posted on September 16, 2001 05:54:04 PM new
I question the whole concept of why the Postal Service, Amtrak, etc. have to become fully self-supporting. Maybe "privatization" isn't always the best answer. Amtrak is already planning a massive cut in routes. And USPS has frozen new construction and has "watered down" (at least here) its Saturday operations. Why can't our tax dollars partially support a few of these agencies--that have served us so well for so many years? It's NOT like we're going to turn into a Socialist State or something if we throw them a few of our tax dollars! If we lose Amtrak, we'll become the laughing stock of the world.
posted on September 16, 2001 07:00:43 PM new
Yes and the world won't get a chuckle at us sellling $50 tickets that cost $300 to fulfill.
Why should I pay for someone else's train ride? Because it is a PC form of transportation?
posted on September 16, 2001 09:07:57 PM new
gravid, although I am in favor of privitization in many cases, your logic is very unsound in this case. For example, I never, NEVER, drive on highway I-10. Why should my tax dollars go into that highway? Let the people driving there pay for it. To make it fair, we need to have toll booths every mile, on every highway, so ONLY those who use it will pay for it. See how this idea can be made impractical?
Airports are highly subsidized. Roadways are highly subsidized. It only make sense that the railroad would receive an equal subsidization. This past week, we would have been far better off for a better developed railway system. I wonder how the Arabs would crash a train into the WTC...
posted on September 16, 2001 09:21:51 PM new
Socialist State
Why arn't we becoming that. I pay school taxes but do not have kids (until recently.) Should I pay for a train I will never ride. I pay for welfare and do not receive it, I pay for un employment and am gamefully employed, I pay for training the un employable but am well educated myself.
When something can be done as well or better in the private sector why not make it that way.
posted on September 16, 2001 09:32:16 PM newAirports are highly subsidized. Roadways are highly subsidized. It only make sense that the railroad would receive an equal subsidization. This past week, we would have been far better off for a better developed railway system. I wonder how the Arabs would crash a train into the WTC...
Several Commuter railroads had stations that were under the WTC proper...thought, with the Bombings a while back, it proved that you couldn't topple them down...
And, i've heard sources (govermental) that for 20% of what the goverment puts in for subsidies of Highways could be used for High-Speed Rail Infrastructure costs and upgrades to existing networks.
:\\\\\\\"Crystalline Sliver cannot be the target of spells or abilities.
