There is a middle ground
Hates Idiots,
Amtrak's Northeast corridor makes a profit, but subsidizes other less profitable routes mandated by congress. Furthermore, every mode of transportation is subsidized. People who drive don't pay the full cost of their transportation and almost none of the environmental impact. Rail is very sustainable over the long term. Roads are resurfaced every five years, but track can last 20 and cost less per mile to maintain.
You can't blame an underfunded system, Amtrak, for not meeting lofty expectations. I take Amtrak quite often between Washington and Boston, and up to Albany. I love the connivance. I live in Center City Philadelphia and it takes 25 minutes to walk to the train station.
Here is the reality of our situation: We can't continue to burn fossil fuels like they will last forever, because they won???t. Furthermore, it is poising our air, water, and natural habitat. I like clean water, air and wildlife.
The point I go from Progressive to Libertarian is my belief that everyone should pay the true cost of their actions, not push it off on others or the next generation. We need a new energy policy and trains will be a part of that policy. JUST BECAUSE SOMETHING DOESN'T WORK OPTIMALLY NOW DOESN'T MEAN IT CAN'T IN THE FUTURE. You have made many good points in your postings, but you may be limiting your self by focusing on the negative instead of the solutions that make things possible. It is easier to point out a fault than it is to put forth a solution!!!
