Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
When I posed this question...I had no idea it would generate such responses. It's painfully evident that we don't always agree on HOW Amtrak should be restructured...or funded...or SAVED, for that matter. What is evident is the fond attachment Americans do appear to have for the continuation of passenger train service. As for those of you who feel that Amtrak is simply a decrepit old horse that should be shot while grazing aimlessly in the pasture...well, I suspect you're entitled to your feelings as well (although I disagree strongly with your view!). What's more disturbing is that in a 'civiled, first-rate country,' our government shows absolute ignorance when pondering what to do about Amtrak. If any of our boys in Washington cared to look long and hard enough, we could examine passenger train systems in other countries that DO work...ask intelligent questions of appropriate individuals in these countries about the secrets behind their rail success stories...and then implement what we've learned right here at home, at whatever the cost. America is very much a country of diversity: people, interests and lifestyles. This undeniable blend is what makes our nation so interesting and fun. Their is variety, in other words...cultures, interests, activity groups...all coexisiting with many others, each bringing something fresh and vital to our nation's table. Why, then, can we not strike a balance in respect to transportation modes? How does one favor the billion dollar bailout of lanquishing airlines...yet chide Amtrak for having the unmitigated gall of requesting assistance--assistance, I might add, which doesn't come close to what the airlines rather arrogantly expected to receive? Why do we continue to build and rebuild an Interstate system that continues to see more and more congestion...when, running parallel to our freeways in many cities, are underused railroad right-of-ways that could transport thousands of road-weary drivers to their destinations in relative comfort, ease and efficiency? When will we cease with the outdated notion that gasoline will ALWAYS be available for our SUV's...so why take a train or bus? Balance, folks. Balance. I've read every single one of the posts and my spirit is buoyed by those of you who do care about Amtrak. Thank-you! It is my prayer that Amtrak will not wither away and die. I want to see it grow stronger and survive. Let's be optimistic that given the will to see something succeed--and by doing OUR part to give success a chance by actually riding the trains--Amtrak will be around for future generations--in much better health and stamina than ever before.
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag