Re: Obama spends $600 million on rail projects that benefit private companies
Author: Shoofly
Date: 12-03-2013 - 02:36
First off lets keep the political rhetoric out of my railfan fix. I don't care if y'all are right or left, but this article seems to me slanted to the ATA. Since now the railroads want their business BACK, they seem to be squeezed by the pressure; releasing slanted, hypocritical criticism on the railroads for accepting $600 mil for public/private efforts. I see a lot of good coming out of the mere $600 mil vs. billions unloaded on absolute CRAP.
From what I have read, TIGER appears to be very competitive. A lot of shortlines have benefitted from it and America's physical plant, at least on the railroad side, is on the rebound, slowly. I can't think of any time since the 1940s that the nations railroads have been in such a strong and forward moving position.
Thinking more about it, if this $600 mil generates more competitive routes and more freight to the railroads, won't the railroads need more personnel? A railroad job is a terrific job! Legions better, and much more effective to an economy then adding another few positions at a Walmart or Costco...and a railroad job can't be exported to China!