How to claim great ideas and blame someone else for their failure

[Poppa_Zit]

I got this missive today from Sen. Dick Durbin (Democrat from Illinois). To me, it means absolutely nothing if you claim to have great ideas -- then blame someone else (i.e., "The Administration" or "The Majority") for their failure.

Yet when you talk to these politicos in person, they come off as being all-powerful.

By the underlying tone of this letter, can you tell there's a mid-term election coming up in three weeks? 

October 16, 2006

Mr. PZ

Box XXXX

XXXXX, IL 60XXX

Dear Mr. PZ:

Since you contacted me in the past in support of Amtrak, I wanted to provide an update as the 109th Congress draws to a close.

Despite increases in Amtrak ridership, the Administration has persisted in its effort to dismantle Amtrak passenger rail service through drastic funding cuts. Without sufficient federal investment, Amtrak would be forced to reduce routes or cut service throughout Illinois. I am a cosponsor of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act, which would authorize up to $12 billion in federal appropriations for Amtrak through 2011. Unfortunately, the Majority chose not to bring this bill to the Senate floor for a vote before recessing in October.

I have also been working to expand Amtrak service in Illinois. I recently met with the President of Amtrak and encouraged him to consider expanding service in Illinois. On August 3, I sent a letter to Governor Rod Blagojevich (currently under several Federal investigations) urging the State of Illinois to apply to Amtrak for new passenger rail service along the corridor that runs from Chicago to Dubuque, including stops in Rockford and Galena. Today, Amtrak provides quick, cost-effective, and reliable public ground transportation to 30 communities and more than 3 million people in Illinois. Amtrak service running from Chicago through Rockford to Galena and beyond would spur economic development and give our residents another transportation option for reaching their destinations.

I believe that Amtrak's success is essential to the future of transportation in our state, and I will continue to make Amtrak a priority as I work for expansion opportunities and adequate funding.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Durbin

United States Senator

RJD/ls

P.S. If you are ever visiting Washington, please feel free to join Senator Obama and me at our weekly constituent coffee. When the Senate is in session, we provide coffee and donuts every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. as we hear what is on the minds of Illinoisans and respond to your questions. We would welcome your participation. Please call my D.C. office for more details.

[oltmannd]

"Blah, blah, blah, Amtrak, blah, blah, free donuts and coffee!"

MY Senators never offered ME free donuts.  I'm movin' to IL!

[wallyworld]

Outside of the response to your letter, I am glad to see that you took the initiative to contact Durbin, as it's unfortunate that I suspect alot of us do alot of complaining at the bottom of the food chain to one another, but it occurs to only a rare few, that they need to contact their representative in order to make their views known to someone who has the actual potential to change a situation they care about.
I think the real failure of responsibility lies at our collective feet, inasmuch as we expect a democracy to operate like one without participating in it. We then become resigned in our discontent, after contributing absolutely nothing to this process that is supposed to operate from the ground up, rather than the reverse. Feeling powerless after we abdicate our vote, we then congradulate ourselves how morally superior we are that we have determined that the democratic process has been corrupted by "them".
History as a subject has been relegated to a back shelf that concentrates a rote memorization of dates without a context that supplys any meaning.
Every so often for a "laugh," the media asks a person on the street to name their representitive or the current vice president.
Alot have sacrificed more than any of us can imagine protecting the rights that few seem interested in exercising. My hat's off to you.

[solzrules]

I would hardly expect anything different from senator Dick Turbin (sorry, that's a typo).  When he isn't accusing our military of raping children (as he has done in the past) he usually prattles on about how the majority is preventing Americans from enjoying anything.  Yes, it must indeed be election season.

Kudos to ya for writing the letter!

[IRONROOSTER]

At least he's friendly towards Amtrak.  The current administration would just as soon kill it off along with anything else that benefits the middle class and the poor.

Paul

[Limitedclear]

"Blah, blah, blah, Amtrak, blah, blah, free donuts and coffee!"

MY Senators never offered ME free donuts.  I'm movin' to IL!

SEE, I told ya'll that New York has the worst senators...LOL...

They never give out donuts and coffee...

LC

[Limitedclear]

And here I thought this thread was about Mikey and FM...LOL...

LC

[oltmannd]

And here I thought this thread was about Mikey and FM...LOL...

LC

They don't hand out free donuts, either.

[Chris30]

Thanks for posting the letter PZ. What the letter says to me is pretty much what I've been watching happening with Amtrak. They continue to not get the federal funding that they need per the federal governments plans and they are relying more on state money for service within a state. While the federal government crys to get rid of Amtrak, Illinois has added two, or three, new trains. Other states such as California and Washington have provided state money for qulity regional Amtrak service. The new trains funded by Illinois only serve cities in Illinois. New services funded by a state usually stay within that state. People still like to travel by train from one state to another. If the federal govermnment wants a bunch of little Amtraks in each state, they still need to connect the dots with quality long-distance trains. I dont know if the "majority" will see it that way.

CC

PS. The week before election day... custard filled donuts!!

[Poppa_Zit]

OK, a hypothetical situation: say the Dems win the majority in the House and Senate in three weeks.

What are the odds we could hold Dick Durbin's feet to the fire on this Amtrak promise? Or would new House Speaker Nancy Pelosi make sure the proposal continues to languish in committee?

Also note Durbin says nothing was done on this by the end of the recent session. Which I believe ended early so our fearless leaders could have an extra few days on the campaign trail.

I'd also like to know if the donuts are paid for by the senators, the taxpayers, or somebody's campaign fund.

[solzrules]

What are the odds we could hold Dick Durbin's feet to the fire on this Amtrak promise? Or would new House Speaker Nancy Pelosi make sure the proposal continues to languish in committee?

I don't think you will see any activity on this at all.  If the would-be leaders' current statements hold true, we will see impeachment proceedings and massive investigations in the news for the next two years (maybe a few tax raises tossed in there just for fun courtesy of Charlie Rangel).  Amtrak will be on the far back burner. 

It is interesting to ponder the thought of state-supported Amtrak trains.  I know WI has actually been a good partner in this arena.  Illinois has been a big supporter of Amtrak, too.  Could this potentially be a way for Amtrak to fund itself in leu of a federal solution? 

If the states through which the long distance passengers trains traverse where to pitch in the money to save these routes would that be a solution?  Food for thought. 

[wallyworld]

I think there are several potential factors at play after the mid term elections that will forestall any legislative focus on Amtrak unless there is another OPEC induced blip in the oil market, then all bets are off. The war, national debt etc will raise the bar of contention if Democrats gain control of either house as they will be positioning for the next Presidential campaign.
I think keeping the e-mails that prod at our representitives for action helps. I think the focus will continue to grow on urban rail systems as well as state supported intercity medium length routes. These are largely local issues that have the support necessary to move forward. These are more digestible than taking on the larger topic of transportation policy and Amtrak specifically. Long distance trains will lurch and plug along on life support.
The donuts are on us.

[Anonymous]

And here I thought this thread was about Mikey and FM...LOL...

LC

Your obsession with Mike and/or myself nevers ends, does it?

Disturbing to say the least. 

My advice is to go immediately into psychological therapy.  Commit yourself indefinitely if need be.  It's for your own good.

[Limitedclear]

And here I thought this thread was about Mikey and FM...LOL...

LC

Your obsession with Mike and/or myself nevers ends, does it?

Disturbing to say the least. 

My advice is to go immediately into psychological therapy.  Commit yourself indefinitely if need be.  It's for your own good.

Yep, right on schedule FM. Here to claim someone else's great idea and blame me for your failures I see...

FOFLMAO...

Over.

LC

 

[zardoz]

And here I thought this thread was about Mikey and FM...LOL...

LC

Your obsession with Mike and/or myself nevers ends, does it?

Disturbing to say the least. 

My advice is to go immediately into psychological therapy.  Commit yourself indefinitely if need be.  It's for your own good.

Yep, right on schedule FM. Here to claim someone else's great idea and blame me for your failures I see...

FOFLMAO...

Over.

LC

Tune in tomorrow for another chapter of "As The Railroad Turns". 

In tomorrow's episode, our favorite antagonists face off yet again.  It has only been a few days since we last saw these worthy challengers go after each other, debating homestead grants and open access.  But in tomorrow's episode, our heroes have found a new battlecry: YOU'RE CRAZY! 

Folks everywhere will be gathering around their sets to watch the latest battle.  Bring your popcorn and your flamethrower!  This promises to be a good one folks!

 

Unless, of course, you're tired of the constant bickering, name calling, and general hostility that some have shown lately.  If so, you may want to tune in to another channel.

[rrnut282]

Unless, of course, you're tired of the constant bickering, name calling, and general hostility that some have shown lately.  If so, you may want to tune in to another channel.

 

[wallyworld]

This virus of stunted emotional intelligence seems to now have the capability to infect other threads with a tired act. Move on. We already know more than we wish for ourselves in that certain group of individuals hold a strongly held opinion that one another are knuckleheads. No further comment required or desired.

[oltmannd]

OK, a hypothetical situation: say the Dems win the majority in the House and Senate in three weeks.

What are the odds we could hold Dick Durbin's feet to the fire on this Amtrak promise? Or would new House Speaker Nancy Pelosi make sure the proposal continues to languish in committee?

Also note Durbin says nothing was done on this by the end of the recent session. Which I believe ended early so our fearless leaders could have an extra few days on the campaign trail.

I'd also like to know if the donuts are paid for by the senators, the taxpayers, or somebody's campaign fund.

"Never look a gift donut in the hole", I say!

And, FWIW, the Dems record with Amtrak is just as abysmal as the Reps.  Amtrak's only hope is bipartisan support.  The more it gets used as a political footbally, the worse things will get.

Here's an item that made me think a bit today.  If Reps = free market and Dems = regulation, then how can anyone explain which admin imposed wage and price controls and which admin deregulated airlines, trucking and railroading?

 

[wallyworld]

states·man (sttsmn)
A male political leader regarded as a disinterested promoter of the public good.

Few and far between.

[solzrules]

Never look a gift donut in the hole", I say!

And, FWIW, the Dems record with Amtrak is just as abysmal as the Reps.  Amtrak's only hope is bipartisan support.  The more it gets used as a political footbally, the worse things will get.

Here's an item that made me think a bit today.  If Reps = free market and Dems = regulation, then how can anyone explain which admin imposed wage and price controls and which admin deregulated airlines, trucking and railroading?

 

Here is the point I am trying to make.  If the states that want Amtrak take over the funding of Amtrak will it really matter which political party is in power in Washington?  Since both parties records on the matter is very poor (let's face it, it really isn't a political winner with anyone other than a small group of people who use the system) why not encourage the states that want to have Amtrak to step up funding?  The states that don't want to pay for it don't get Amtrak.  Me thinks this will separate the mice from the men in a hurry.

[TimChgo9]

P.S. If you are ever visiting Washington, please feel free to join Senator Obama and me at our weekly constituent coffee. When the Senate is in session, we provide coffee and donuts every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. as we hear what is on the minds of Illinoisans and respond to your questions. We would welcome your participation. Please call my D.C. office for more details.

Yeah, I am on my way to Washington... Why don't Senators Turban, and O-blah-blah come to ILLINOIS and have their damn coffee in their home state???  "Come to Washington" they say.  Yeah, okay, I am on that....  I really, really hate that kind of pandering BS from politicians... any politician.... 

As far as the Democraps and Republican'ts go, I have no use for either one at this point.  The political rhetoric is to the point of sounding like it's coming from bickering 6 year olds... I am so tired of it, I registered as an Independent....  

Why don't these Senators, or, any Senators for that matter, come to their home state to do more than campaign??  Same with the Representatives.... I have said it before... every politician is "Of the Special Interest Group, For the Special Interest Group, By the Special Interest Group..." and that is really all there  is to it.  The only thing that they can see fit to do to us, their "constituents" is lie, cheat, steal, and generally embarrass us, make promises they can't keep, and generally waste our money.   We have scandals in Illinois that are breaking or waiting to break, stacked up like airplanes going into O'Hare, and it is really, really, pathetic..

[StillGrande]

Actually, once in the Senate or Congressional Office buildings, you would be amazed what you can get from the different offices.  There is free food all over the place.  You can get a pass to visit the capitol building, and even ride the little train from the office buildings to the capitol (you know there is a tunnel connecting them and a people mover train there, right?).  I had a 3 day class at the Congressional office buildings and you would be amazed at what you see (saw Bo Derek.  She is much shorter than I thought!).  It was also fun to see how little attention congressmen really pay to people who are testifying before their committees.  Unless a camera was on or the press was there in mass to cover it, they were like a bunch of 5 year olds whispering and passing notes and talking to staff members.  It was funny to watch someone ask a question that was just answered by the witness. 

[oltmannd]

Never look a gift donut in the hole", I say!

And, FWIW, the Dems record with Amtrak is just as abysmal as the Reps.  Amtrak's only hope is bipartisan support.  The more it gets used as a political footbally, the worse things will get.

Here's an item that made me think a bit today.  If Reps = free market and Dems = regulation, then how can anyone explain which admin imposed wage and price controls and which admin deregulated airlines, trucking and railroading?

 

Here is the point I am trying to make.  If the states that want Amtrak take over the funding of Amtrak will it really matter which political party is in power in Washington?  Since both parties records on the matter is very poor (let's face it, it really isn't a political winner with anyone other than a small group of people who use the system) why not encourage the states that want to have Amtrak to step up funding?  The states that don't want to pay for it don't get Amtrak.  Me thinks this will separate the mice from the men in a hurry.

Here's the rub with that idea - and it's actually playing out this way between NH and ME.

Suppose you have a train that operated thru 3 states, A,B and C with 40% of the boardings in A and C and 20% in B.  All contribute based on pass miles or some formula, then B pulls out.  If you lock the doors in B, you lose 20% of the revenue AND you have to make up state Bs 20% of the cost as well.  If you don't lock the doors in B,  you only have to make up B's subsidy.  So giving B a free ride costs you less.  What do you do?

[wallyworld]

The best laid plans of mice and men are oft times led astray. I think if the states are utilizing Amtrak as their agent and operating company, then they would be better off moving the whole of operations from Amtrak to a Regional Transportation Authority that contracts or negotiates directly with a carrier.
Of course, easier said than done. As far as states not ponying up their fare share, this sounds like a matter for the courts unless it was written with either a handshake or on the back of a McNapkin.

[Datafever]

Isn't there a presumption that passenger rail service has to be a money-losing proposition, and therefore has to be subsidized?

I can take Greyhound from San Jose to Chicago for $196.  I can take Amtrak from San Jose to Chicago for $142.  They both take about the same amount of time (2 1/2 days).  But doesn't the train offer amenities that a bus cannot?  Such as a dining car, ability to walk around freely, etc.

Perhaps what Amtrak needs to do is some good marketing and raise the rates to at least Greyhound's level.

I know that there are some commuter lines in this area that are profitable.  Or is it only short-haul passenger lines that can make money?  Maybe there is no money in interstate passenger service.

Just a thought.

[solzrules]

Never look a gift donut in the hole", I say!

And, FWIW, the Dems record with Amtrak is just as abysmal as the Reps.  Amtrak's only hope is bipartisan support.  The more it gets used as a political footbally, the worse things will get.

Here's an item that made me think a bit today.  If Reps = free market and Dems = regulation, then how can anyone explain which admin imposed wage and price controls and which admin deregulated airlines, trucking and railroading?

 

Here is the point I am trying to make.  If the states that want Amtrak take over the funding of Amtrak will it really matter which political party is in power in Washington?  Since both parties records on the matter is very poor (let's face it, it really isn't a political winner with anyone other than a small group of people who use the system) why not encourage the states that want to have Amtrak to step up funding?  The states that don't want to pay for it don't get Amtrak.  Me thinks this will separate the mice from the men in a hurry.

Here's the rub with that idea - and it's actually playing out this way between NH and ME.

Suppose you have a train that operated thru 3 states, A,B and C with 40% of the boardings in A and C and 20% in B.  All contribute based on pass miles or some formula, then B pulls out.  If you lock the doors in B, you lose 20% of the revenue AND you have to make up state Bs 20% of the cost as well.  If you don't lock the doors in B,  you only have to make up B's subsidy.  So giving B a free ride costs you less.  What do you do?

You make an excellent point.  I think the solution to this may be in Wallyworld's post concerning RTA's, but I admit that at that point Amtrak is dissolved and we are essentially talking about turning it into a regional railroad.  Is this a bad idea, aside from not having a national passenger carrier?  If the RTA's are profitable were Amtrak was not would this help or hurt the passenger rail industry?

[Poppa_Zit]

Despite increases in Amtrak ridership, the Administration has persisted in its effort to dismantle Amtrak passenger rail service through drastic funding cuts. Without sufficient federal investment, Amtrak would be forced to reduce routes or cut service throughout Illinois. I am a cosponsor of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act, which would authorize up to $12 billion in federal appropriations for Amtrak through 2011. Unfortunately, the Majority chose not to bring this bill to the Senate floor for a vote before recessing in October.

The point I was trying to make was that it's pretty cheezy to take credit (see the above statements) while you're in the minority and you know they have a snowball's chance in hell of passing.

Shoot, if you really need votes, why not go whole hog and say "I've introduced legislation to end the federal income tax forever?"

When these guys step up to the podium, I feel the need to reach down and roll up my pant legs.

I have as much use for politicians as I do dirty diapers, and for the same reason.

 

[CShaveRR]

Pop, is he up for re-election this year?  I've lost track, and haven't really seen any senatorial campaign news or ads.

[Poppa_Zit]

Pop, is he up for re-election this year?  I've lost track, and haven't really seen any senatorial campaign news or ads.

Nope. Two more years.

Go here, Carl: http://tinyurl.com/stdz8

[oltmannd]

The best laid plans of mice and men are oft times led astray. I think if the states are utilizing Amtrak as their agent and operating company, then they would be better off moving the whole of operations from Amtrak to a Regional Transportation Authority that contracts or negotiates directly with a carrier. Of course, easier said than done. As far as states not ponying up their fare share, this sounds like a matter for the courts unless it was written with either a handshake or on the back of a McNapkin.

I definitely can see advantages to changing the business model for Amtrak.  As it is now, they have no incentive to do anything bigger or better.

But the notion that states could opt in or out probably won't work.  Could they be mandated to participate?  What about network considerations?  It would be like them being able to opt in or out of the interstate highway network.  States that tried to opt out, like GA's construction of I-95 (it put all those "courthouse toll" operations on US 1 out of business), failed as the Fed gov't finally pushed them to pony up the money and get going.  There are a surprising number of LD Amtrak passengers who make rail connections at the train's terminals - some stats are on the NARP site.  If you consider the NEC and it's logical extensions (Empire Svc, Downeater, Rutland and Burlington VT) you involve 12 states plus DC.  At some point, the "regions" start to look like a good chunk of the lower 48 - so why not make the whole thing national.  In fact, why not just lump in VIA while we're at it?

But, the more Amtrak is used by polititcians for thier own gain, the less likely we are to see improvements in Amtrak.  Any improvments may have to begin in the states.  IL, PA and NC are good examples of states with good intercity rail programs.  But, just try to get two states to cooperate!  ME and NH are already bickering over Downeast service.  NH doesn't want to pony up a dime and ME is getting sore about it.  NC and VA are studying high speed rail, but trying to get the two together to actually do anything is almost impossible.  If ever GA decides to get themselves connected up to the NC "corridor" they'll have a huge hurdle trying to get SC interested.

It is rare that you can states to cooperate on regional commuter agencies.  In multi-state metro areas, there are multiple, each serving their own state (MARC and VRE in DC, NJT and MetroNorth in NYC, Metra and NICTD in Chicago).  Even when there is some cooperation, the individual states still keep quite a bit of influence (Connecticut and MetroNorth, for example)