Montana fights back against BNSF

[rich747us]

QUOTE: Originally posted by greyhounds

OK, one lone legislator introducing a bill and issuing a press release about that introduction does not, in anyway, represent action on part of the State of Montana.

If this does go through, and withstands the court challenge, we can kiss the railroad companys good by. Every state legislature will attempt to do the same thing. Money will leave the railroads and we'll be back to 1972 in the Northeast on a national basis.

And no, open access is not the answer. A railroad is not a highway - the economics are different.

Why does the government always pick on successful businesses (especially the democrats, like in this case)?!

[MichaelSol]

QUOTE: Originally posted by greyhounds

If this does go through, and withstands the court challenge, we can kiss the railroad companys good by. Every state legislature will attempt to do the same thing. Money will leave the railroads and we'll be back to 1972 in the Northeast on a national basis.

This is the same argument that some used to oppose the original enactment of the Interstate Commerce Act, 119 years ago. Among other things, the ICC was originally created to abolish discrminatory rates.

Given the opportunity to reinstitute discriminatory rates against helpless customers, Railroads have done so with a vengence.

One role of governmemt is to provide equal opportunity for economic gain and to prevent economic discrimination.

Taxation is frequently used to implement governmental policy regarding social good.

Best regards, Michael Sol

[andrewjonathon]

If it is true that shipping rates are 50% in Montana than other states then I can certainly understand the frustration that Montana farmers must feel.

[greyhounds]

OK, one lone legislator introducing a bill and issuing a press release about that introduction does not, in anyway, represent action on part of the State of Montana.

If this does go through, and withstands the court challenge, we can kiss the railroad companys good by. Every state legislature will attempt to do the same thing. Money will leave the railroads and we'll be back to 1972 in the Northeast on a national basis.

And no, open access is not the answer. A railroad is not a highway - the economics are different.

[Anonymous]

http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2005/03/05/mtracker/news/93rr.txt

It's about time the state did something other than bending over.