When I relayed that brief quote to RA editor Bill Vantuono, I figured he'd merely include it, possibly, in whatever reporting he had in the works regarding the issuance of those travel restriction exemption forms. Instead, he took that railroader's comment and enlarged it into a powerful statement of how the industry is performing a vital role in keeping this nation, and others around the globe, supplied with the raw materials and processed goods they need. And yes, let's hope that moments like this will bring more attention to the importance of the often over-worked, under-appreciated men and women who keep trains moving.

For the record, RA staffers selected the photos which ran with that piece, from their existing digital collection. The lead shot of an empty Canpotex train, using borrowed Potash Corp. hoppers, was indeed taken on UP trackage, headed north across the Rathdrum Prairie between Coeur d'Alene Jct., and Garwood, ID, on the former Spokane International. This train returning to the potash mines of Saskatchewan might not seem to fit the narrative of "Saving America," but when you consider the number of American jobs that are involved in moving these trains between the Canadian border and the export terminal outside Portland, plus the jobs involved in unloading them, we are reminded that foreign commerce contributes a healthy share to the U.S. economy.