Indian histo

The Historical Perspective 1.1. The Indian Scene
A DISPASSIONATE observer who looks at India with detachment and penetration would be struck by two mutually contradictory features: diversity and unity at the same time.
The endless variety is striking, often incongruous. Costume, speech, the physical appearance of the people, customs, standards of living, food, climate, geographical features all offer the greatest possible differences. Richer Indians may be dressed in full European style, or in costumes that show Muslim influence, or in flowing and costly robes of many different colourful Indian types. At the lower end of the social scale are other Indians in rags, almost naked but for a small loincloth. There is no national language or alphabet; a dozen languages and scripts appear on the ten-rupee
currency note. There is no Indian race. People with white skins and blue eyes are as unmistakably Indian as others with black skins and dark eyes. In between we find every other intermediate type, though the hair is generally black. There is no typical Indian diet, but more rice, vegetables, and spices are eaten than in Europe. The north Indian finds southern food unpalatable, and conversely. Some people will not touch meat, fish, or eggs; many would and do starve to death rather than eat beef, while others observe no such restrictions. These dietary conventions are not matters of taste but of religion. In climate also the country offers the full range. Perpetual snows in the Himalayas, north European weather in Kasmir, hot deserts in Rajasthan, basalt ridges and granite mountains on the peninsula, tropical heat at the southern tip, dense forests in laterite soil along the western scarp. A 2,000-mile-long coastline, the great Gangetic river system in a wide and fertile alluvial basin, other great rivers of lesser complexity, a few considerable lakes, the swamps of Cutch and Orissa, complete the sub-continental picture.
Cultural differences between Indians even in the same province,
district, or city are as wide as the physical differences between the various parts of the country. Modern India produced an outstanding figure of world literature in Tagore. Within easy reach of Tagore’s final residence

Seo

Search Engine Optimization And Web 2.0
SEPTEMBER 6, 2007 • STEPHAN SPENCER

That well-used buzzword “Web 2.0” encompasses a number of technologies, including blogs, RSS feeds, wikis, tagging/folksonomies, podcasts, widgets, AJAX and Flash. Some of these technologies are a net positive for your search engine visibility and some are a net negative.
Blogs and RSS feeds are great for search engine optimization, for reasons I discussed in my previous articles “SEO: Blogging Your Way to the Top” and “SEO: RSS Feeds Increase Visibility.”

So are wikis, being they are text-rich, frequently updated and heavily linked internally. Furthermore, a wiki acts as “link bait,” probably because it is viewed as a more definitive, neutral and trusted source where consensus has been reached. For example, by launching my SEO Glossary as a wiki I am certain that the site has garnered more links than it would have as a traditional website.

Tagging is one of my favorite Web 2.0 technologies. Found primarily on blogs (particularly on WordPress blogs that utilize the free plugin Ultimate Tag Warrior), tagging has a lot of SEO potential if optimally employed. The power of tagging lies in the use of tag clouds and tag pages. A “tag cloud” is a navigation element made up of text links of varying font sizes to show which tags are more popular than others on your site (see example at the bottom of the paragraph, taken from our Netconcepts.com home page). Tag clouds allow you to rejig your internal hierarchical linking structure, flowing link juice more strategically throughout your site using keyword-rich text links. The links in a tag cloud lead to “tag pages.” A tag page contains a collection of the most recent items that have been tagged with the particular keyword. Tag clouds aren’t the only way to navigate to a tag page. Typically, an item’s tags will be displayed adjacent to the item, with each tag linking to its tag page. Once on a tag page, you can often find links to other tag pages through a list of “Related tags.” A tag is related if items share those tags in common.

Unfortunately, I don’t know of any ecommerce platforms currently supporting tagging. Even my own company’s ecommerce platform GravityMarket doesn’t yet, despite all the other SEO goodness baked into it. It is in the product development queue, however, and I would hope that is the case for other ecommerce platforms too.

Now let’s move into some elements that aren’t typically spider-friendly. These include podcasts, AJAX and Flash.

With something as non-textual as a podcast, you might wonder how it can be made search engine friendly. Sure, the file name and anchor text of links to the podcast can provide helpful clues to the spider, but it’s really the ID3 tag that will be your workhorse here. The ID3 tag is the part of the MP3 file that holds the metadata, and this is where you would incorporate your links, show notes, and/or transcript (hint: CastingWo

Inupre Court judgement b

Independent Weekly News Magazine

A supreme misjudgment

Arun Jaitley examines the dangers of the apex court verdict on Chhattisgarh SPOs

Illustration: Vikram Nongmaithem

THE SUPREME Court of India has quashed the appointment of Special Police Officers (SPOs) by the state of Chhattisgarh as unconstitutional and violative of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. The effect of the judgment is that the institution of SPOs working in Chhattisgarh and under similar conditions in other parts of the country would cease to operate. SPOs have been appointed in areas where the environment has been threatened by insurgency to perform the functions of the regular police by protecting themselves and their fellow citizens. In Jammu & Kashmir these SPOs constitute village protection committees, which protect the village communities from insurgents. The same mechanism was effectively used in Punjab during the days of insurgency. SPOs is a system where the members of the community are empowered to protect the community. Policemen cannot be present in every house or every village, Areas where there is an apprehension of breach of peace and security due to insurgency requires the appointment of SPOs.

The Police Act of 1861 provides for the appointment of SPOs. Various state police legislations have similar provisions for SPOs to be appointed. The language of the legislations may be different. Those familiar with the ground realities of India would realise the utility of such SPOs. They supplement the normal police administration.

The judgment of the Supreme Court creates a crisis situation. The state would now have to recover arms back from the SPOs. This would itself be a daunting task. Every SPO realises that he would be on the Maoist hit list. He would have only two options left – either to join the Maoists or to continue to retain his arms to protect himself from the Maoists. Having been identified as an SPO without the backing of the state or arms to protect themselves, these SPOs would now be sitting ducks. The battle against the Maoists has been loaded against the Indian state. Maoists are now laying down terms for grant of amnesty to the SPOs. The vacuum created by their removal cannot be filled easily by the local police. The tranquility in the region is going to be disturbed.

A reading of the judgment of the Supreme Court prima facie indicates that the ideology of the author of the judgment has prevailed over constitutionalism. A legitimate question is whether the courts enforce the constitution or do they enforce ideologies. The Maoists are no reformers. Their principal objective is to destroy India’s parliamentary democracy and establish a communist dictatorship. The Maoists wish to dismantle every established democratic institution. If the Maoists were to take over India, the author of the judgment and other well-meaning judges like him would not be manning the Supreme Court. The court would be controlled by ideology and ideological objects of the Maoists. The judgment itself makes for an interesting reading. It is an ideological rationalisation of why the Maoists exist and fight for their causes. It is a denunciation of those who fight the Maoists.

The judgment states, “The state of Chhattisgarh claims that it has a constitutional sanction to perpetrate, indefinitely, a regime of gross violation of human rights in the same manner and by the same mode as done by the Maoists.” It further states that, “Set against the backdrop of resource-rich darkness of the African tropical forests, the brutal ivory trade sought to be expanded by the imperialist-capitalist expansionary policy of European powers, Joseph Conrad describes the grisly, and the macabre states of mind and justifications advanced by men, who secure and wield force without reason, sans humanity, and any sense of balance.” The judgment rationalises Maoist ideology by stating, “People do not take up arms, in an organised fashion, against the might of the state, or against human beings without rhyme or reason. Guided by an instinct for survival, and according to Thomas Hobbes, a fear of lawlessness that is echoed in our conscience, we seek an order. However, when that order comes with the price of dehumanisation, of manifest injustices of all forms perpetrated against the weak, the poor and the deprived, people revolt.”

THIS JUDGMENT challenges India’s fragile national security. Undoubtedly, the judges have entered the political thicket. The court has acquired an ideology. It has chosen a preferred course of economic policy. It has also substituted the wisdom of the executive for its own wisdom of how Maoism is to be tackled. The judgment disregards the basic constitutional feature of separation of powers. The law declared by the Supreme Court binding on all subordinate authorities now is – “Predatory forms of capitalism supported and promoted by the state in direct contravention of constitutional norms and values, often take deep roots around the extractive industries.”

After a detailed ideological discourse, the Court goes on to find faults with the deployment of SPOs even though the Centre and the state legislation specifically empower them. It is held to be violative of Article 14 because youngsters with little education background from amongst the tribals are being given these appointments. It is held to be violative of Article 21, the right to life and liberty, because SPOs have low educational qualification and cannot be expected to understand the danger of fighting Maoism. Hiring such SPOs would endanger their lives and lives of others and therefore encouraging them is violative of Article 21. The payment of honorarium is yet another ground for quashing their appointment.

If the court found the honorarium inadequate it could always direct a more humane honorarium. If the court found that educational qualifications for becoming SPOs were inadequate, it could always direct the state to formulate a policy so that persons with reasonable qualification are appointed as SPOs.

The rationale of the judgment is ideology not constitution. When a court acquires an ideology it decides to frame policy. It dismantles the constitutional mandate of separation of powers. It enters the domain of the legislature and the executive. The rationale in this judgment has upset the constitutional balance. If the ideology of a judge decides constitutionality, the socio-political philosophy of the judge would become relevant. When the social philosophy of a judge is relevant you are back to the Emergency-eve days. There is no greater threat to judicial independence than a judiciary committed to a socio-political ideology and not the Constitution. India’s political process and parliament must seriously consider the consequences of this judgment.

Arun Jaitley is Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha.
ajaitley@sansad.nic.in

themselves. Or groups of individuals can band together to organize and purchase goods or services that maximize their sense of security. Traditionally, and usually, however, individuals and groups cannot easily or effectively substitute private security for the full spectrum of public security. The state’s prime function is to provide that political good of security – to prevent cross- border invasions and infiltrations, to eliminate domestic threats to or attacks upon the national order and social structure… and to stabilize citizens to resolve their disputes with the state and with their fellow human inhabitants without recourse to arms or other forms of physical coercion.” (“The Failure and Collapse of Nation-States – BREAKDOWN, PREVENTION AND FAILURE” in “WHEN STATES FAIL: CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES” Robert I. Rotberg, Ed., Princeton University Press (2004)).
20. The primary task of the State is the provision of security to all its citizens, without violating human dignity. This would necessarily imply the undertaking of tasks that would prevent the emergence of great dissatisfaction, and disaffection, on account of the manner and mode of extraction, and distribution, of natural resources and organization of social action, its benefits and costs. Our Directive Principles of State Policy explicitly recognize this. Our Constitution posits that unless we secure for our citizens conditions of social, economic and political justice for all who live in India, we would not have achieved human dignity for our citizens, nor would we be in a position to promote fraternity amongst groups of them. Policies that run counter to that essential truth are necessarily destructive of national unity and integrity. To pursue socio-economic policies that cause vast disaffection amongst the poor, creating conditions of violent politics is a proscribed feature of our Constitution. To arrive at such a situation, in actuality on account of such policies, and then claim that there are not enough resources to tackle the resulting socio-political unrest, and violence, within the framework of constitutional values amounts to an abdication of constitutional responsibilities. To claim that resource crunch prevents the State from developing appropriate capacity in ensuring security for its citizens through well trained formal police and security forces that are capable of working within the constitutional framework would be an abandonment of a primordial function of the State. To pursue policies whereby guns are distributed amongst barely literate youth amongst the poor to control the disaffection in such segments of the population would be tantamount to sowing of suicide pills that could divide and destroy society. Our youngsters are our most precious resource, to be nurtured for a better tomorrow. Given the endemic inequalities in our country, and the fact that we are increasingly, in a demographic sense, a young population, such a policy can necessarily be expected to lead to national disaster.
21. Our constitution is most certainly not a “pact for national suicide.” (Aharon Barack, “The Judge in a Democracy” (Princeton University Press, 2006). 24). In the least, its vision does enable us, as constitutional adjudicators to recognize, and prevent, the emergence, and the institutionalization, of a policing paradigm, the end point of which can only mean that the entire nation, in short order, might have to gasp: “The horror! The horror!”
22. It is in light of the above that we necessarily have to examine the issues discussed below, and pass appropriate orders. We have heard at length the learned senior counsel, Shri. Ashok H. Desai, appearing on behalf of the petitioners, and learned senior counsel, Shri. Harish N. Salve and Shri. M.N. Krishnamani appearing for the State of Chattisgarh. We have also heard learned Solicitor General of India, Shri Gopal Subrahmanyam, appearing for the Union of India.
II
Brief Facts and History of Instant Matters
23. The instant writ petition was filed, in 2007, by: (i) Dr. Nandini Sunder, a professor of Sociology at Delhi School of Economics, and the author of “Subalterns and Sovereigns: An Anthropological History of Bastar” (2nd Ed. 2007); (ii) Dr. Ramachandra Guha, a well known historian, environmentalist and columnist, and author of several books, including “Savaging the Civilised: Verrier Elwin, His Tribals and India” (1999) and “India After Gandhi” (2007); and (iii) Mr. E.A.S. Sarma, former Secretary to Government of India, and former Commissioner, Tribal Welfare, Government of Andhra Pradesh. The petitioners have alleged, inter-alia, widespread violation of human rights of people of Dantewada District, and its neighboring areas in the State of Chhattisgarh, on account of the on going armed Maoist/Naxalite insurgency, and the counter-insurgency offensives launched by the Government of Chattisgarh. In this regard, it was also alleged that the State of Chattisgarh was actively promoting the activities of a group called “Salwa Judum”, which was in fact an armed civilian vigilante group, thereby further exacerbating the ongoing struggle, and was leading to further widespread violation of human rights.

themselves. Or groups of individuals can band together to organize and purchase goods or services that maximize their sense of security. Traditionally, and usually, however, individuals and groups cannot easily or effectively substitute private security for the full spectrum of public security. The state’s prime function is to provide that political good of security – to prevent cross- border invasions and infiltrations, to eliminate domestic threats to or attacks upon the national order and social structure… and to stabilize citizens to resolve their disputes with the state and with their fellow human inhabitants without recourse to arms or other forms of physical coercion.” (“The Failure and Collapse of Nation-States – BREAKDOWN, PREVENTION AND FAILURE” in “WHEN STATES FAIL: CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES” Robert I. Rotberg, Ed., Princeton University Press (2004)).
20. The primary task of the State is the provision of security to all its citizens, without violating human dignity. This would necessarily imply the undertaking of tasks that would prevent the emergence of great dissatisfaction, and disaffection, on account of the manner and mode of extraction, and distribution, of natural resources and organization of social action, its benefits and costs. Our Directive Principles of State Policy explicitly recognize this. Our Constitution posits that unless we secure for our citizens conditions of social, economic and political justice for all who live in India, we would not have achieved human dignity for our citizens, nor would we be in a position to promote fraternity amongst groups of them. Policies that run counter to that essential truth are necessarily destructive of national unity and integrity. To pursue socio-economic policies that cause vast disaffection amongst the poor, creating conditions of violent politics is a proscribed feature of our Constitution. To arrive at such a situation, in actuality on account of such policies, and then claim that there are not enough resources to tackle the resulting socio-political unrest, and violence, within the framework of constitutional values amounts to an abdication of constitutional responsibilities. To claim that resource crunch prevents the State from developing appropriate capacity in ensuring security for its citizens through well trained formal police and security forces that are capable of working within the constitutional framework would be an abandonment of a primordial function of the State. To pursue policies whereby guns are distributed amongst barely literate youth amongst the poor to control the disaffection in such segments of the population would be tantamount to sowing of suicide pills that could divide and destroy society. Our youngsters are our most precious resource, to be nurtured for a better tomorrow. Given the endemic inequalities in our country, and the fact that we are increasingly, in a demographic sense, a young population, such a policy can necessarily be expected to lead to national disaster.
21. Our constitution is most certainly not a “pact for national suicide.” (Aharon Barack, “The Judge in a Democracy” (Princeton University Press, 2006). 24). In the least, its vision does enable us, as constitutional adjudicators to recognize, and prevent, the emergence, and the institutionalization, of a policing paradigm, the end point of which can only mean that the entire nation, in short order, might have to gasp: “The horror! The horror!”
22. It is in light of the above that we necessarily have to examine the issues discussed below, and pass appropriate orders. We have heard at length the learned senior counsel, Shri. Ashok H. Desai, appearing on behalf of the petitioners, and learned senior counsel, Shri. Harish N. Salve and Shri. M.N. Krishnamani appearing for the State of Chattisgarh. We have also heard learned Solicitor General of India, Shri Gopal Subrahmanyam, appearing for the Union of India.
II
Brief Facts and History of Instant Matters
23. The instant writ petition was filed, in 2007, by: (i) Dr. Nandini Sunder, a professor of Sociology at Delhi School of Economics, and the author of “Subalterns and Sovereigns: An Anthropological History of Bastar” (2nd Ed. 2007); (ii) Dr. Ramachandra Guha, a well known historian, environmentalist and columnist, and author of several books, including “Savaging the Civilised: Verrier Elwin, His Tribals and India” (1999) and “India After Gandhi” (2007); and (iii) Mr. E.A.S. Sarma, former Secretary to Government of India, and former Commissioner, Tribal Welfare, Government of Andhra Pradesh. The petitioners have alleged, inter-alia, widespread violation of human rights of people of Dantewada District, and its neighboring areas in the State of Chhattisgarh, on account of the on going armed Maoist/Naxalite insurgency, and the counter-insurgency offensives launched by the Government of Chattisgarh. In this regard, it was also alleged that the State of Chattisgarh was actively promoting the activities of a group called “Salwa Judum”, which was in fact an armed civilian vigilante group, thereby further exacerbating the ongoing struggle, and was leading to further widespread violation of human rights.

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webcam

Webcam For Your PC or MAC
BY RAJTECHNEWS · JANUARY 18, 2017

Learn how to use your iPhone as webcam for your PC or MAC: We are going to discuss the easiest way to use your iPhone Smartphone as a webcam for PC or MAC, there are many apps available on the internet but this one is the easiest method available to use your iPhone as a webcam for your PC.iPhone-webcam-696×392

As many of us are using desktops, and we don’t have the webcam. So, what if you desire to make the video call? Don’t worry as you have an intelligent smartphone which will let you make a video call on your PC. So, on the internet, there are lots of apps available which turns your iPhone into the webcam. But the procedure that we will tell you is simple and very easy. You can also use the Apple handset as a wireless camera and completely transparent to the operating system. And the reason why this smartphone is commencing in the market is that it is very accessible to many useful apps. So without wasting any time let’s proceed to the steps to use iPhone camera as a webcam.

How To Use Your iPhone As Webcam For Your PC or MAC
The method is quite straightforward and easy, and you just need an iOS app that will allow you to get wireless access to iPhone camera on your PC. So have a look at complete method discussed below to proceed.

Steps To Use iPhone As Webcam For PC or MAC:

Step 1. First of all, you need to download and install an iOS app that is WebCamera the app that is going to connect your device camera to your PC wirelessly.

Step 2. Now on your PC, you need to download and install the tool that is mobiola web camera the tool that provides the wireless connection between devices.

Step 3. Now you need to pair both the devices on the same WiFi network to which both the devices are connected.

That’s it! You are done, now try out any of the networks like Skype, etc. to test your webcam working properly.

Alternatives:

Android have apps that turn smartphone camera into a webcam. Similarly, iPhone also have some apps and client tools that help you to use your iPhone camera as webcam

You need to Follow these things to use iPhone camera as Webcam:

Install an iPhone app from the list
Download the desktop client of Corresponding webcam app
Install the app on your iPhone and enjoy
iCam

iCam allows you to remotely monitor multiple live video and audio webcam feeds from your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad over WiFi and EDGE/3G/4G/LTE. iCam has a unique feature of recording and playing back the motion events. You can also receive the notifications when the iCam detects anything.

IP Cam

IP Cam turns your iOS device into a portable IP surveillance camera (with audio). Run IP Cam on your iOS device, and via WiFi network, you can view live video and audio captured by your iOS device on web browser from any computer. You can even see IP Cam from using Safari browser from another iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad.

Air Cam Live Video

Air Cam lets you view live video feed (and optionally, audio) from your computer’s internal or external webcam directly on your iOS device. The app supports live air video streaming from its official source. It can also stream videos over a 3G network and supports the sources both on Windows PCs and Mac books.

EpocCam Wireless Virtual Computer Webcam

EpocCam transforms your iOS device into wireless High Definition PC webcam for Windows and Mac OS X. Replace your USB-webcam and integrated webcams now with the wireless high-definition webcam. It’s also a perfect baby monitor, spycam, security camera and pet cam.

WebCamera

Turn your iPhone or iPad into a high-quality wireless webcam with microphone. Connect it to a Mac or PC using WiFi connection, and share bright moments of your life that cannot be caught with a built-in webcam or USB camera.

So this is all about Use iPhone As Webcam For Your PC. By this easy way, you can easily turn your iPhone camera into a webcam. You can easily record your phone and capture every moment in your computer browser and with the help of mentioned adapter. We hope this will be helpful to you. If you are facing any problem then just comment it below.

Source by techviral….

Qualifying the Expert Witness: A Practical Voir Dire

Lawyers rarely do more than minimally review the qualifications of the expert and verify the facts on which the expert conclusions are based.1 The voir dire examination is typically based upon perfunctory questioning about institutional affiliation and publications. The reason for this limited inquiry is simple: most lawyers and judges lack the adequate scientific background to argue or decide the admissibility of expert testimony.1

Source: Qualifying the Expert Witness: A Practical Voir Dire
Qualifying the Expert Witness: A Practical Voir Dire
Tue, 01/02/2007 – 3:00am
by Gil I. Sapir, JD, MSC
DEEPER INSIGHTS

The Importance of Mobile Forensics for Law Enforcement

Lawyers rarely do more than minimally review the qualifications of the expert and verify the facts on which the expert conclusions are based.1 The voir dire examination is typically based upon perfunctory questioning about institutional affiliation and publications. The reason for this limited inquiry is simple: most lawyers and judges lack the adequate scientific background to argue or decide the admissibility of expert testimony.1

This article will briefly discuss the basic practical principles of qualifying a witness for expert testimony. An understandable, realistic theory and utilitarian method for expert witness voir dire is provided. The sample voir dire questionsare constructed to obtain that objective2,3— get the witness qualified.

BASIS AND FUNCTION OF EXPERT WITNESS
The expert witness’ existence is created and perpetuated by the legal system. But for the Rules of Evidence, consulting and testimonial evidence would not exist. A simplified restatement of Federal Rules 701–706 (Figure 1) is that a qualified expert may give his opinion to help the court understand evidence, or to establish a fact in issue. States that have not adopted the Federal Rules of Evidence generally have similar rules or statutes governing expert witness qualifications and testimony.

The expert witness performs two primary functions: 1) the scientific function — collecting, testing, and evaluating evidence and forming an opinion as to that evidence;and 2) the forensic function — communicating that opinion and its basisto the judge and jury. A general rule of evidence is that witnesses may onlytestify to what they have personally observed or encountered through their five senses.

SIMPLIFIED RESTATEMENT OF FEDERAL RULES 701–706

Rule Explanation

701 Lay Opinion: If the witness is not an expert, opinion is admissible only when it is 1) rationally based on perceptions, and 2) helpful to the trier of fact.

702 Testimony by Experts: Expert opinions may be admissible if 1) the testimony assists the trier of fact, and 2) the witness is qualified as an expert.

703 Bases of Opinion Testimony by Experts: Expert opinion may be based on facts or data 1) actually seen or heard by the expert or 2) communicated to him at or before the hearing. Admissibility of the facts or data is not essential if typically relied on in this field.

704 Opinion on Ultimate Issue: An expert may express an opinion which 1) addresses an ultimate issue of fact, but opinions or inferences regarding the mental state of the accused are reserved for the trier of fact, and 2) when that mental state is an element of the crime charged or a defense to that crime.

705 Disclosure of Facts or Data Underlying Expert Opinion: An expert need not provide facts supporting the reason for his opinion unless 1) the court so requires, or 2) asked on cross examination.

706 Court Appointed Experts: The court 1) may issue an order to show cause as to why an expert should not be appointed, 2) may request nominations of an expert by parties, 3) may appoint an expert whether or not the parties agree to that expert, if the expert consents. The witness shall be informed of his duties 1) in writing, 2) a copy of which is filed with the court. The witness shall communicate his findings to the parties, and 1) may be deposed, 2) may be called to testify, 3) may be cross examined, and 3) shall be paid as the court directs. The jury’s knowledge of the court appointment is left to the discretion of the court. This rule does not limit parties from calling other experts.

Figure 1

CATEGORIES OF EXPERT WITNESS
An expert may be used in basically two different capacities —consultation or for testimony. Consulting and testimonial witnesses are the basis for expert witnesses. They are derived from five general categories of expertise.

Lay people: common sense and life long experience
Technician/examiner: limited and concentrated training, applies known techniques, works in a system and taught with the system [e.g., investigator and supervisors (observers and viewers)]. The technician is generally taught to use complex instruments (gas chromatographer, infrared spectrophometer, mass spectrophotometer) or even “simple” breath alcohol testing equipment as “bench operators,” who have only a superficial understanding of what the instrument really does, and how the readout is generated. “Bench operators,” who qualify as expert witnesses, are not competent to explain the instrumentation used unless it is established that they received the training and education necessary to impart a thorough understanding of the underlying theories.4
Practitioner: material and information analysis and interpretation.
Specialist: devoted to one kind of study or work with individual characteristics.
Scientist: conducts original empirical research, then experiments to verify the validity of the theory; designs and creates instrumentation and applied techniques; is published in own field with peers; and advances his field of knowledge.
A consulting expert is a person who has been retained or specifically employed in anticipation of litigation or preparation of trial, but who will not be called at trial. The identity, theories, mental impressions, litigation plans, and opinions of a consultant are work product and protected by the attorney-client privilege.5

A testimonial expert is retained for purposes of testifying at trial. The confidentiality privilege is waived and all materials, notes, reports, and opinions must be produced through applicable discovery proceedings. If an expert relies on work product or hearsay as a basis for their opinion, that material must be disclosed and produced through discovery.

STANDARD OF REVIEW: “DAUBERT TRILOGY”
Whether a witness is qualified as an expert can only be determined by comparing the area in which the witness has expertise with the subject matter of the witness’ testimony.The standard of review and criteria for expert witness testimony has been codified by three cases, commonly known as the “Daubert Trilogy.” These cases consist of Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals Inc.,6 General Electric v.Joiner,7 and Kumho Tire Co., Ltd. v. Carmichael.8

The Daubert standard of for evaluating scientific evidence is based on reliabilityand the Daubert test is relevance for “good science.” The reliability prong of scientific evidence is:
1) whether the scientific theory can be (and has been) tested;
2) whether the scientific theory has been subjected to peer review and publication;
3) the known or potential rate of error of the scientific technique; and
4) whether the theory has received “general acceptance” in the scientific community.9 In evaluating the second prong (relevance), trial courts must consider whether the particular reasoning or methodology offered can be properly applied to the facts in issue, as determined by “fit.” There must be a valid scientific connection and basis to the pertinent inquiry.10

General Electric v. Joiner7 upheld the trial court’s “gatekeeping” function, annunciated in Daubert, to determine the admissibility of expert witness testimony absent an abuse of judicial discretion.

Kumho Tire Co., Ltd. v. Carmichael18 held Daubert applies to all expert evidence and testimony regardless if it is “scientific” in nature. One of the underlying assumptions is that juries tend to believe almost anything the professed expert says, therefore, judges “should protect impressionable jurors from experts who lack objective credibility.”11 Accordingly, a judicial “gatekeeping” function under Daubert is to limit abuses of FRE 702.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS
The witness must be competent in the subject matter. They may be qualified through knowledge, skill, practical experience, training, education, or a combination of these factors. Minimally, the expert witness must know underlying methodology and procedures employed and relied upon as a basis for the opinion. The background knowledge includes state of art technology, literature review, and experience culminating in an opinion based upon a reasonable degree of scientific certainty. However, there is no absolute rule as to the degree of knowledge required to qualify a witness as an expert in a given field. Once competency is satisfied, a witness’ knowledge of the subject matter affects the weight and credibility of their testimony.

Reliance on the person’s resume or curriculum vitae for an appropriate voir dire is problematic. Resumes and curriculum vitaes too frequently consistof superficial self-serving historical embellishments and highlights of professional achievements, accolades, and accomplishments. They are designed and intended to appear impressive through a well written linguistical and promotional presentation. Unfortunately, some expert witnesses prevaricate on their qualifications. Some experts blatantly misstate and exaggerate their qualifications, to the point of perjury — this is true of state and federal government, as well as defense witnesses. The vast majority of witnesses testify truthfully. However, the “mountebanks” are too numerous to suggest that it is a remote occurrence. The moving party must establish the expert’s competency and knowledge in the profession and field (not experience, education, or specialized training) subject to judicial approval, through an examination of the expert’s credentials. The review process is conducted through a voir dire examination. Voir dire is from the French language meaning “to speak the truth.” The term is used in two contexts relating to trials: first, the prospective jury is voir dired by the attorneys to determine their qualifications, and second, after the proponent of an expert witness asks questions of the witness to bring out the person’s qualifications, the opposing attorney is allowed to voir dire the witness to bring out matters that might prevent his qualification as an expert. A witness is not deemed an expert until so qualified as such by the court.

The importance of a proffered expert’s testimony cannot be understated,which is a reason proper implementation of the voir dire process is paramount. Voir dire creates the standard for an expert witness’ testimony and credibility. It is the first and foremost part of any examination process. It is the judge and jury’s first impression of the witness. Neither the movant nor witness must take voir dire for granted or the proffered witness will not be properly qualified. Whether a witness is qualified as an expert can only be determinedby comparing the area in which the witness has expertise with the subject matter of the witness’ testimony.

Neither party should stipulate to the witness’ credentials. An offer of stipulation to the expert’s credentials is because the expert is marginally qualified — not to save time. The voir dire can be made to sound impressive, but without substance to support qualifications and credentials. A proper qualifying voir dire should be able to survive a meticulous cross-examination of the proffered expert witness.

If there should be a stipulation regarding the expert’s credentials, the judge should be requested to recite the stipulation using the witness’ biographical statement. The movant should still have the curriculum vitae or resume placed into evidence to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding about the expert’s credentials and qualifications.

Nothing is exempt from scrutinization or comment regarding the expert witness. Expert witness discovery relating to scientific evidence and associated testimony is controlled in part by the Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26 (a)(2)(A),(B),(C), Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals Inc.,6 state statutes, and local court rules. The Supreme Court’s decision in Daubert sought to reconcile the differences and confusion in the Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE 702, 703) pertaining to the foundation of an expert’s proffered opinion for scientific validity based upon the “Frye Test.”12

According to Federal Rule 26(2-b), before an expert witness can offer testimony, that person must provide a written summary opinion discussing the testimonial subject matter, substance of facts and opinion, basis for opinion, reports, a list of all publications authored by the witness in the preceding ten years, a record of all previous testimony including depositions for the last four years, disclosure statement, report signed by the expert, and disclosing attorney. The disclosure statement generally includes the following information regarding the expert: qualifications; scope of engagement; information relied upon in formulating opinion; summary of opinion; qualifications and publications; compensation; and signature of both expert and disclosing attorney. Even though many states have adopted the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, including Rule 26, parties should consult their own jurisdiction regarding rules of discovery and corresponding requirements.

Once disclosure of the expert witness is made, under FRCP 26(e)(1), a continuing duty exists to provide additional and corrective information. The movant must provide complete current information on the expert witness. If there is noncompliance, opposing counsel will undoubtedly ask what the witness is trying to hide.

Salaries, fees, and compensation affect the weight and credibility of an expert witness’ testimony – not qualifications or admissibility of the subject matter.

In Daubert II the court wrote, “That an expert testifies for money does not necessarily cast doubt on the reliability of his testimony, as few experts appear in court merely as an eleemosynary gesture. But in determining whether proposed expert testimony amounts to good science, we may not ignore the fact that a scientist’s normal work place is the laboratory or field, not the courtroom or the lawyer’s office.”13,14 Therefore, compensation is a relevant area of cross examination after the person is permitted to testify.

Although prior judicial recognition of an expert’s qualifications is normally a significant factor in the court’s evaluation of finding the witness qualified as an expert, it is not the determining factor. Assumptions of this nature based upon presumptions are not reliable. Furthermore, deposition testimony is not the equivalent to judicial recognition of qualifications or previous court testimony. A deposition is a statement made orally by a person under oath before an examiner, commissioner, or officer of the court, but not in open court, and reduced to writing by the examiner or under his direction. Depositions are used as a discovery device and not generally subject to the same trial evidentiary standards.

The imprimatur of a governmental agency, laboratory, office, or title does not automatically make either the results or witness’ testimony inherently trustworthy, credible, and reliable. A shocking and explosive example of inadequacies, misrepresentations, flawed science, doctored laboratory reports, posed evidence, woeful investigative work, and false testimony was the epitomized by U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General, The FBI Laboratory: An Investigation into Laboratory Practices and Alleged Misconduct in Explosives-Related and Other Cases, April, 1997. The principle findings and recommendations of the Justice Department’s report addressed “significant instances of testimonial errors, substandard analytical work, and deficient practices” including policies by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory.”15

The (517 page Inspector General’s) report provided plentiful evidence of pro prosecution bias, false testimony and inadequate forensic work … No defense lawyer in the country is going to take what the FBI lab says at face value anymore. For years they were trusted on the basis of glossy advertising.”16 Similar revelations were exposed in 2003 concerning the Houston Police Department Crime Laboratory17 and are probably applicable to other crime laboratories throughout the country. A witness is not an expert merely because the term is part of their title or job description for example, Special Agent (FBI), Drug Recognition Expert or Scientist. The name “special” or “expert” or “inspector” itself gives an instantaneous indicia and aura of authority and respect which implies a specific expertise beyond normal employment (law enforcement/ police) qualifications to the trier of fact.

Police officers who are trained to “identify drug impaired drivers” determined an authoritative, descriptive title was necessary. According to The DRE (Newsletter), police officers engaged in this law enforcement activity may call themsleves drug recognition specialists, technicians, and evaluators.18 The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) decided to use the term “technician.” However, on March 25, 1992, the Technical Advisory panel to the IACP Highway Safety Advisory Committee voted to change and use the self-proclaimed term “Drug Recognition Expert.” 19 The term “expert” is currently used in the lastest training materials.20 If DREs call themselves experts; it is problematic. Also, fraudulent claims of professional status and association with an organization that owns a federal registered trademark subjects the infringer to injunctive relief and damages.21

A debilitating invitation to blatant accusations and findings of motive, interest, and bias exists if the proffered witness is required to testify based upon their job description and employment duties. This is a common problem with government employees.22 Claims of intellectual dishonesty and inherent prejudice may be insurmountable. An expert witness cannot have an interest in the outcome of the trial. An expert may be qualified, but not competent to render a credible opinion.

In trial, harm to litigants results from improper qualifications of an incompetent expert or failure to qualify a competent expert… The imcompetent expert is a vehicle for unreliable proof, while the later denies the opportunity to present credible evidence.”23 “In bolstering the credibility of an expert witness, attorneys will select, as circumstances allow, witnesses with significant trial experience. Absent such a source, attorneys select from the community rather than classified advertisements. Trial tactics rather than reliability become the impetus for the selection of experts. Such tactics may influence selection of the less reliable witness.”24

Once competency is satisfied, a witness’ knowledge of the subject matter affects the weight and credibility of their testimony. Simply ask, is the proffered witness qualified? Is the witness competent? If the judicial determination is yes, only then may the witness provide opinion evidence.

In addition to credentials and competency, the subject matter of an expert witness’ testimony must be legally and factually relevant. There must also be a nexus between the scientific theory being proffered and the evidence at trial. Failure to meet these threshold criteria will preclude or bar the expert’s proffered testimony. Next, there must be a finding the proposed testimony will affect the validity of the evidence.

VOIR DIRE QUESTIONNAIRE
An effective, elementary, practical outline questionnaire for qualifying aperson as an expert witness is provided in Figure 2.

QUALIFYING QUESTIONS FOR THE EXPERT WITNESS
(SAMPLE EXPERT WITNESS VOIR DIRE)

Name.
Occupation.
Place of employment.
Present title.
Position currently held.
Describe briefly the subject matter of your specialty.
Specializations within that field.
What academic degrees are held and from where and when obtained.
Specialized degrees and training.
Licensing in field, and in which state(s).
Length of time licensed.
Length of time practicing in this field.
Board certified as a specialist in this field.
Length of time certified as a specialist.
Positions held since completion of formal education, and length of time in each position.
Duties and function of current position.
Length of time at current position.
Specific employment, duties, and experiences (optional).
Whether conducted personal examination or testing of (subject matter/ person/instrumentality).
Number of these tests or examinations conducted by you and when and where were they conducted.
Teaching or lecturing by you in your field.
When and where your lecture or teach.
Publications by you in this field and titles.
Membership in professional societies/associations/organizations, and special positions in them.
Requirements for membership and advancement within each of these organizations.
Honors, acknowledgments, and awards received by you in your field.
Number of times testimony has been given in court as an expert witness in this field.
Availability for consulting to any party, state agencies, law enforcement agencies, defense attorneys.
Put curriculum vitae or resume into evidence.
Your Honor, pursuant to (applicable rule on expert witness), I am tendering (name) as a qualified expert witness in the field of__________.
Figure 2

CONCLUSION
Parties should not rely upon or use the person’s resume or curriculum vitae as the voir dire questionnaire for reasons presented in this article. This article’s simple, thorough voir dire questions can be very effective. The suggested subject order and format of core questions must be tailored to each case. However, discretion should be exercised to keep the voir dire simple. The voir dire is not perfected until the last question is asked. The examination can be developed in a clear and concise manner, using simple, short, single fact questions. The movant and witness must keep their objective in mind. Qualify the person as an expert witness.

Disclaimer
This article is intended to provide general information; it does not provide legal advice applicable to any specific matter and should not be relied upon for that purpose. Interested parties should review the laws with their legal counsel to determine how they will be affected by the laws.

References
* Article adapted in part from, Gil I. Sapir, Legal Aspects of Forensic Science, ch. 1, in Forensic Science Handbook, vol.I, 2nd ed, R. Saferstein, ed., Prentice-Hall Publ., c.2002.

Peter J. Neufeld and Neville Coleman, When Science Takes The Witness Stand, Scientific American, vol.262, p.46, 49 (May, 1990).
Gil I. Sapir, Legal Aspects of Forensic Science, ch. 1, in Forensic Science Handbook, vol.I, 2nd ed, R. Saferstein, ed., Prentice- Hall Publ., c.2002
Gil Sapir, Proper Voir Dire: Qualifying the Expert Witness, DWI Journal: Science & Law, vol.13, no.12, Dec. 1998, p.5.
Andre A. Moenssens, Novel Scientific Evidence in Criminal Cases: Some Words of Caution, Journ. of Criminal Law and Criminology. vol. 1, p.1, 5-6 (Spring 1993).
People v. Adam, 51 Ill.2d 46, 280 N.E.2d 205, cert. denied 409 U.S. 948 (1972).
Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals Inc.,509 U.S. 579, 113 S.Ct. 2786 (1993).
General Electric v. Joiner, 522 U.S. 136, 118 S.Ct. 512 (1997).
Kumho Tire Co., Ltd. v. Carmichael, 526 U.S. 137, 119 S.Ct. 1167, 1174 (1999).
Daubert, 113 S.Ct. at 2796-2797.
Daubert, 113 S.Ct. at 2795-2796.
Joseph F. Madonia, Kumho Tire Steers New Course on Expert-Witness Testimony, Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, July 2, 1999, p.5.
Frye v. U.S., 293 F.1013 (D.C. Cir. 1923).
Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc, 43 F.3d 1311, 1317, (9th Cir. 1995).
Paul C. Giannelli, “Junk Science”: The Criminal Cases, Journ. of Criminal Law and Criminology. vol. 1, p.105, 117 (Spring 1993).
Justice Department Investigation of FBI Laboratory: Executive Summary, 61 Crim. L. (BNA) 2017 (April 16, 1997).
John F. Kelly and Phillip K. Wearne, Tainting Evidence: Inside the Scandals at the FBI Lab, p.3-4, The Free Press, NY, NY, c.1998.
Adam Liptak, Worst Crime Lab in the Country: Or is Houston Typical?, New York Times, (on the Web) March 11, 2003.
Vanell, What’s in a Name?, The DRE (Newsletter), p.2, (Sept/Oct 1990).
The DRE (Newsletter), p.10, (March/April 1992) .
Roderick T. Kennedy, Someone’s On Drugs Here … Drugs, Driving Experts and Evidence, NACDL/ABA Seminar, Defending DUI Cases: Insights from the Masters, p.285 (June 13, 1997).
ABPN v. Johnson-Powell, 123 F.3d 1 (1997).
Legal Aspects of Forensic Science, ch. 1, p.5 in “Forensic Science Handbook,” vol.I, 2nd ed, R. Saferstein, ed., Prentice-Hall Publ., c.2002.
Christopher F. Murphy, Experts, Liars, and Guns for Hire: A Different Perspective on the Qualification of Technical Expert Witnesses, 69 Indiana L.J. 637, 649 (1993).
Christopher F. Murphy, Experts, Liars, and Guns for Hire: A Different Perspective on the Qualification of Technical Expert Witnesses, 69 Indiana L.J. 637, 650-651 (1993).
Gil I. Sapir, Forensic Science Consultant and Attorney; B.Sc., Microbiology and Biology, Colorado State University (1976); J.D., IIT/Chicago-Kent College of Law (1980); M.Sc., Criminalistics, University of Illinois-Chicago (1987). He has lectured, testified, and written extensively on scientific evidence. Mr. Sapir maintains his office in Chicago, Illinois.

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Taxing cycling Wisconsin

Real EstatePolitics Food & DrinkA&EEvents

BIKING
New Bike Fees, Taxes Coming?
Increased fees for bikers using state parks and other hikes could be proposed.
By Dave Cieslewicz, Bike Federation of Wisconsin – Jan 13th, 2017 12:09 pm
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The Holy Grail of bike trails. Inside the tunnels it is cool, damp, wet, and very dark.
The Holy Grail of bike trails. Inside the tunnels it is cool, damp, wet, and very dark.
As the Wisconsin legislature starts to churn during the winter and spring you may be hearing discussion about license and fee increases related to natural resources. Here’s what’s going on.

The Department of Natural Resources has identified a $4 million to $6 million annual gap in the amount of money it is authorized to invest in fish and wildlife programs (like hiring wardens and stocking fish in lakes and streams) and the amount of money it is raising through licenses and fees (such as deer hunting and fishing licenses.)

The DNR has also opened a discussion on a new registration requirement for canoes and kayaks, designed to generate funds for water resource management.

In addition, the governor has mentioned that he is likely to propose an increase in camping fees for state parks. That is a result of a decision by the governor and legislature to eliminate all general taxpayer support for parks – not so long ago the state had a rule that half of parks costs would be borne by the general fund and half by fees.

So far nobody has proposed an increase in the $25 annual fee or $5 daily fee for bicyclists who ride state trails. But it seems likely that with fee increases being discussed for most other outdoor activities someone will ask why trail passes aren’t being included.
In addition, when the discussion comes to a new registration requirement for things like canoes and kayaks a natural question will be why a registration requirement isn’t extended to bikes. The most obvious answer is that registration for canoes and kayaks is being proposed as a response to a deficit in a fund that directly deals with water resources. However, there is also a deficit in trails funding with trail passes covering only a fraction of the actual costs of managing them.

The Bike Fed will be actively involved in these discussions. Our take on this is that – as long as the trail pass revenue is going to go for better trail maintenance – we would be fine with a modest increase.

This stance would be consistent with what other user groups are saying about their proposed fee increases. For example, both Ducks Unlimited and the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation have endorsed hunting license price increases as long as the funds are used to improve habitat and related DNR functions.

But this is distinct from talk last session about a more general bike tax. In the last state budget a one-time $25 “registration fee” was proposed for most sales of new bikes in the state. We joined the bike industry and local bike shops in opposition to that because it really was essentially a special sales tax on bikes. It might have hurt already struggling local small business owners. And of course the state and most county governments already collect a 5.5% sales tax on sales of bikes and equipment.

With pressure for increases in outdoor recreation fees expect cyclists to be pulled into that discussion. We’ll be there representing your interests. And of course let us know what you think either in the comments below or you can email me at dave.cieslewicz@wisconsinbikefed.org

Dave Cieslewicz is the executive director of the Wisconsin Bike Fed and former mayor of the city of Madison.

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Categories: Transportation
18 THOUGHTS ON “BIKING: NEW BIKE FEES, TAXES COMING?”
Caligula says:
January 13, 2017 at 4:56 pm
I won’t register my kayak and I’ll buy my next bike in Minneapolis.

Jason says:
January 13, 2017 at 6:37 pm
This all good news and Democrats should support bike taxes. Bikers want to share the roads and have special bike lanes then they should share the cost of road maintenance. Hank Aaron Trail is a great asset to Milwaukee but it must be paid for by its users. The state is full of bike trails and its users should have to purchase annual registration licenses just as vehicle owners do.

Milwaukee Native says:
January 13, 2017 at 10:55 pm
Yeah, Jason. Soak those cyclists–starting with those tot bikes with the training wheels!

Roho says:
January 14, 2017 at 7:03 am
The fees should be proportional to the damage the device causes (or the maintenance it generates the need for as a result of the damage). If it only costs $75/year to register a Chevy suburban a bikes fee to use the roads should be proportionally about $0.000001.

Similar math for a kayak vs a powerboat.

GPKWH says:
January 14, 2017 at 10:37 am
I was a volunteer campground host at a near by state forest. Last summer our newly raised camp fees were mostly ignored since the staff had been cut back so drastically there were only two people left to enforce rules 24/7. This year, to further cut costs, the rangers will no longer have law enforcement responsibilities so no one will be enforcing the park rules. They can put any fee on bikes, kayaks, canoes, hikers, toddlers crawling, or grilling brats and there will be nobody to enforce payment. At the park I had hosted for more than twelve years the volunteer host was the park’s only authority at night. I was armed with my own cellphone and the park’s superintendent’s phone number. He lived two hours from the park and when he was on vacation the phone went unanswered. The majority of our campsites during the weekdays were occupied with campers who did not pay the fees. Our governor is doing to our state parks and forests what he did to the county parks in Milwaukee as County Exec. I expect him to propose selling off some of the land to cover his huge deficits.

Casey says:
January 14, 2017 at 12:24 pm
Caligula- it’ll cost you much more when you get stopped.

I agree with Dave. A modest increase is fine. I take advantage of the DNR’s resources. Next year I’ll be paying much more. I just want them to use my money effectively.

Jason says:
January 14, 2017 at 12:37 pm
ROHO, it is not just about maintenance it is about the duration of the trip. If your taking what was a road that had two lanes of access for vehicles going both directions and making it less efficient for drivers,well than the biker should pay for the cost. Creating a bike lane takes two lanes down to one in both directions. This should be the bikers cost look it as a conveniece fee.

Vincent Hanna says:
January 14, 2017 at 1:21 pm
Less efficient for drivers by adding what 30 seconds to their trip?

Jason says:
January 14, 2017 at 1:33 pm
Vince are you part of the Alt- Right movement, do you think roads just magically appear. We pay for them through taxes. Are you against snow plows removing snow pavement from bike lanes. When did you become such a right winger. Bikers should pay their fair share.

Vincent Hanna says:
January 14, 2017 at 1:38 pm
For some reason you have the need to put words in someone’s mouth every single time you post a response. I didn’t say a word about bikers or taxes or snow plows. I asked a question. What’s the burden for drivers exactly, the one you reference? Adding a few seconds to their trip? Why do you even care when one of those vans for seniors does all the driving for you?

Jason says:
January 14, 2017 at 1:48 pm
Well Vince I had you pegged wrong. I am so glad that you feel that bikers have equal rights to the road as drivers? Now pay up.

Vincent Hanna says:
January 14, 2017 at 1:56 pm
Same shit different day. If you ever answer a direct question I’ll die of shock. That should be some incentive for you. Keep on trollin’ troll.

Jason says:
January 14, 2017 at 2:02 pm
Vince, is your question is it a hardship to get old? Yes, everyday I get older. Would I prefer to have a commute that is fifteen minutes versus twenty. Yes.

Vincent Hanna says:
January 14, 2017 at 2:14 pm
Neither one of those was my question. Keep trollin’ troll.

Jason says:
January 14, 2017 at 2:27 pm
Vince if your question is do I thing drivers should pay more for state transit needs? I say no. Bikers want more road access then they should pay more. Bus ridership is down over the last eight years and passengers should pay more if fewer consumers want to use this service. Maybe we should ask more from Uber, Lift and the Bubler bike transportation businesses. If the street car is going to be this new smart tech mode of transportation downtown maybe we should charge more than a $1 a ride. Will downtown road’s future be a lane for the trolley, a lane for bikes and nothing for what most consumers want in the near future.

Vincent Hanna says:
January 14, 2017 at 3:04 pm
Why is bus ridership down? Because routes keep getting slashed as prices go up? I seriously doubt the future of downtown is car-free. Do you speak for most consumers? The future is Millennials and they want public transportation Jason, like it or not.

Jason says:
January 14, 2017 at 3:32 pm
So, Vince what are you saying Millennials are cheap skates and free loaders. They want to ride- share and bike and not contribute to transportation taxes. They want to use the roads but pay the bare minimum by forcing soccer moms in the suburbs to pay their frugal life style. Maybe, your right maybe the millennials will choose to live their lives childless in downtown Milwaukee or maybe they will enjoy the pleasant experience of raising children in the city of Milwaukee with out a car and the luxuries of an MPS education.

Big Al says:
January 14, 2017 at 10:42 pm
Jason – if you think gas taxes and registration fees pay for all the roads, you’re sorely mistaken.

http://taxfoundation.org/article/gasoline-taxes-and-tolls-pay-only-third-state-local-road-spending

That means two thirds of the cost of the roads are being paid for by everyone, including bikers, walkers, drivers, etc. So spare everyone your ‘concern’ over those poor soccer moms in the suburbs paying for all the roads.

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