This is what freedom is all about: Autobahn turns 75

This week the Autobahn, one of the first highway systems in the world, turned 75 on September 18, 2007. The idea for the Autobahn first came about during the days of the Weimar Republic in 1929, but construction was halted by World War II in 1943.

When Adolf Hitler took power in January 1933, he embraced the ambitious Autobahn construction project.

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EnnNorak - 9/21/2007 10:02:01 PM

+2 Boost

The U.S. has a fantastic Interstate Highway system and I ecall that there was a special federal highway fund about 50 years or more ago. Bridges have been collapsing recently and some highways and related infrastuctures are in need of repair. I'm wondering what happened to the money in that highway fund. did politicians take it for other projects.

The time has come to increase gas tax and use the incremental revenue for the exclusive benefit of motorists, i.e. construction and repair of highways and related infrastuctures.

t_bone - 9/22/2007 9:21:21 AM

+5 Boost

Regarding the US highway system, I think it is yet another example of how great stuff was built in the 50's and 60's and how we just don't get anything done anymore. Look at the proposed High-Speed California railroad system. $45 to go from San Francisco to LA in less than 2 hours. Sit with your buddys in the dining car and have a couple drinks, watch the scenery fly by. Incredibly appealing. And yet, they throw dates out like they are being asked to build the pyramids. 2020. 2029. 2035. Politicians act like it is their job to PREVENT cool projects from happening.

I don't even have to tell you guys about Europe. Traveling there is like stepping 20 years into the future...even third-tier EU countries will have high-speed rail before California does.

CarbonBlue - 9/22/2007 10:00:55 AM

+4 Boost

I really think this is the most ignorant headline I have seen in a while...The reason Hitler was so in favor of the autobahn was because he hoped it would help him march his fascist regime's army to victory over all the other European nations...not exactly what I would define as freedom.

Rupert - 9/22/2007 10:41:20 AM

+2 Boost

It also helped employ the Germans, who were suffering greatly from the recession.

I don't think it's something to look back on with fondness...