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Omaha’s streetcar project is speeding ahead, but Warren Buffett is not on board.

In a letter to the World-Herald, the 92-year-old billionaire noted that he rarely takes sides on local issues in his hometown, but decided to “make an exception on the streetcar issue.”

“It’s an important matter,” he wrote, “and it’s going to be hugely expensive if implemented.”

Omaha’s streetcar system overcame its last major hurdle on the road to construction earlier this month with the approval of $440 million in bonds to pay for the project. The project is also contractually tied to the development of a Mutual of Omaha skyscraper in downtown Omaha, a detail that adds pressure to the streetcar’s progress.

It would be difficult for anyone to tap the brakes now — even the Oracle of Omaha himself.

Still, Buffett urged caution and suggested that the city instead invest in Omaha’s bus system.

“Residents can be far better served by extended or more intensive service by the bus system,” Buffett wrote. “As population, commerce and desired destinations shift, a bus system can be re-engineered. Streetcars keep mindlessly rolling on, fueled by large public subsidies. Mistakes are literally cast in cement.”

Construction costs alone are estimated at $306 million.

there's a strange fetish for 19th C tech in this country in some circles.     

there's a strange fetish for 19th C tech in this country in some circles.   

Expensive and stationary vs cheaper and mobile

Easy choice.

The street cars in ATL and Cincy are barely used, and pointless wastes of money.  Really horrible ideas.

And they bog down traffic.

You fellas actually came in handy for once. There was a cute intern with a bunch of ground beef, looking for ideas for things to make aside from tacos, sloppy joes and spaghetti. So of course I recommended a pot of chili. Initially she wrinkled her nose and expressed her disdain for beans. So of course I pounced upon this opportunity to drop the trivia bomb about Texas chili not having any beans, and it blew her effing mind. 

Speaking of, I think I'm gonna make some chili this weekend.

not a bad idea

I have a surprise 70th Birthday party to attend on Saturday

the Birthday boy loves my chili

didnt know they sold Wolf Brand in your area

well, for a 70th Birthday "surprise" party

I'd go with the competition recipe::

1 1/2 cups finely minced white onion
8 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 (15 1/2-ounce) cans chicken broth, with fat removed
4 ounces tomato sauce
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon Gebhardt chili powder
2 tablespoons Fort Worth Light chili powder
2 tablespoons California chile powder (mild)
2 tablespoons Flagstaff chile powder (medium)
1 tablespoon New Mexico chile powder (hot)
2 teaspoons Seasoning salt

3 pounds tri-tip beef, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1 tablespoon virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon meat tenderizer
1/2 teaspoon light brown sugar
1 teaspoon Tabasco brand pepper sauce

In a large pot simmer onion and minced garlic in 2 cups of chicken broth for 10 minutes. Add tomato sauce and all dry spices, except the tenderizer and sugar. Mix well. Brown the meat in oil using a separate pan and drain well. Sprinkle the meat with the tenderizer. Add the meat to the onion/spice mixture. Add remaining broth and simmer for 2 1/2 hours.