Disclaimer: I am a middle-class dumbass from the midwest!
So why is it that even I can predict the future result of our high speed train projects that will be funded by stimulus money? As usual the government has it all wrong.
Argument one. These trains are for people? Are you kidding me? Do they really think that enough people will ride trains to even come close to paying for the upkeep of this system? People want to be in their cars. Americans love their cars, for countless reasons. I am not just ripping this argument from the movie “Singles.” Well, I guess if you enjoy getting your ass driven around all the time this probably doesn’t apply to you, eh politico?
Argument two. If you are going to do this, trains are perfectly suited for hauling cargo. Our interstate system was not designed for the semi traffic that demolishes our roadways day after day. Get the tractor-trailers off the roads, not the cars!
Argument three. Amtrak. FAIL. And we already pay for that!
But, in the end, when it fails – no big deal. The politicos and the businesses involved will walk away unscathed.
And the Americans taxpayers’ cash will be littered on the tracks of the Trains To Nowhere.
January 29, 2010
