And, then, of course, there is your response, which while predictable, was at least less defensive of the standard of low to mediocre as the highest possible safety compliance goal by personnel employed in rail passenger operations......

I don't believe I've ever been "defensive" of the standard of low to mediocre as the highest possible safety compliance goal by personnel employed in rail passenger operations. Like you, I feel it's a wonderful and noble goal to strive for, but I just won't be all bummed out if its never attained.

It's kinda like hoping to win the lottery. Sure, it's a nice dream to set your sights on, but there are some pretty steep obstacles in the way that prevent you from walking away with a winning ticket on the first try. Or the scond try. Or the three-hundredth try.

And I hate to say it, but it seems that things are not looking good lately. A lot of railroads are experiencing a phenomena where many experienced, safety conscious old heads are retiring, and they're being replaced by a younger generation that does not have the experience, has not had enough time in the culture to know how critical safe operatig practices are, and many of whom can't fathom the concept of working an eight or twelve hour shift without yapping on a cellphone or tapping away on text messages.

There I go with my negativism again. . .