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Politics : Formerly About Advanced Micro Devices -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: tejek who wrote (572909)	6/21/2010 4:34:20 PM
From: i-node	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 1577886

>> Why do you think countries are spending billions to develop hi speed rail? Is it because they are stupid? Has it not occurred to you that not all countries are like America in this respect? Having trains in India is one thing, or even in the American Northeast. But trains in other places may not make so much sense. You don't just stand back and throw money at trains without evaluating the business model. Which is why government shouldn't be in the picture (all they understand is throwing money [see: Stimulus]).

To: tejek who wrote (572909)	6/21/2010 4:37:19 PM
From: Bill	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 1577886

NY-Boston Acela is more expensive than flying.

To: tejek who wrote (572909)	6/21/2010 4:48:01 PM
From: Brumar89	1 Recommendation Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 1577886

There are companies in the water utility, garbage collection, bus businesses. Some of these are regulated by government, some aren't. But they're financed by the public that uses the services, not the taxpayers. Why should the private sector decide what's best for us? Good question. Because the private sector can't tax us and make us pay for things we don't use or want. They can't continue unprofitable things forever because they are able to use taxpayer money. RR's have lots of routes and right of ways already dating back to the 1800's - if high speed passenger rail made economic sense, they'd be building it on their dime. Why would they? Profit. When you can leave your dilapidated tracks in their current condition and make good money off of transporting goods, there is no incentive. Our freight tracks aren't generally dipapidated. They're in the condition they need to be to haul freight over. Hi speed rail almost certainly wouldn't travel over the same tracks freight does. For both track and scheduling reasons. But rail companies have right of way that isn't even being used. In fact, the railroads have fought Amtrak tooth and nail. They will screw the average American to have their way. Why would they? We already have a massive rail infrastructure in this country and its mostly to move bulk commodities which is what rail's best for. And we don't have to spend government money on it. Why do you think countries are spending billions to develop hi speed rail? Is it because they are stupid? Probably, governments are generally stupid everywhere. They do things for reasons of national prestige. I think you have a kneejerk belief businesses are evil and greedy and out to screw people, while governments are wise and smart.