Amtrak has already admitted liability for the accident.   
      
   But some lawsuits over it demand punitive damages.   Should Amtrak   
   be liable for those?   
      
   Amtrak has had limited resources, and allocates them on the   
   best estimated need.  The NEC had an advanced signal system   
   in place, it's just that the _latest_ advancements weren't   
   in place in all spots becauset he resources weren't available.   
   (Should every Amtrak train carry a physician and nurse, "just   
   in case"?)   
      
      
   Since Amtrak is a government agency, "punitive" damages won't   
   actually punish anyone--there are no business owners with a   
   personal interest in the business.  Indeed, the people who   
   will end up being "punished" are other Amtrak riders.   
      
   --- SoupGate/W32 v1.03   
    * Origin: LiveWire BBS -=*=- UseNet FTN Gateway (1:2320/1)