As if another reason to cancel was really needed!
- Thread starter Euphod
- Start date
The problem is that in many parts of the world (esp the USA), support for public transport amongst politicians is drawn very tightly along party lines. It's inconceivable that the rebublicans would put up public money (even as a loan) to this kind of venture, whereas the Democrats appear to be prepared to give it a go. It's less contentious in some other nations (e.g. there is all party support in principle for HSR in the UK and Australia), but it certainly hasn't always been that way. In the UK, most (but by no means all) of the major political attacks on the rails system have been from the Conservatives.
So yes, it's a political issue, but as long as we keep party politics and personal attacks out of it, I can't see why we can't have an adult discussion.
Back to the news story: it's not like Fox News to try to make something out of nothing on something like this is it...
I'd really have to take issue with you on your last post Euphod: Most of the world's high speed rail runs without subsidy, and returns an operating profit. Sure, it doesn't pay back capital cost in 3 years in the way that today's short term economics likes, but it has so many other economic advantages (same reason why governments build roads and airports with public money), but with a fraction of the environmental, land use, or congestion concerns. Plus the idea that light rail can be replaced by buses... well it can, but not if you want to retain your passengers. It's a simple fact that there are many people who will ride rail or light rail, but wouldn't be seen dead on a bus. Add in the fact that light rail is more accessible, easier to understand the routes, smoother, quieter, and in all but a few cases MUCH faster that going by bus.
Paul
Red_Rattler
Since 09 May 2003
Euphod are you sure you not related/work for a certain company that pulled out of a CBD because they couldn't get their mits on some valuable waterfront IN USE rail land to build oversized buildings on it? :hehe:
But we won't go there will we?
PS: Oops, I spelt because the wrong way!
But we won't go there will we?
PS: Oops, I spelt because the wrong way!
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I agree with you their not a good news source.
TweetsieDude
Back Woods Narrow Gauge
Fox does not produce news. It produces gossip, lies and title tattle, which it then stirs and over exaggerates for its own political and financial gain.
And when ever anyone in the world needs to use and example as a poor news source, there use Fox.
And I live in the UK, and thats how well known there are.
There, thats me rant over lol
And when ever anyone in the world needs to use and example as a poor news source, there use Fox.
And I live in the UK, and thats how well known there are.
There, thats me rant over lol
TweetsieDude
Back Woods Narrow Gauge
To be quite honest, aren't all news, and media outlets the exact same? I feel as if I am getting the better end of the story from Fox. I could say the same for CNN. Everyone has their own views, and nothing should be heald against.
Rock on!
Dusten
Rock on!
Dusten
We have the BBC so no
Because it's the closest thing to decent media we have in the United States. I'm not sure if that's saying much though...
Hurray!! :clap:
Glad to know smart people are on here. Where I live in Texas, Fox is true news, while msnbc, or whatever is considered liberal trash. Fox is in my mind the liars station.
Yes, I am liberal, but independant. Fox is a the republicans news station. RNS.
Ok, sorry to bring politics into trainz. Not needed. Just pointing it out.
Yes they are fair & balanced...
"Fair and Balanced" means that they invite people from all sides of an issue to be interviewed and present their opin....they meet that assertion completely.
"No-Spin Zone," means they present topics without attempting to influence an agenda...many other news blogs leave out parts of a story that they don't want you to know.
Fox News is watched by far more people than any other news organization besides CBS.
"Fair and Balanced" means that they invite people from all sides of an issue to be interviewed and present their opin....they meet that assertion completely."No-Spin Zone," means they present topics without attempting to influence an agenda...many other news blogs leave out parts of a story that they don't want you to know.
Fox News is watched by far more people than any other news organization besides CBS.
Unfortunately, HSR and even a lot of standard passenger rail is not a good fit for the U.S. The country is too big and Americans dislike being confined to a vehicle over which they have no control. As annoying as airport security is, I'd wager the vast, vast majority of Americans would pick a two-hour flight, plus having to arrive at the airport and hour early, over a four- or five- or six-hour plane ride.
That said, all forms of transportation are subsidized to some degree.
Yes, and NBC, MSNBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, the New York Times are all liberal propaganda outlets. At least Fox provides some balance to the propaganda.
That said, I'm not particularly impressed with the U.S. media, having worked in and with it some, and having an immediate family member who was an editor at the New York Times, and who will attest to the lack of quality of that rag's so-called "journalism." The point being, a wise individual will take everything with a grain or two of salt.
Paul; I post this for you since you were able to respond "On Topic", consider yourself exempt from my first sentence after your quote.
Rather than posting a 'knee jerk' response to those that cannot leave their political affiliations, local desires or choice of news outlet loyalty beneath the keyboards, I can only offer this link at the present moment to serve as confirmation of "what I think I heard" concerning the profitability of HSR.
Anyone else with a desire to discuss THE TOPIC, and an ability to do so without degrading the conversation is welcome.
http://www.heartland.org/publicatio...peed_Rail_Is_an_Unprofitable_Train_Wreck.html
Rather than posting a 'knee jerk' response to those that cannot leave their political affiliations, local desires or choice of news outlet loyalty beneath the keyboards, I can only offer this link at the present moment to serve as confirmation of "what I think I heard" concerning the profitability of HSR.
Anyone else with a desire to discuss THE TOPIC, and an ability to do so without degrading the conversation is welcome.
http://www.heartland.org/publicatio...peed_Rail_Is_an_Unprofitable_Train_Wreck.html
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From what a read a few years back, no HSR makes a profit and is heavily subsidised. Take TGV/ SNCF for instance. But what it does do, is improve the local economies. Which means more tax back to the subsidizing government. So that whole principle is a bit liberal for the US.
Yes, that's just what we need. More money for the government, less for the citizen!
At any rate, it's really a moot point. Americans are in love with their cars, which is really what put our passenger rail system in the sorry state it is in. And $4-$5 gas really didn't seem to deter people much. Americans just don't have the affinity for rails that Europeans seem to. And I doubt that's going to change any time soon.
unfortunately the US is pushed along by money and greed and not social need.
Railways are not money makers and there for are mainly for social need. And thats why they are not important in the US.
But we in the UK and europe are more about social need and not always greed unlike the US.
Railways are not money makers and there for are mainly for social need. And thats why they are not important in the US.
But we in the UK and europe are more about social need and not always greed unlike the US.
Actually, the U.S. - outside of government/politics - is largely fueled by practicality, not unneeded, overpriced crap that only stands to benefit a few, especially when a 3 hour plane ride can replace an 18 hour train trip. If you are so convinced HSR fills a "social need" in America, would you care to put your money where your mouth is and pitch in?
Listen, I know you're a railfan. So am I, big time. So is pretty much everyone on this board. But let's not let this cloud our judgment.
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