david vartanoff Wrote:
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> Much as I posted on his blog yesterday, I entirely
> reject his claim of "taking". BNSF as suiccessor
> in fact of GN (and all of the other RRs involved)
> operates by grant of charters from the states on
> behalf of the citizenry in order to further "the
> public necessity and convenience".
[
www.gnrhs.org]
"Subsidies of large grants of land and cash had helped build earlier lines to the Pacific coast. Mr. Hill's venture was unique in that land grants or other government aids were neither sought nor given. Only government lands ever received by Mr. Hill's company were those attached to 600 miles of railway in Minnesota constructed by predecessor companies and acquired by purchase."
So, you better tell Montana Rail Link to start building your dream electrified double-track high speed rail choo-choo train since they robbed the public of lands and exist solely to benefit you and your choo choo foamer pals.