John McDonagh is a cab driver, comic, and political activist. John began his career as a New York City yellow cab driver after serving in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Vietnam War. He is also the producer, host and founder of Radio Free Eireann, a weekly radio show heard on WBAI New York for the past twenty years. John has been writing and performing comedy for over twenty years. More information and videos can be found at http://www.myspace.com/mcdonaghhack
5 Comments:
Yo, John--
By way of a headline on my My Yahoo, I saw the article “Three Finalists Unveiled by City for New York's ‘Taxi of Tomorrow’” at http://www.dnainfo.com/20101115/manhattan/three-finalists-unveiled-by-city-be-new-yorks-taxi-of-tomorrow#ixzz15Us9LJgW. And it gave me a link to a survey about what people want to have by way of a taxicab. That survey is at http://nyc.gov/html/media/html/contact/taxi_of_tomorrow_survey.shtml.
Cabbies may want to weigh in on this survey, even though designed for cab passengers, so that things like annoying TVs can be scotched (Is that an anti-Celtic slur?).
Since I listen fairly regularly to Radio Free Éireann and hear your insights as a cab driver from time to time, I filled out the survey despite the fact that I’m not a cab driver nor a frequent user of cabs (I probably use a cab once in 5 years to a decade).
I remember your relating an annoyance about advertising TVs at your back in the cab (radiation from that being inflicted upon the cabbie, not to mention incessant noise), so I very specifically wrote in at the “Other” box in the section on what I wanted in a cab: “I want to be able to turn off distracting visual/audio equipment.”
I answered all the other questions based on what I thought was best for the cabbie, although there were precious few that specifically fit that category. I guess the fix is in, since they do mention that the cab, whichever one is picked of the three finalists, will be more expensive, and apparently the only option in a cab – a stupid one-size-fits-all idea, I would surmise.
Are the TLC and NYC collectively telling the cab drivers, "Póg mo thóin"? Having not a drop of Celtic blood in my veins, that’s the only Irish I know, other than "Éireann go bragh!”
All the best to you and all the Radio Free Éireann crew.
Peace,
Ed
Yo, John--
By way of a headline on my My Yahoo, I saw the article “Three Finalists Unveiled by City for New York's ‘Taxi of Tomorrow’” at http://www.dnainfo.com/20101115/manhattan/three-finalists-unveiled-by-city-be-new-yorks-taxi-of-tomorrow#ixzz15Us9LJgW. And it gave me a link to a survey about what people want to have by way of a taxicab. That survey is at http://nyc.gov/html/media/html/contact/taxi_of_tomorrow_survey.shtml.
Cabbies may want to weigh in on this survey, even though designed for cab passengers, so that things like annoying TVs can be scotched (Is that an anti-Celtic slur?).
Since I listen fairly regularly to Radio Free Éireann and hear your insights as a cab driver from time to time, I filled out the survey despite the fact that I’m not a cab driver nor a frequent user of cabs (I probably use a cab once in 5 years to a decade).
I remember your relating an annoyance about advertising TVs at your back in the cab (radiation from that being inflicted upon the cabbie, not to mention incessant noise), so I very specifically wrote in at the “Other” box in the section on what I wanted in a cab: “I want to be able to turn off distracting visual/audio equipment.”
I answered all the other questions based on what I thought was best for the cabbie, although there were precious few that specifically fit that category. I guess the fix is in, since they do mention that the cab, whichever one is picked of the three finalists, will be more expensive, and apparently the only option in a cab – a stupid one-size-fits-all idea, I would surmise.
Are the TLC and NYC collectively telling the cab drivers, "Póg mo thóin"? Having not a drop of Celtic blood in my veins, that’s the only Irish I know, other than "Éireann go bragh!”
All the best to you and all the Radio Free Éireann crew.
Peace,
Ed
Vigil for taxi drivers who died by suicide
By Stephen Rogers
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
TAXI drivers gathered at Áras an Uachtaráin last night to hold a silent vigil to remember the high number of drivers who have taken their own lives in light of the recession.
Organisers of the vigil estimate that up 25 drivers have committed suicide in the last two years due to the economic pressure which has mounted upon them.
Organiser Lisa Corr said there had been two notable clusters of suicides, the first last August and then again last week.
She said some of those who died were well known around Dublin.
"These deaths have upset the industry an awful lot," she said. "The recession has hit everyone across the country but there are too many cars on the roads and that is hitting our industry hard.
"There are 11,000 drivers in Dublin now. That is more than in New York for the population," she said.
Taxi unions have been calling for some time for the industry regulator to put a cap on the number of licenses being issued so that drivers can find it easier to make a living.
John Usher from the Irish Taxi Drivers Federation, who said he was aware of nine suicides amongst taxi men in the last year, said a lot of drivers had seen their cars or houses re-possessed.
Last night’s silent candlelight vigil was addressed by representatives from suicide support organisation Console.
Organisers said they hoped their action would draw the Government’s attention to the tragedies which the industry had suffered.
Anyone who needs support should contact Console’s 1Life suicide helpline on 1800 247100.
This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Read more: http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/vigil-for-taxi-drivers-who-died-by-suicide-125024.html#ixzz17EFMVOi1
Vigil for suicide taxi drivers
Three taxi drivers who took their own lives last week are to be remembered in Dublin later today. By Ciaran Farrell - 13/07/10
It is believed the three men committed suicide due to increasing concern about their finances as a result of the recession.
A candlelight vigil will take place in the Phoenix Park, organised by the UNITY support group.
Spokesperson Lisa Corr had a message for any taxi drivers worried about money or other issues: "Don't suffer in silence; speak to somebody", whether that's to friends, family or support services such as Console - Freephone 1800 247 100
http://www.theirishworld.com/article.asp?SubSection_Id=2&Article_Id=14845
Thanks for the Radio Show - Radio Free Eireann
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