25th April 2008 | Category: Who Knew?
This was not a mistake. Drivers in Philadelphia got a real break from high gas price when a local gas station offered a special price of 76 cents a gallon for gas. The promotion was tied to the occasion of 76ers making it to the playoffs.
This is the first time in past three years Philadelphia 76ers are in the playoffs. A local gas station owner wanted to mark the special occasion with a promotion that drivers can really celebrate. Starting at noon, the station offered gas for 76 cents a gallon. That is almost one fifth or 20% of the normal price of $3.69 a gallon. The drivers did not want to miss the opportunity and started lining up from early morning at 6:30am. By noon there were more than hundred cars waiting in the line. But there was a catch. The offer was for limited time only: 76 minute to be precise. About 100 cars got the deal before the 76 minute was up.
It is not clear how the person who was in front of the line but missed the deal felt.
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10th April 2008 | Category: News, Politics
His campaign people say no way. Street money is an old tradition in Philadelphia where candidates pay money to the local bosses for their help on the day of election.
How much money we are talking about here? It would cost Obama about half a million. That is not really a big sum considering how much money is spent this election cycle. But the question is of principle. Obama always projected himself as a candidate for the change, someone who does not believe in the old ways of doing business. Come to Philadelphia, a city of old traditions, where the local Democratic bosses are getting the money for decades from all gubernatorial, mayoral, and presidential candidates. It is not just Philadelphia. Street money is common in big cities like Chicago, Baltimore, and Los Angeles. For the local bosses it is not a matter of principle but about respect for the traditions. Some worry that if Obama does not pay up he may lose more than a few voters to Clinton in Philadelphia, and that might ruin his chance of winning the state. But outside the city, people who are inspired by the message of change are wondering whether Obama can put his money where his mouth is. Or in this case, not put his money.
It is hard to tell what Obama would do. But for sure, Clinton would be too eager to pay the extra money for a few more votes.
