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Trump administration 2024-2028

Czech_pivo said:
Trump over turns Michigan’s portion of ownership and ‘sells’ Moroun that portion of the bridge.
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There are a few things that even a moron (Trump) can't do, even for a Moroun. You can't sell that which is not yours. Ownership of the bridge is clearly and unambiguously that of the State of Michigan and Canada. For Trump to take it can only be done by way of expropriation, which, in the US, can only be done by way of fair market value compensation. It means that, to do that, Trump would have to pay half the cost of the bridge to the State of Michigan (ownership value) before they even get the first payment under their deal with Canada. They would look at that as a windfall: money now, don't have to wait for the cost to be recouped by Canada.

Trump and or Moroun, on the other hand, would not get anything until Canada has repaid itself in full for construction.

Now, here's an interesting twist: Generally, recouping the cost of construction for an asset such as this is done over a period between twenty and thirty years. By that time, the bridge will probably start to need more expensive repairs and mid-life maintenance. That would have to be paid out of the bridge revenue and shared equally by both owners at that point. So while the revenues would be shared half ad half at that point, the cost of maintenance for each party would be such that the likelihood is neither of them would be left with much money as a result of this deal. It's not the El Dorado.

P.S.: Trump so acting would require using the US Eminent Domain rules for expropriation. I don't know that the State of Michigan would appreciate having the Federal government take over its part of the bridge on the legal basis of "benefiting the public" when the public, as represented by the State of Michigan is already the owner. I could see an interesting US court battle over that one, with many states intervening with amicus curiae briefs on behalf of Michigan's position (i.e.: Federal government, keep your sticky fingers out of the states pies.
 
Jarnhamar said:
A Canadian PM hasn't been in Saudi Arabia in 26 years and he gets pestered there about fluff Canada-US bridge questions.
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Both sides are in the usual can’t win position. Media will get dinged for not asking about a story potentially affecting cross-border trade significantly - in the bag, bought & paid for. Now they get dinged for not leading with a story that’s been in the news cycle for a day or so?

Feeding the 25/7 news goat means anyone can ask anything anytime.
 
I marvel that there can be very many people who think a piece of tolled road infrastructure can be something that turns a noticeable profit, rather than something that with a bit of luck pays for itself and its maintenance until it is replaced.
 
The Bread Guy said:
Both sides are in the usual can’t win position. Media will get dinged for not asking about a story potentially affecting cross-border trade significantly - in the bag, bought & paid for. Now they get dinged for not leading with a story that’s been in the news cycle for a day or so?

Feeding the 25/7 news goat means anyone can ask anything anytime.
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The bridge issue is legitimate news, through there's really only one conceivable answer to will we negotiate.

A press availability during a major foreign visit is also a rare chance to question the Prime Minister about the purpose and implications of that trip. Prioritizing the Saudi agenda in that setting seems more appropriate to me. YMMV
 
Jarnhamar said:
The bridge issue is legitimate news, through there's really only one conceivable answer to will we negotiate.
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Agreed.
Jarnhamar said:
A press availability during a major foreign visit is also a rare chance to question the Prime Minister about the purpose and implications of that trip. Prioritizing the Saudi agenda in that setting seems more appropriate to me. YMMV
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Well, a lengthy, reportedly robust talk about security and defence with POTUS47 got criticized for not including any trade questions - this from folks who say Canada’s not doing enough in defence. This based on questions from reporters. Prioritizing the defence discussion there makes sense, too, but funny what people choose to pick/focus on. We can agree to disagree.
 
Brad Sallows said:
I marvel that there can be very many people who think a piece of tolled road infrastructure can be something that turns a noticeable profit, rather than something that with a bit of luck pays for itself and its maintenance until it is replaced.
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Yup. The GHB is a sunk cost (and learning lesson) at this point.
 
Good2Golf said:
Yup. The GHB is a sunk cost (and learning lesson) at this point.
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Brad Sallows said:
I marvel that there can be very many people who think a piece of tolled road infrastructure can be something that turns a noticeable profit, rather than something that with a bit of luck pays for itself and its maintenance until it is replaced.
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Isn't the ambassador bridge quite profitable?
 
You know, Transport Canada could really use an injection of federal funding. Lots of aging federally regulated infrastructure; some of it might even have to be closed for major refurbishment to ensure safety.

Like, oh, major bridges. I'd imagine that a bridge closing in on 100 years old might be in need of some top to bottom inspection. But maybe wait until the fall budget to announce something like that ;)
 
The Bread Guy said:
Prioritizing the defence discussion there makes sense, too, but funny what people choose to pick/focus on. We can agree to disagree.
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I would have asked what Canada was bringing to the table for Saudi Arabia in terms of investment and economic partnership, especially after the controversy over turning down major foreign investment proposals from Dubai.

Then again Saudi Arabia did have a journalist murdered and chopped up so maybe I'd stick with bridge questions too.
Like, why doesn't Canada give the US a bill for 1/2 of the bridge cost if we're splitting the proceeds.
 
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I like this idea:

www.readtheline.ca

The Line Podcast: Carney gets a pipeline deal. Now let's build the damn thing

Also: Oh, Pete. We love you. Plus: Matt attempts to explain Canadian cultural malaise in under 60 seconds. How'd he do?
www.readtheline.ca www.readtheline.ca

After a brief discussion of CUSMA, the conversation shifts to Hoekstra’s remarks about the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Your hosts aren’t especially worried. In fact, they think they have the perfect strategy: troll the White House until it becomes so embarrassed that it can’t wait to open the bridge just to make the pain stop. Their suggestions include live episodes of The View from the bridge deck, Bruce Springsteen concerts, and, naturally, renaming it the Barack Hussein Obama Nobel Peace Prize Bridge of Friendship.
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🤣
 
It seems that the Grim Reaper has set his sights on some senior Republicans of late.

www.bbc.com

US senator and Trump ally Lindsey Graham dies after 'brief and sudden illness'

A spokesman for the 71-year-old South Carolina senator says initial findings suggest Graham's cause of death was related to his heart.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com

One for certain and most likely a second Senator position has opened up. A chance for the Dems to pick up1 maybe 2 seats.
 
“A brief and sudden illness” leaves a lot of room for the imagination to conjure up all kinds of theories.
 
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