Saw Bloomberg interview this morning. La Hood said Amtrak made money last year. Said private train operators can compete with Amtrak. So much malarkey. And I’m a train fan. Video showed aerial view of late-model Japanese Bullet train followed by ground views of Acela.
Exactly. Our rail system, both freight and passenger, is a product of our political leaders and not of any economic reality. If applied, it could be a profitable business. if used as a football, it will be headlines or worse, i.e., ignored into oblivion. Choo choos are neat things made by Lionel and found under our Christmas trees as far as most of our population is concerned. For the rest, it is a philosophical entity to be kicked around by politicians and track owners and a few shippers…
La Hood applies lipstick to our pig!
Cynical? You Bet!
Speaking of reality, isn’t that true for every country?
We speak of private enterprise but work with a socialistic support from governments then deny it. Politicians support and provide business with the tools, the rules, and the money it needs to appear to be a privatge business standing on its own when in politically and business reality, it is the two of them working not so much together as in cahoots. If it were together we be bringing our hands together in applause instead of pointing fingers at others.
If only we would fund Amtrak a little more, enforce Amtrak priority over freight trains, and improve right of way‘s to 100-120 mph passenger train operating speeds (P42’s were built for fast train speeds. Heck! Let em’ run!)
Personally, I believe we would have one of the best passenger rail systems in the whole world.
-Justin
As much as we like to proclaim the power of our capitalist system, there are no totally private large businesses in this country.
Every time a large or medium size business decides to add a new facility they put out the request for bids to see which governmental entity will give them the most money, the most loan guarantees, or the most tax breaks to bring the jobs to their community. When the tax breaks expire, the facility is moved to the next high bidder.
How many times have you heard a politician claim that the bribe is justified because of the large economic benefit to the community?
LaHood was on WLS radio in Chicago this morning with the same spiel. “Amtrak made money last year” “The trains between Chicago and St. Louis will run at 160 MPH”. “The people of Illinois 'want” this ‘investment’". I was literally yelling at the radio.
This man is either the biggest fool to ever hit the big time or a liar without shame. Maybe both.
I’m getting that “Old Illinois Feeling” that a lot of the “investment” dollars are going to wind up in the bank accounts of some politically connected union bosses, bankers, lawyers, consultants and construction companies.
LaHood will be paid for what he is doing, and he knows it.