On Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at 11:06:21 PM UTC-4, John Levine wrote:   
   > >http://www.aei.org/publication/mind-the-gap-us-and-european-train-safety/   
   >    
   >   "If we end federal subsidies to Amtrak, and require it to liquidate,   
   >    then private companies would buy up its stations and routes. These   
   >    companies could then begin running our trains with a level of   
   >    professionalism that Americans now experience only when traveling   
   >    abroad."   
      
      
   The troubling part is that a great many people today feverently believe that   
   statement to be true, indeed are actively working to get rid of Amtrak.  It's   
   been an article of faith among conservatives (look up old postings here) that   
   Amtrak's very    
   existence is responsible for the Federal deficit (along with things like   
   N.E.A.).  Of course, transportation interests of other modes contribute   
   financially to spread this message (that's old news).   
      
   The kicker is that it was Amtrak--and one one else--who provides the best   
   service between DC, NYC, and Boston via Acela, a favorite among conservative   
   business people.  And Acela even makes an operating profit.   
      
   FWIW, airlines that are finally emerging from bankruptcy and making a profit   
   are going to court demanding they be released from past contractual   
   obligations, like pensions to their retired employees.   
      
   You know, the Port Authority of NY&NJ recently raised its crossing tolls to   
   outrageous levels.  You'd think the business community--which pays much of   
   those tolls, would demand the PA be sold off.  Yet there are no such demands,   
   because the business    
   community knows it is actually the benefit of juicy govt largess.   
      
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