Thank you, OPB, for your flattering compliment. I bow in the shadow of your knowledge...
I am curious as to the intentions of the moneyed interests @ Fortress who decided to buy RailAmerica. Even a casual student of U.S.Railroads knows that they don't offer the rate of return on investment of a Bank C.D., or even my interest checking account. Once upon a time in U.S. business, the principal financial backers, be they Rockefeller, Carnegie, or Harriman, knew a great deal about the business they backed, or they learned quick. They operated their businesses for the long term, not the quick buck. Nowadays it seems the moneyed interests are the ones who can spread the most whipped cream on dog poop and sell it as a custard pie. Are these BS artists the new heros of U.S. Business ???
Yes, I know that U.S. railroads are riding high right now. $3.65 a gallon diesel goes further in a SD -70 than in a Kenworth, especially when the KW is stuck in traffic. I also know that Warren Buffet has bought up large chunks of BNSF stock recently; then again RailAmerica is no BNSF !!! Maybe the boys @ Fortress should perform a little due diligence BEFORE they buy, just so they will know what they are getting into...