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Re: Requiem for the Santa Cruz Branch
Author: Mike Swanson
Date: 01-05-2012 - 12:25
Brian Wrote:
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> I am always intrigued by the almost morbid remarks
> concerning the possible demise of railroads, The
> NWP went through the same; no business, NIMBYs,
> etc were the favourite signs of closure. This
> time its the Santa Cruz branch which admittedly is
> in similar dire straits but negative comments are
> not what one would expect from any enthusiasts.
>
> Carried to extreme, there wont be any lines left
> to be criticised.
And just what, pray tell, gave you the impression that "enthusiasts" do not make negative comments, or that they shouldn't? I've known plenty of car, gun, and airplane "enthusiasts" who've made similar comments about companies and other subjects in their respective areas of interest, so we aren't the only ones who do it, not by a long chalk. Bear in mind, too, that not everyone here or on other railfan boards are merely "enthusiasts"; many of the posters here and on the other boards work for or with the railroads professionally and have insider knowledge and experience with the subject that you or I do not, or know people who do. There's a lot of information that never gets published or disclosed to the general public, and a lot that is said and done behind the scenes or behind closed doors that you or I may not know about; some of what's mentioned here may fall into that category, and it may not be as rosy as what the railroad and public officials are vetting to the media. Not everyone here is a "foamer", and a lot of us are simply being realistic and see no point in being positive about a situation that isn't.
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> I am always intrigued by the almost morbid remarks
> concerning the possible demise of railroads, The
> NWP went through the same; no business, NIMBYs,
> etc were the favourite signs of closure. This
> time its the Santa Cruz branch which admittedly is
> in similar dire straits but negative comments are
> not what one would expect from any enthusiasts.
>
> Carried to extreme, there wont be any lines left
> to be criticised.
And just what, pray tell, gave you the impression that "enthusiasts" do not make negative comments, or that they shouldn't? I've known plenty of car, gun, and airplane "enthusiasts" who've made similar comments about companies and other subjects in their respective areas of interest, so we aren't the only ones who do it, not by a long chalk. Bear in mind, too, that not everyone here or on other railfan boards are merely "enthusiasts"; many of the posters here and on the other boards work for or with the railroads professionally and have insider knowledge and experience with the subject that you or I do not, or know people who do. There's a lot of information that never gets published or disclosed to the general public, and a lot that is said and done behind the scenes or behind closed doors that you or I may not know about; some of what's mentioned here may fall into that category, and it may not be as rosy as what the railroad and public officials are vetting to the media. Not everyone here is a "foamer", and a lot of us are simply being realistic and see no point in being positive about a situation that isn't.
