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California Senate approves funds for HSR

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Paul M seems to be saying many of the the same things that I am saying. Passenger trains make sense in relatively short, high density corridors where expansion of the highway and airways systems is cost prohibitive.  What is it about this position that is so hard to understand? I also support each mode of commercial, as well as private modes of transport, going it alone.  That is to say, without government subsidies. What is so hard to understand about this position? I ride the long distance trains because they are there, and I am paying for them irrespective of whether I use them. This is especially true given my income and high tax burden. Having said that, the long distance trains are way past their prime, and they should be discontinued. They are a 1950s anachronism. As to the argument that the long distance trains are a rounding error in the federal budget, it misses a key point. The average monthly loss on the long distance trains since Amtrak began operations in 1971 has been approximately $43.8 million.  Had that money been invested at the U.S. Treasury benchmark note, i.e. ten year note, it would have grown to $115.8 billion. And that I submit is more than a rounding error. It could have financed or at least provided the seed money for several corridors or, heavens forbid, provided hot lunches to many of the nation's poor school children. Those who would comment on my ideology have no idea what they are talking about, other than I admitted to supporting President Obama in the 2008 election.  To ascribe ideology or hidden agendas to a person without a clue as to who he is other than to draw inclusive conclusions from his or her (lets keep the mystery alive although it is irrelevant) postings to a trains forum is quite unbelievable.  Whew, is this is supposedly from people with advanced degrees.  I know bib overall wearers who would not make these assertions.   Frankly, I don't care whether you (who ever you are) agree with my views or whether you think that I have or don't have a right to express them. This is an open forum. I don't agree that only the orthodox are permitted to express their views or that my views are unacceptable because they don't fit your notion of what is orthodox and unorthodox..
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