BNSF prostrates itself [bow] before the feet of it's Chinese Overlords.

[TomDiehl]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Lotus098

Tom,

So other than visit China we have "done" nothing. Maybe if we could get the governement out of the way and let the free market work things would work.


Ah, so your one of those moderates, a middle of the roader. Well you know the old saying the only thing you find in the middle of the roads are white lines, and road kill.

No, a Moderate never takes sides. I thought my last 100 or so comments would have proven that point. Of course there are times I enjoy playing "Devil's Advocate."

When a head of state visits another country, it's not like you or me going on a sightseeing vacation. There is, at the very least, diplomatic reasons behind the visit.

[TomDiehl]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ironken

Lotus, yes I have listened to ex-druggie Rush. He is a ***! I am a "Democrat," you accidentally misspelled the word. About train trivia....you know squat about railroading. You are proficient at reading and regurgitating.....that's all. Now go back to your room before I spank your little butt and make you cry.

Now Ken, let's try to stay on subject.

You're starting to take the fun out of this.

[Anonymous]

Tom,

So other than visit China we have "done" nothing. Maybe if we could get the governement out of the way and let the free market work things would work.


Ah, so your one of those moderates, a middle of the roader. Well you know the old saying the only thing you find in the middle of the roads are white lines, and road kill.

[TomDiehl]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Lotus098

QUOTE: ...starting with Nixon and finalized by Dubya and his boys.

Just what did they do?

[?]Tom, what the hell is a Liberal Conservative?[?] Liberals are on one side conservatives are on the other.

James, A Liberty lovin, SUV drivin, American. And proud of it.

Tricky Dicky was the first US President to visit Communist China, getting the "foot in the door" to open trade talks. The current high level of trade has come about in the last few years, as in the reign of Dubya.

I was kind of hoping you'd see the irony in the contradiction of terms. I'm Liberal in some things and Conservative in others, meaning, I don't believe there is such a thing as a pure Conservative or a pure Liberal. Futuremodal ALMOST had me convinced I was wrong until his last post with that Liberal opinion.

[selector]

QUOTE:
As far as Canada goes. Our government is much more relaxed and we aren't as big on capitalism as you are. That is why the railroads are the way they are; because the society of Canada will not allow the railroads the same privalages as the U.S because we are Canada just like you won't be like Canada because you are the U.S.

Of course our government is relaxed. With one of the highest marginal income tax rates in the industrial world, and GST too boot, they can afford to lay back and spend, spend, spend...just like what we have recently been promised. And remember, not so long ago the government ran direct, subsidized competition against CPR and Canadian Airlines. It still does it with medicare and with the CBC..mothercorp.

[Anonymous]

Lotus, yes I have listened to ex-druggie Rush. He is a ***! I am a "Democrat," you accidentally misspelled the word. About train trivia....you know squat about railroading. You are proficient at reading and regurgitating.....that's all. Now go back to your room before I spank your little butt and make you cry.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: ...starting with Nixon and finalized by Dubya and his boys.

Just what did they do?

[?]Tom, what the hell is a Liberal Conservative?[?] Liberals are on one side conservatives are on the other.

James, A Liberty lovin, SUV drivin, American. And proud of it.

[TomDiehl]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Lotus098

QUOTE: I am proud to be leftist socialist

If only Tom and Jeaton, and vsmith would be so honest.

James, 'tater munching, coke guzzlng, flag wavin, American. And proud of it.

You haven't figured out that I'm a Liberal Conservative?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: I am proud to be leftist socialist

If only Tom and Jeaton, and vsmith would be so honest.

James, 'tater munching, coke guzzlng, flag wavin, American. And proud of it.

[TomDiehl]

QUOTE: Originally posted by futuremodal

QUOTE: Originally posted by TomDiehl

QUOTE: Originally posted by futuremodal

I'll make this simple so that even the lefties can understand:

Import intermodal < revenue adequacy

captive domestic production > revenue adequacy

I find it funny that a so called "conservative" doesn't understand the concept of a company making money, even after using the term "revenue" after the less than and more than signs.

The key word is "Revenue" as in "the company making money" (wow, you'd almost think we had an economic system that encourages such a thing). Like it or not, the powers that be in DC have pushed us into the trade with China, and the freight will have to be moved (IIRC that's what the BNSF does). Do you honestly think that them turning down the business will suddenly make your world all rosy again? A small business reality: another transportation company will take the business of moving the freight. If the money is there to pay the transportation bill, it will be moved. BNSF sounds like they're going after the business first.

Tom,

Do you even have a clue as to the reference to "revenue adequacy"?

And who said anything about BNSF turning down business? Certainly in past threads I have provided evidence of such.

No, what we're talking about here is the fact that the lowest ratios of revenues to variable costs occur in the import intermodal business. They are barely covering their variable costs with this import "business", which means under STB definitions import intermodal actually loses money for the railroads. That's probably why they have to use revenues from captive grain and coal shippers to further expand this money losing import intermodal business. We all know that they could never use the *revenues* from import intermodal to pay for the capacity expansions of these corridors.

Also, it might shock you to learn that we are not engaged in "trade" with China, so much as we are engaged in a permanent act of trade deficit expansion with China. That doesn't mean China wouldn't gladly accept our grain exports if it was the most price competitive, but because of US rail captivity the price of US grain overseas is higher than the prices of Canadian and Australian wheat. Canada addresses rail captivity by subsidizing grain exports, Australia has an open access rail system so grain exports get a competitive rail rate to port, while we in the US get the shaft from the STB with their steadfast refusal to implement the vague dust-covered competition caveats of the Staggers Act.

I don't mind Chinese imports being gifted by competitive rail rates, as long as our domestic producers get the same gift. If the railroads are going to give it away, they should give it away to their fellow Americans, not a neo-communist regime.

So you're trying to say the revenue isn't adequate for BNSF to provide this service? How is that different than saying they are losing money to provide this service? They won't stay in business long doing that. What exactly are they "giving away?" Current revenues and assets are always used to expand services, not just in railroading but in any business, regardless of whether you think the rates are fair to the shippers.

So what exactly ARE you saying BNSF should do about this business, if not turn it down? Sit back and let a competitor take it?

Bulk services, ie moving large quantites of freight from point A (the west coast docks in this case) to point B (intermodal transloading facilities) is the cheapest service they provide due to the minimal handling and yarding, and as such should demand the lowest price to provide the service. Add dock handling and loading, plus transfer facility unloading and trucking, you get the total price of the transporation service. If BNSF is contracting to provide the whole ship-to-loading-dock service, their bid will include these services. They didn't get as big and remain fluid and solvent (unlike another western railroad we all know and love) by providing transportation services at a loss.

Again, this "engagement of trade" or "permanent act of trade deficit expansion" is not a policy that was set up by the BNSF or any other railroad in this country. It was set up by the weenies in DC, starting with Nixon and finalized by Dubya and his boys. For a company to make a profit off of what you seem to think is a bad government decision is the American way, just like the Halliburton Companies did.

You think they ought to provide transportation services to "captive domestic shippers" at the same cut rates which you think would be equivlent to what they're charging to move the Chinese intermodal traffic? That has got to be the most Liberal thing I think I've EVER heard you say.

[Junctionfan]

QUOTE: Originally posted by futuremodal

So, it's only conservatives who have an attitude problem, eh JF? The lefties *NEVER* exhibit a hostile attitude on these forums, do they.

Back to the topic at hand:

Juxtapose BNSF's capacity improvements for it's import intermodal corridor with CP's Mt. MacDonanld project last decade. The CP project was intended to improve the westward flow of export goods by rail, e.g. coal, grain, et al, and it has. It seems the Canadian railroad hierarchy has more of a clue than the US railroad hierarchy.

Don't get me wrong. I am proud to be leftist socialist but my politics has no bearing on the U.S way of government and general political structure of today. The U.S is a rather capitalist society so you can't blame a railroad in the U.S for staying in the realm of allowed capitalist practices. Like I said, the blame is the government and the change needs to be with the government and the people who vote for those pinheads.

As far as Canada goes. Our government is much more relaxed and we aren't as big on capitalism as you are. That is why the railroads are the way they are; because the society of Canada will not allow the railroads the same privalages as the U.S because we are Canada just like you won't be like Canada because you are the U.S.

[jeaton]

Well... certainly half the truth is better than none.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by TomDiehl

QUOTE: Originally posted by futuremodal

I'll make this simple so that even the lefties can understand:

Import intermodal < revenue adequacy

captive domestic production > revenue adequacy

I find it funny that a so called "conservative" doesn't understand the concept of a company making money, even after using the term "revenue" after the less than and more than signs.

The key word is "Revenue" as in "the company making money" (wow, you'd almost think we had an economic system that encourages such a thing). Like it or not, the powers that be in DC have pushed us into the trade with China, and the freight will have to be moved (IIRC that's what the BNSF does). Do you honestly think that them turning down the business will suddenly make your world all rosy again? A small business reality: another transportation company will take the business of moving the freight. If the money is there to pay the transportation bill, it will be moved. BNSF sounds like they're going after the business first.

Tom,

Do you even have a clue as to the reference to "revenue adequacy"?

And who said anything about BNSF turning down business? Certainly in past threads I have provided evidence of such.

No, what we're talking about here is the fact that the lowest ratios of revenues to variable costs occur in the import intermodal business. They are barely covering their variable costs with this import "business", which means under STB definitions import intermodal actually loses money for the railroads. That's probably why they have to use revenues from captive grain and coal shippers to further expand this money losing import intermodal business. We all know that they could never use the *revenues* from import intermodal to pay for the capacity expansions of these corridors.

Also, it might shock you to learn that we are not engaged in "trade" with China, so much as we are engaged in a permanent act of trade deficit expansion with China. That doesn't mean China wouldn't gladly accept our grain exports if it was the most price competitive, but because of US rail captivity the price of US grain overseas is higher than the prices of Canadian and Australian wheat. Canada addresses rail captivity by subsidizing grain exports, Australia has an open access rail system so grain exports get a competitive rail rate to port, while we in the US get the shaft from the STB with their steadfast refusal to implement the vague dust-covered competition caveats of the Staggers Act.

I don't mind Chinese imports being gifted by competitive rail rates, as long as our domestic producers get the same gift. If the railroads are going to give it away, they should give it away to their fellow Americans, not a neo-communist regime.

[TomDiehl]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Limitedclear

I knew if we got Andrew and Lotus Blossom on the same thread we'd have fireworks...LOL...

Pass the popcorn back here willya?

LC

Sorry guys, just had to throw another log on the fire.

We ARE popping the corn over an open fire, right?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ironken

Hey Benham, Rush is a lying moron. If you don't want shots to be taken at you, don't shoot at others ie Liberals. You may go back to your Conservative hole.....I'm done.

You lefty types can't aim and can only shoot blanks, so there's no need to fear such potshots.

BTW, when has Rush Limbaugh ever lied? You may not like his POV, and if you want to call him a moron that is your subjective opinion, but to call someone a liar you need objective proof, otherwise you turn out to be the moron.

[TomDiehl]

QUOTE: Originally posted by futuremodal

I'll make this simple so that even the lefties can understand:

Import intermodal < revenue adequacy

captive domestic production > revenue adequacy

I find it funny that a so called "conservative" doesn't understand the concept of a company making money, even after using the term "revenue" after the less than and more than signs.

The key word is "Revenue" as in "the company making money" (wow, you'd almost think we had an economic system that encourages such a thing). Like it or not, the powers that be in DC have pushed us into the trade with China, and the freight will have to be moved (IIRC that's what the BNSF does). Do you honestly think that them turning down the business will suddenly make your world all rosy again? A small business reality: another transportation company will take the business of moving the freight. If the money is there to pay the transportation bill, it will be moved. BNSF sounds like they're going after the business first.

[espeefoamer]

I listen to Rush all the time. I think he is really cool.I agree with him most of the time.
Remember: Under Communism,Man exploits man. Under Capitalism,it's the other way around.( Quote from an old copy of Mad Magazine).

[Anonymous]

I am not for fighting China, I just don't think we should be making them our allies. Why should we send our leaders over their like they are some great freind. Regan managed to deafeat the soviets without firing a shot, yes you are right. The Arnie joke was a joke, I don't want to see World War 4 any more than anybody else.

[Anonymous]

So, it's only conservatives who have an attitude problem, eh JF? The lefties *NEVER* exhibit a hostile attitude on these forums, do they.

Back to the topic at hand:

Juxtapose BNSF's capacity improvements for it's import intermodal corridor with CP's Mt. MacDonanld project last decade. The CP project was intended to improve the westward flow of export goods by rail, e.g. coal, grain, et al, and it has. It seems the Canadian railroad hierarchy has more of a clue than the US railroad hierarchy.

[Anonymous]

I knew if we got Andrew and Lotus Blossom on the same thread we'd have fireworks...LOL...

Pass the popcorn back here willya?

LC

[Junctionfan]

Your attitude-you would have the U.S plunge into a major war with China. Is that really a good idea-use some intelligence based on research. The U.S as mighty as they are, can not without serious losses, engage in a conventional war with a mighty country like China. China isn't the middle east or some of the other countries; you fight with them, you are in a MAJOR fight.

War is supposed to be avoided if possible-hence diplomacy. Try a more diplomatic approach Lotus; non-violent attacks can be more effective than violent ones in a lot of cases. Welcome to 21st century thinking.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Rush is a lying moron.

I know I am not supposed to talk back to me elders. But, have you ever listened to him? Until you do you have no experience as to what he says, listen to him for just a hour and tell me that again. Note I said listen to him, don’t listen to what democraps tell you about, or what you are sure he says. I only speak what I have been programmed, who may I ask is programming me into writing Train Trivia questions; Rush sure he talks about trains, not?

James, right-wing radical, steak munchin, AR-15 shootin, St. Lois Hawken ownin, Constitution reading, Marine to be, American. And proud of it.

[Anonymous]

Lotus. Go to your room! You're grounded! No Train simulator, no coloring books, no assault rifles (yeah right). Don't come out until you can speak from experience. You say 85% of the pop doesn't think.....hell that's you. You only speak what you have been programmed. When you are off of restrictions you are ordered to chase girls and become a normal boy. You are dismissed.

[Anonymous]

I'll make this simple so that even the lefties can understand:

Import intermodal < revenue adequacy

captive domestic production > revenue adequacy

[Anonymous]

Hey Benham, Rush is a lying moron. If you don't want shots to be taken at you, don't shoot at others ie Liberals. You may go back to your Conservative hole.....I'm done.

[ndbprr]

There are two ways to deal with anti American regimes. Force and a lot of our soldiers getting killed and trade. If you do some research instead of kneejerk reaction you will find that every time we have traded with a country and its people see what we can buy they overthrow their represive governments from within and that is worth the price economically. I also asume BNSF is buying all the goods in those containers and are the heavy. OR would you prefer them being shipped by truck and clogging all the western interstates?

[Anonymous]

Congratulations. You are in an elite 10% of the population.[:-^]


As Thomas Edison, put it. "5% of the people think, 10% of the people think they think, and the other 85% of the people would rather die than think."


James. A red necked, assault rifle owning, huntin', freedom fightin, Rush litening, Cowboy lovin', American. And proud of it.

[jeaton]

QUOTE: Originally posted by PBenham

QUOTE: Originally posted by jeaton

Lotus098

You really ought to stop putting on headphones and listening to tapes of Rush Limbaugh while you sleep. It will cause your brain to atrophy... from left to right.

Your brain, if you have one, will not atrophy after six weeks of prelimimary listening to the greatness for the full three hours daily. If anything you, will feel stronger, more intelligent, and confident in yourself and others who think like you will after the preliminary period. But it may be rough at first. The Lib Dogma is difficult to break away from, once you do my friend, you will have become a better person than you could have imagined you could be. The Chicoms are having problems now, since they can't keep the truth out like they used to. Eastern Europe and the asian parts of the old Soviet empire "fell" under the weight of the truth about communisim. So too will China. The people there are on the cusp of an awakening that will be very profound, indeed.

I can tell you that my brain is quite fine and that I have read and listened to many fine, very intelligent conservatives from William S Buckley to Charles Krauthammer. Oh yes, the political left also has babbling spin doctors. I don't pay any attention to them either.

My rule. If an idea or opinion is made that makes me feel good with out giving it a second thought, then I decide I better give it a second thought.

[vsmith]

I heard someone say something this morning, (Marketplace on NPR) and I think it should be repeated as best I can, the comment was that the Chinese today are about as Communists as Henry Ford was, they are Capitalist TO THE CORE, TO THE MARROW. Look at every business action they taken in the last 5 to 10 years is geared to money making or expanding marketshare. There is nothing left of the communist party but the old label of the party, the party insider connections and the old rigid authoritarian control system left. They are autocratic, authoritarian, and controlling but NOT Communist or even Socialist anymore, and have for the most part dropped all pretext of it for the last few years. There is an unbeleivable change in the way the country deals with the outside world compared to when even when the Tienniman Square massacre took place, in the long run, the students won, the old gaurd of Maoist's have all died or been swept out. Look at all the corporations, business, trade and money flowing INTO China, The sheer mass of construction in the major cities is staggering. If you visit Mao's grave and hear a whirling , thumping sound, its Mao, he's spinning in his grave.

Someone joked that in his Mausoleum in Red Square, they had to glue Lenin down. FYI there is a very serious look now at removing Lenin's body and finally burying him. Bury Lenin, the saying if you bury Lenin, you've buried Communism for good.

edit
Let me add that to me its this rapid shift to Capitalism in 2 dedades, without the checks and balances developed in this country over the last 2 centuries, that should have companies thinking twice about their ru***o do business there (could get very very burned by their government, unless you like handing your proprietary technologies over to them) and our government very concerned over the long term stability of the region. Chinese food for thought.

[PBenham]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jeaton

Lotus098

You really ought to stop putting on headphones and listening to tapes of Rush Limbaugh while you sleep. It will cause your brain to atrophy... from left to right.

Your brain, if you have one, will not atrophy after six weeks of prelimimary listening to the greatness for the full three hours daily. If anything you, will feel stronger, more intelligent, and confident in yourself and others who think like you will after the preliminary period. But it may be rough at first. The Lib Dogma is difficult to break away from, once you do my friend, you will have become a better person than you could have imagined you could be. The Chicoms are having problems now, since they can't keep the truth out like they used to. Eastern Europe and the asian parts of the old Soviet empire "fell" under the weight of the truth about communisim. So too will China. The people there are on the cusp of an awakening that will be very profound, indeed.