Their chicken and shrimp risotto is to die for! It has the perfect amount of cheese for a risotto.... a hell lot. Just like their four cheese pizza. (I might have a thing for cheese, to be honest!)
Whew, what a relief, it really IS BECAUSE YOU CAN"T READ! from the article that you actually linked to-in glaringly obvious words! (Maybe you can ask someone to draw pictures for you):
"It is one of the few subway systems in the world that is operationally profitable without government subsidies, thanks to revenue from advertising, property leases and parking fees, in addition to ticket sales. It racked up revenue of $100 million last fiscal year and profit before taxes of $3.98 million. Also, other Indian cities pay consulting fees to learn how to gain from Delhi Metro’s experience."
And the absolute maximum ticket fare is less than 3 yuan!
You really must be joking. Were you trying to make a point? Do you even know what is was? I wanted to draw big red lines under the sentence, without government subsides, and profitable, but then suddenly your gag hit me, you are a surrealist prankster. Good one!
Personally I love the Chicken ravioli (or as it appears on their menu: Tortelloni di Pollo: handmade pasta pockets filled with chicken, served with tomato and basil sauce and sautéed spinach)
These are your words: "I also don't agree with you that the subway is highly subsidized by tax dollars. The government pays for the intial construction of the subways-"
18bil yuan in subsidies/yr for a system that has 10mil riders/day? Are you're still clinging to your argument? Yikes. And paying ¥6-7 for your entire trip to Tongzhou or Changping or wherever you want to go is too much, too unfair, too profiteering of subway operators? Yikes x2.
You're being called out again on your Delhi Metro comparison. Sometimes life is more complicated than what Wikipedia may present. From the 2nd article which on paper backs up the claim you're using from Wiki: "Of course, the system only nets out that way because of low-interest loans from a Japanese development bank, with the remaining favorable financing from the state and national governments. The state supplies electricity for running the Delhi subway." http://www.forbes.com/global/2009/0511/026-india-delhi-subway-builder.html
If you care to dig a bit deeper:
"Delhi Metro Rider Subsidy More than India Per Capita Income" http://www.publicpurpose.com/ut-delhimetro.htm
In this one, you will see that power accounts for 40% of Delhi Metro's operattional costs (I know you still need some work on figuring out costs): "Traffic jolt may hike Delhi metro fare" http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-05/delhi/39763894_1_fare-hike-delhi-metro-rail-corporation-tariff
"Is the Delhi Metro a costly mistake", from 2006, seems to also refute your "profitable from Day 1" argument. http://www.rediff.com/money/2006/apr/03metro.htm From this article you will read ""In Kolkata, people choose what suits their pocket -- the cheapest, most subsidised means of transport," says Jayesh Desai, head of the infrastructure group at Ernst & Young."
You can sing Christmas carols at Modernista on Monday night -- and get your square dance on too. Here is a video of a typical Beijing square dance -- http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNjUxMjY2NDgw.html
The only one that surprises me is the one about slurping soup.
I've always been told that this is actually encouraged in Chinese culture, something either about that's the best way to enjoy the flavor of things (kinda how wine snobs will gargle their wine in their mouths to aerate it) or that slurping shows your hearty appetite and appreciation of the soup's flavor and hence is flattering to the chef/host
I think Coach muct be a competitor or something. The food is very authentic, American Mexican style food, and very reasonably priced. And what the heck is 2001 style interior? Its a different era?
If you like tacos and burritos, it is some of the best Mexican in Beijing, in a cozy little place.
I suggest: people who stand in line, don't push, smile, let the elderly and weak sit, don't spit, don't hide under the seat or harass others, who brush their theeth, maybe even whistle once in a while or tell their neighbour a joke or even do some knitting or... - well, add sth., be creative - they get a ride for free: not only in BJ, but all over China, in Asia, ah, why stop here, all over the world. All others have to pay - maybe 1 percent of their monthly income per ride, or the equal of a BigMac... ah, no, they should push the subway train so the city saves energy cost. Or maybe skip the subway trains, each who is supposed to pay has to carry one who doesn't have to on the back. So both reach their desired destination, one relaxed, one maybe not so. Or, hm, maybe those who... no, maybe not. Difficult.
Should thin people pay the same like fat ones? Little ones as much as tall ones? Track their phone to see how they use the subway system? Flip a coin? Tricky. Or move one district to Inner Mongolia so there is more space for others? But what if they need to... No. How about people stay at home, and their work is sent to them on the subway? Their shopping bags. Maybe confusing: "I didn't order lamb, I'm a vegetarian; and I am a consultant, not a painter. And: why is this sheep pink?". No, I'm afraid I have no answers, no solution, sorry for wasting your time, but thanks for reading anyways. Happy weekend.
I finally get it, you can't read. For instance, I never once said the Beijing subway doesn't run without some government subsidies, but in your distance based obsessive mind, you created that. I also pointed out to you exactly how the system can increase revenue without doing ANY fare increases-exactly like the India subway system has done. You also apparently couldn't read that so well, because I explained to you that they were solvent, THE VERY FIRST DAY OF OPERATION! But you were too worried about the cost of hiring people to sell adverstising, haha.
For a city like Beijing, the subway should be cheap. In fact, a great approach would be if its free! Since that is probably unlikely to happen, the next best thing is having it be as cheap as possible, for everyone. Only an across the board straight fee does this. Great solution, but you will never realize this, because you can't read.
I can't get to your whole Mayor of Sim city problem yet, because you won't even address why you don't have anger over everyone paying the same for internet.
@ Squid: you get to play mayor, or comptroller, or whatever you want for a day:
You are in charge of Sim City. Your city's citizens are taxed at XX rate, providing you with ¥100bil. However, one of the city's services (the subway) is running at a deficit, a deficit which is increasing. The man who served in this position, whom you have replaced, made the decision to keep the subway's fare structure at current levels. However, to remain solvent, stay in good standing with creditors, and continue to provide public services which your citizenry expects as a result of their paying taxes, choose which of the following you would reduce to allow the subway to operate with no changes but also to come in at budget:
A. Current operating budget: ¥20bil -- Water sourcing and treatment -- your townspeople are like all people on earth, in that they need it. Your city has few natural resources so it has devised a way to obtain such resources from nearby and faroff areas -- this comes at a great cost. The city's water supply and quality have already been rated low and population is forecasted to continue to exceed supply for foreseeable future. The public is becoming increasingly discont with the costs they are having to adopt in order to provide clean, potable water to their families.
B. ¥20bil -- Public eduation -- Outdated schools and facilities are impacting the young people (tomorrow's job seekers) of your city. In an ultra competitive global landscape and a soceity where parents value their children's education, your school board must continue to churn out well educated pupils or be left in the dust. Also, as your city continues to increase its standing in the world and attract employers (job provides who in turn pay taxes), a highly-educated workforce is necessary to be competetive for the future. Teachers have argued for higher wages.
C. ¥20bil -- Public health -- Diseases such as diabetes, cancer and dimentia are being deteceted at an alarming rate. Prevention, detection, and management of your citizenry who are afflicted are all necessary to the long-term sustainability of your city. Citizens expect new trends in health care and medicines and operating procedures to be increasingly available to them. As the city's population grows, so too do new hospitals need to be built. Hospital staff, recruitment, and teaching hospitals are searching for the best qualified professionals but low salary pay negatively impacts the ability to attract top top talent. Your citizenry is also aging at an advanced rate and limited number of offspring make any fees passed on to the next generation very hard to deal with and gives immense pressure to your municipal gov't as a whole.
D. ¥20bil -- Environmental protection & food safety-- With so much manufacturing and construction ongoing, your city must invest in substantial environmenal protection forces. Your citizens have expressed discontent in the growing number of food scandals taking place in their city and are worried about the quality of food. Citizens have also expressed discontent over your city's air and water quality, and both are having an impact on tourism and adding to public health costs. The hospitality industry is looking for these problems to be resolved or forced to make changes to their operating models. The tourism industry employs X,XXX,XXX of citizens and provides XX¥ to your tax revenues.
E. ¥20bil -- Law enforcement -- As your population continues to grow, so too do the demands of your police force. The judicial system is also overwhelmed at times. Your fleet of patrol vehicles is also aging and you are enduring disproportionate upkeept costs due to old fleet vehicle maintenance. You must continue to invest in a qualified law enforcement department in order to combat the latest crimes, evolving methodologies, and resolve displayed by those who would do your citizenry harm, especially as your city continues to attract a heterogenus. A recent domestic terrorism event is worrying to some of your citizens and is having an impact on people's psyche, tourism, and general well being.
You have been sure of other things that turned out to be completely opposite (remember your staunch denial that the Beijing Subway was operating without subsidies...muahaha), so by you saying "pretty sure" I dare not even consider. With your first question, again, you're playing this all-or-nothing game. By charging distance-based fare the subway cars will not turn into ghost cars, despite your insistence. Why do you think it's so fun for municipalities to run a deficit? Why do you think reasonable people like me are either for virtually "free" (see: putting the charge on someone else's tab) subway transport or for a subway that only totes around the rich? Do you not see a middle ground here, Squid? With the billions in subsidies, the city has what is akin to a white elephant on its hands. There are simply too many monies being sucked up by subway riders. Continue with your way, the deficits will only get bigger and only more money from other worthy causes will be slashed. The article already mentions the overcapcity the trains are running at, the infrastructure limitations which make pursuing other choices very costly or simply nothing more than a Band-aid. I want the subway to be a safe, cheap option for people to move about as they please -- it's why subways are built. But change is very much needed, dear Squid.
Why do you keep insisting that the money for a mass transit system which decreases traffic congestion and pollution is better spent on other things? Where are you getting this value judgement?
And I am pretty sure there is not another subway system in the world that uses a distance based calculation the way you describe it. Most do as admin described, they divide the system into zones, so that there are many occassions where two people who go different distances still end up paying the same price.
Dodged question recap: Squid: probably 7 or so. Mtnerror: 0.
Only a moron would pull some number out of thin air. It could be .000001 RMB, it could be 10,000 RMB; what is the difference? The distance-based rate should be one, that when combined with the base rate, which is determined by the subway operators based upon current demand, future demand, current expenses, future expenses (which are growing as the lines become more extensive). I don't have access to those numbers, you don't have access to those numbers, so what is the point? If you insist on a number, I will throw up 0.25. I can also throw up 25. If that is what your brain requires for processing, so be it.. Because you're used to reading a few paragraphs and writing less or equal to such an amount doesn't mean longer responses or in-depth articles are "paint messes." I realize I'm a bafoon for replying to someone like you with such care, but I do it in hopes of getting you to form an argument based upon facts, verifiable articles to back up one's assertions, observations, and the like. But I see you will never come to it.
Let the monies currently going towards subsidizing your rides go towards other things. Let the subway be one which is more self-sustaining. Let the monies go towards other public goods. Stop the shenanigans.
@ Britomart: you're either passionately misread or being cheeky. Trying to lump my posts into the same realm as Squid's is asinine.
Well, I was attempting the latter. Being cheeky, that is. Though there was an element of honest curiosity... I was following the conversation between you two guys, analyzing how many time logical fallacies were used as supporting points.
As to the "passionately misread" comment, I'm not entirely sure if I am or not, since I don't know what that means. Which I suppose is an indication of how "passionately misread" I am...? Or was I passionately misreading? Well, passion was not exactly the emotion that came to mind when reading a discussion of subway fare increases.
And really and truely, please rest assured--I had no intention of lumping your posts with Squid's posts. You guys are clearly nowhere close to being in the same realm.
Re: Annie's Celebrates 14 Years in Beijing with 10th Location
Their chicken and shrimp risotto is to die for! It has the perfect amount of cheese for a risotto.... a hell lot. Just like their four cheese pizza. (I might have a thing for cheese, to be honest!)
Re: Beijing Subway Fare Increase Proposals: Let Us Count the...
Whew, what a relief, it really IS BECAUSE YOU CAN"T READ! from the article that you actually linked to-in glaringly obvious words! (Maybe you can ask someone to draw pictures for you):
"It is one of the few subway systems in the world that is operationally profitable without government subsidies, thanks to revenue from advertising, property leases and parking fees, in addition to ticket sales. It racked up revenue of $100 million last fiscal year and profit before taxes of $3.98 million. Also, other Indian cities pay consulting fees to learn how to gain from Delhi Metro’s experience."
And the absolute maximum ticket fare is less than 3 yuan!
You really must be joking. Were you trying to make a point? Do you even know what is was? I wanted to draw big red lines under the sentence, without government subsides, and profitable, but then suddenly your gag hit me, you are a surrealist prankster. Good one!
Re: Annie's Celebrates 14 Years in Beijing with 10th Location
Personally I love the Chicken ravioli (or as it appears on their menu: Tortelloni di Pollo: handmade pasta pockets filled with chicken, served with tomato and basil sauce and sautéed spinach)
Re: Beijing Subway Fare Increase Proposals: Let Us Count the...
@Squid: very much like you to skirt.
These are your words: "I also don't agree with you that the subway is highly subsidized by tax dollars. The government pays for the intial construction of the subways-"
18bil yuan in subsidies/yr for a system that has 10mil riders/day? Are you're still clinging to your argument? Yikes. And paying ¥6-7 for your entire trip to Tongzhou or Changping or wherever you want to go is too much, too unfair, too profiteering of subway operators? Yikes x2.
You're being called out again on your Delhi Metro comparison. Sometimes life is more complicated than what Wikipedia may present. From the 2nd article which on paper backs up the claim you're using from Wiki: "Of course, the system only nets out that way because of low-interest loans from a Japanese development bank, with the remaining favorable financing from the state and national governments. The state supplies electricity for running the Delhi subway." http://www.forbes.com/global/2009/0511/026-india-delhi-subway-builder.html
If you care to dig a bit deeper:
"Delhi Metro Rider Subsidy More than
India Per Capita Income" http://www.publicpurpose.com/ut-delhimetro.htm
In this one, you will see that power accounts for 40% of Delhi Metro's operattional costs (I know you still need some work on figuring out costs): "Traffic jolt may hike Delhi metro fare" http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-05/delhi/39763894_1_fare-hike-delhi-metro-rail-corporation-tariff
"Is the Delhi Metro a costly mistake", from 2006, seems to also refute your "profitable from Day 1" argument. http://www.rediff.com/money/2006/apr/03metro.htm From this article you will read ""In Kolkata, people choose what suits their pocket -- the cheapest, most subsidised means of transport," says Jayesh Desai, head of the infrastructure group at Ernst & Young."
Re: Talking Pints: Merry Christmas, Keep Drinking
You can sing Christmas carols at Modernista on Monday night -- and get your square dance on too. Here is a video of a typical Beijing square dance -- http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNjUxMjY2NDgw.html
Re: For a Good Claus: SantaCon Beats Last Year's Donation Target
Here is a video of this years happy Santas square dancing in the hutongs: http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNjUxMjY2NDgw.html
Re: Traditional Chinese Manners: How Well Do You Know Them?
The only one that surprises me is the one about slurping soup.
I've always been told that this is actually encouraged in Chinese culture, something either about that's the best way to enjoy the flavor of things (kinda how wine snobs will gargle their wine in their mouths to aerate it) or that slurping shows your hearty appetite and appreciation of the soup's flavor and hence is flattering to the chef/host
Re: Customs: 200 Foreigners Deported from Beijing in 2013
Glad to hear that they are cracking down on foreigners who think they are above the law in beijing.
Re: Tex-Mex in the Hutong: Sand Pebbles Lounge
I think Coach muct be a competitor or something. The food is very authentic, American Mexican style food, and very reasonably priced. And what the heck is 2001 style interior? Its a different era?
If you like tacos and burritos, it is some of the best Mexican in Beijing, in a cozy little place.
Re: Tex-Mex in the Hutong: Sand Pebbles Lounge
Horrible 2001-style interior and Chinese style mexican food also belonging in the past. Wont be going back. Way overpriced for what it is.
Re: Beijing Subway Fare Increase Proposals: Let Us Count the...
I suggest: people who stand in line, don't push, smile, let the elderly and weak sit, don't spit, don't hide under the seat or harass others, who brush their theeth, maybe even whistle once in a while or tell their neighbour a joke or even do some knitting or... - well, add sth., be creative - they get a ride for free: not only in BJ, but all over China, in Asia, ah, why stop here, all over the world. All others have to pay - maybe 1 percent of their monthly income per ride, or the equal of a BigMac... ah, no, they should push the subway train so the city saves energy cost. Or maybe skip the subway trains, each who is supposed to pay has to carry one who doesn't have to on the back. So both reach their desired destination, one relaxed, one maybe not so. Or, hm, maybe those who... no, maybe not. Difficult.
Should thin people pay the same like fat ones? Little ones as much as tall ones? Track their phone to see how they use the subway system? Flip a coin? Tricky. Or move one district to Inner Mongolia so there is more space for others? But what if they need to... No. How about people stay at home, and their work is sent to them on the subway? Their shopping bags. Maybe confusing: "I didn't order lamb, I'm a vegetarian; and I am a consultant, not a painter. And: why is this sheep pink?". No, I'm afraid I have no answers, no solution, sorry for wasting your time, but thanks for reading anyways. Happy weekend.
Re: Beijing Subway Fare Increase Proposals: Let Us Count the...
mtnerror,
I finally get it, you can't read. For instance, I never once said the Beijing subway doesn't run without some government subsidies, but in your distance based obsessive mind, you created that. I also pointed out to you exactly how the system can increase revenue without doing ANY fare increases-exactly like the India subway system has done. You also apparently couldn't read that so well, because I explained to you that they were solvent, THE VERY FIRST DAY OF OPERATION! But you were too worried about the cost of hiring people to sell adverstising, haha.
For a city like Beijing, the subway should be cheap. In fact, a great approach would be if its free! Since that is probably unlikely to happen, the next best thing is having it be as cheap as possible, for everyone. Only an across the board straight fee does this. Great solution, but you will never realize this, because you can't read.
I can't get to your whole Mayor of Sim city problem yet, because you won't even address why you don't have anger over everyone paying the same for internet.
Re: Beijing Subway Fare Increase Proposals: Let Us Count the...
@ Squid: you get to play mayor, or comptroller, or whatever you want for a day:
You are in charge of Sim City. Your city's citizens are taxed at XX rate, providing you with ¥100bil. However, one of the city's services (the subway) is running at a deficit, a deficit which is increasing. The man who served in this position, whom you have replaced, made the decision to keep the subway's fare structure at current levels. However, to remain solvent, stay in good standing with creditors, and continue to provide public services which your citizenry expects as a result of their paying taxes, choose which of the following you would reduce to allow the subway to operate with no changes but also to come in at budget:
A. Current operating budget: ¥20bil -- Water sourcing and treatment -- your townspeople are like all people on earth, in that they need it. Your city has few natural resources so it has devised a way to obtain such resources from nearby and faroff areas -- this comes at a great cost. The city's water supply and quality have already been rated low and population is forecasted to continue to exceed supply for foreseeable future. The public is becoming increasingly discont with the costs they are having to adopt in order to provide clean, potable water to their families.
B. ¥20bil -- Public eduation -- Outdated schools and facilities are impacting the young people (tomorrow's job seekers) of your city. In an ultra competitive global landscape and a soceity where parents value their children's education, your school board must continue to churn out well educated pupils or be left in the dust. Also, as your city continues to increase its standing in the world and attract employers (job provides who in turn pay taxes), a highly-educated workforce is necessary to be competetive for the future. Teachers have argued for higher wages.
C. ¥20bil -- Public health -- Diseases such as diabetes, cancer and dimentia are being deteceted at an alarming rate. Prevention, detection, and management of your citizenry who are afflicted are all necessary to the long-term sustainability of your city. Citizens expect new trends in health care and medicines and operating procedures to be increasingly available to them. As the city's population grows, so too do new hospitals need to be built. Hospital staff, recruitment, and teaching hospitals are searching for the best qualified professionals but low salary pay negatively impacts the ability to attract top top talent. Your citizenry is also aging at an advanced rate and limited number of offspring make any fees passed on to the next generation very hard to deal with and gives immense pressure to your municipal gov't as a whole.
D. ¥20bil -- Environmental protection & food safety-- With so much manufacturing and construction ongoing, your city must invest in substantial environmenal protection forces. Your citizens have expressed discontent in the growing number of food scandals taking place in their city and are worried about the quality of food. Citizens have also expressed discontent over your city's air and water quality, and both are having an impact on tourism and adding to public health costs. The hospitality industry is looking for these problems to be resolved or forced to make changes to their operating models. The tourism industry employs X,XXX,XXX of citizens and provides XX¥ to your tax revenues.
E. ¥20bil -- Law enforcement -- As your population continues to grow, so too do the demands of your police force. The judicial system is also overwhelmed at times. Your fleet of patrol vehicles is also aging and you are enduring disproportionate upkeept costs due to old fleet vehicle maintenance. You must continue to invest in a qualified law enforcement department in order to combat the latest crimes, evolving methodologies, and resolve displayed by those who would do your citizenry harm, especially as your city continues to attract a heterogenus. A recent domestic terrorism event is worrying to some of your citizens and is having an impact on people's psyche, tourism, and general well being.
OK, Squid, show me the money!
Re: Beijing Subway Fare Increase Proposals: Let Us Count the...
You have been sure of other things that turned out to be completely opposite (remember your staunch denial that the Beijing Subway was operating without subsidies...muahaha), so by you saying "pretty sure" I dare not even consider. With your first question, again, you're playing this all-or-nothing game. By charging distance-based fare the subway cars will not turn into ghost cars, despite your insistence. Why do you think it's so fun for municipalities to run a deficit? Why do you think reasonable people like me are either for virtually "free" (see: putting the charge on someone else's tab) subway transport or for a subway that only totes around the rich? Do you not see a middle ground here, Squid? With the billions in subsidies, the city has what is akin to a white elephant on its hands. There are simply too many monies being sucked up by subway riders. Continue with your way, the deficits will only get bigger and only more money from other worthy causes will be slashed. The article already mentions the overcapcity the trains are running at, the infrastructure limitations which make pursuing other choices very costly or simply nothing more than a Band-aid. I want the subway to be a safe, cheap option for people to move about as they please -- it's why subways are built. But change is very much needed, dear Squid.
Re: Beijing Subway Fare Increase Proposals: Let Us Count the...
Why do you keep insisting that the money for a mass transit system which decreases traffic congestion and pollution is better spent on other things? Where are you getting this value judgement?
And I am pretty sure there is not another subway system in the world that uses a distance based calculation the way you describe it. Most do as admin described, they divide the system into zones, so that there are many occassions where two people who go different distances still end up paying the same price.
Re: Beijing Subway Fare Increase Proposals: Let Us Count the...
@Squid: stop with the tomfoolery. I already told you in another article's forum the value of services, monies, etc. orgnaized by and thru the gov't.
Re: Beijing Subway Fare Increase Proposals: Let Us Count the...
I'm all "eyes" for illogical fallacies you'd like to draw my attention to. ~~ Inqusitively yours
Re: Beijing Subway Fare Increase Proposals: Let Us Count the...
Dodged question recap: Squid: probably 7 or so. Mtnerror: 0.
Only a moron would pull some number out of thin air. It could be .000001 RMB, it could be 10,000 RMB; what is the difference? The distance-based rate should be one, that when combined with the base rate, which is determined by the subway operators based upon current demand, future demand, current expenses, future expenses (which are growing as the lines become more extensive). I don't have access to those numbers, you don't have access to those numbers, so what is the point? If you insist on a number, I will throw up 0.25. I can also throw up 25. If that is what your brain requires for processing, so be it.. Because you're used to reading a few paragraphs and writing less or equal to such an amount doesn't mean longer responses or in-depth articles are "paint messes." I realize I'm a bafoon for replying to someone like you with such care, but I do it in hopes of getting you to form an argument based upon facts, verifiable articles to back up one's assertions, observations, and the like. But I see you will never come to it.
Let the monies currently going towards subsidizing your rides go towards other things. Let the subway be one which is more self-sustaining. Let the monies go towards other public goods. Stop the shenanigans.
Re: Beijing Subway Fare Increase Proposals: Let Us Count the...
Well, I was attempting the latter. Being cheeky, that is. Though there was an element of honest curiosity... I was following the conversation between you two guys, analyzing how many time logical fallacies were used as supporting points.
As to the "passionately misread" comment, I'm not entirely sure if I am or not, since I don't know what that means. Which I suppose is an indication of how "passionately misread" I am...? Or was I passionately misreading? Well, passion was not exactly the emotion that came to mind when reading a discussion of subway fare increases.
And really and truely, please rest assured--I had no intention of lumping your posts with Squid's posts. You guys are clearly nowhere close to being in the same realm.
Yours truly,
Asinine Yet Cheeky
Re: Beijing Subway Fare Increase Proposals: Let Us Count the...
mtnerror,
Why do you want subsides for education or health? Why don't you employ your same royal creed of paying for what you use? Who needs the government?