Don't complain about high gas and do nothing about high speed rail (the real world)
Reply to: comm-672649513@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-05-08, 8:03AM EDT
The Europeans have it. Japan has one. Why do so many Americans complain about high gas prices and not demand a state of the art, high speed rail network like the ones in France, or Germany????
We suffer because of our ignorance and our addiction to petroleum products. We need rehab on a national scale. A new president must give us the green light.
A high speed rail network nearly equal and extensive in scope to the Interstate Highway system could probably cut our oil consumption in HALF. But nooooo we only build highways and more gas guzzling cars. This makes no sense. Today, oil is a record $124 dollars a barrel. And what do you expect with an oilman in the White House? Do you really think he cares that you can't afford high gas prices? He hasn't exactly been a champion of mass transit in any way shape or form. Sorry but I just don't trust him to do whats best for Americans. He gave the pharmaceuticals nearly a blank check with the prescription drug bill. His good buddy Dick Cheney went behind closed doors with the likes of ENRON and formulated the national energy policy that is screwing us today. There are too many more examples to site but I was suspicious from the start because GW Bush along with John McCain were both involved in the savings and loan scandal of the mid 1980s. But the swift boat people didn't talk about that.....
How much is he benefitting directly from record profits from big oil? Does he get a pension or does he have investments in big oil? Many Americans through their pensions do but I'm talking about big and more direct $$$. Not just a small sum to help keep granny and grandpa self sufficient in their retirement.
I would love to take a high speed ultra modern train from the East coast to the West coast travelling at 180-250 miles and hour. I would love to replace Amtrak with a truly modern high speed rail system. We have the technology and Lord knows we have the space. This IS a big country. So what is the problem?
Is it the airlines don't want competition? Too many suburban communities not want such infrastructure in their backyards? Are we AFRAID OF THE FUTURE?
Americans have got to stop being stuck on stupid and demand high speed rail.
If not then don't complain when you are paying $5 a gallon for gas, inching along the clogged highways in once nearly empty suburban and rural areas. Don't complain when you are stuck at the airport in another delay on a trip that takes three hours but actually costs you seven or nine. Why do Americans put up with this???
Just like Americans are realizing global warming and climate change is real, they are realizing the benefits of MASS TRANSIT where applicable of course. Get educated then educate your family and friends. If the Europeans can do it and the Japanese can do it then we should be able to do it better but not with the current bunch of know-nothings in Washington.
Elect leaders that support high speed rail. Mass transit is the future. Get on board.
All comments welcome.
- Location: the real world
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PostingID: 672649513