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<p>While preserving the image of America as a rail country is indeed one of the arguments that sound valid to me personally, as well as to most supporters, obviously this argument alone would not be strong enough to warrant federal funds. Even NARP does not bring up this reason so often. Well, if this was the only argument, maybe it would provide for one or two LD routes. But to fund the entire network (however skeletal it is) stronger case should be presented. Providng a transportation link to remote communites with no other alternatives to auto - that's a valid claim. </p><p>By the way, a news came from NARP that a Florida Congressman John Mica has introduced some kind of a pro-high-speed rail bill. Just to note, Mica has earned a reputation as an outspoken critic of long-distance trains - similarly to McCain. Nevertheless, to his credit, Mica does support commuter rail and, as it has just turned out, he supports the development of high speed rail network in America! What I don't understand is how can these people (McCain, Mica, etc.) contradict themselves. High speed rail cannot be built on nothing. Europe did not destroy its conventional rail network in order to build high speed rail (even though they did build brand new tracks!) The biggest stupidity of Bushes, Micas, and McCains is that they view Amtrak (especially LD network) as impediment to modern high speed rail, while in reality it is not impediment but a necessary prerequisite. Speaking of commuter rail, it's noteworthy that [b]the only[/b] metropolitan area that has commuter rail but not Amtrak is Nashville TN. The Music City Star was launched just about two years ago, and it's rather an exception than a rule. Virtually all other commuter rail systems in the U.S. either have a hub at an Amtrak station, or share some of the tracks with Amtrak, or both. </p>
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