion dollar budget to pay for all of them without increasing taxes!
What do you think folks
Walter Hanson
Minneapolis, MN
August 7th, 2007 at 11:46 pm
“Since we’re on a first name basis here, I insist that you all call me what everyone (including Ms Swift)calls me- Jay.”
LOL, so *your* the “Jay”…
“I saw that wack job Jay hanging around the elementary school again today”
August 7th, 2007 at 11:52 pm
The real question is:
“How many times does Drew have to beat “Jay” like a pinata before we see him puke up some candy?”
August 10th, 2007 at 12:47 pm
djz…yer a sanctimonious jerk and your time spent on a website like this speaks volumes to your over-inflated ego. fuck off.
February 22nd, 2008 at 5:47 pm
[...] Sen. Murphy has a history of making wild statments about transportation, which he hasn’t been held accountable for. The most egregious is his statement that “‘We’re going to have to swallow the bitter pill, take the political hit and raise these revenues,’ [State Senator] Murphy said, adding that another bridge collapse ‘is a likelihood, and we don’t want that.’” [...]