The problem with the introduction of politics into these threads too often it becomes personal attacks and name calling. If not, it becomes a quiet deadlock or merry go round with no progress because the politics becomes the focus of the discussion.
But, unfortunately, politics have so much to do with transportation and industry in the US and world wide, that it has to be injected in order to tell the whole story and to explain the facts. There is a hair sized wire we must walk when we discuss trains, railroading, programs, and transportation. Most usually do walk that micro thin line with facts and respect. When it comes to name calling and round robins, it is time to close the thread.
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Well, I think it's almost impossible to discuss things like Amtrak, high-speed rail, transit, light rail, or anything involving government without politics creeping into the discussion.
I think as long as you keep it respectful and don't turn into a werewolf over the subject, politics DOES cook people's brains you know, it's probably OK. Just leave out the name calling and respect others opinions that are honestly held.
Remember, this is "General Discussion." It could easily turn into "General Disgustion."
There's some news sites I go to that I don't even think of commenting on. The discussions always seem to sink to the level of "You suck!", "No, YOU suck!"
Why waste my time?
No politics is the rule - I believe you'll find it in the terms of service.
That said, it is possible to discuss government activities without becoming political. It's when one starts naming names and political parties that the problems come.
Suggesting that a public/private venture could be successful, or that perhaps the government should be taking responsibility (or shouldn't) for such and such a project isn't really political. It's a general position, without specific targets.
On the other hand, saying that such and such a project might work out if those danged Whigs and certain other political figures weren't stonewalling it does venture into area best left untouched.
It can get a little gray if it's obvious that even an oblique reference is being made specifically to a person or party - and if it sounds a little gray, it's probably best not said.
We get into some "interesting" discussions here without getting into politics. Adding politics can really make things messy.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
These days its impossible to discuss funding of Amtrak and Light Rail without getting into politcs since most large new projects have public funding. Which in this current climate you have the Libertarians who were at the edge now front and center with Rand and Ron Paul, Democrats who want to please the international community with agenda 21 and reduce greenhouse gases by spending $$$$$, Moderate Republicans who now finally believe in rail but in only in the most dense citys and not at the cillost of highways.
But what has changed is that some railfans still believe that a rail system could be 100% private funded and operated without any subsidy and we can keep poltics out of it. Has not been that way since the streetcar wars in the early 1900s with Thom L Johnson and Detroit takig over there streetcar system, How much Gov. is too much is the debate that Libertariians and the tea party are bringing to the table? What changed that public projects could be privately financed like Ambassador Bridge and Grand Central Station?
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