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Title: Country can't afford Amtrak's costly plans
Source:
[None]
URL Source: http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/124580298.html
Published: Jun 28, 2011
Author: Rep. John L. Mica, Rep. Bill Shuster
Post Date: 2011-06-28 00:55:45 by socalv8
Keywords: amtrak, profit/loss, money-pit
Views: 7871
Comments: 21
In response to Tuesday's editorial "Amtrak idea is risky," the true risk with Northeast Corridor high-speed passenger rail is continuing the status quo with Amtrak's costly, subpar performance. The federal government simply can't afford Amtrak's 30-year, $117 billion plan to bring high-speed rail to the corridor. While some criticize Congress for not sufficiently funding Amtrak over the years, no one can reasonably expect Congress to provide this kind of money for this project, particularly in this budgetary environment. That is why we have proposed an innovative approach to fund improved passenger rail by encouraging competition in the corridor. We must attract needed private-sector resources and expertise to dramatically lower taxpayer costs and speed up delivery of real high-speed rail. Our committee has heard testimony regarding successful private-sector involvement in rail operations around the world. To suggest that investors are waiting to pounce on this opportunity to take over the corridor just to provide inferior rail service is ludicrous - that's not how the free-market system works. Our proposal includes specific performance standards to ensure the least cost to taxpayers and the most private-sector participation. It also protects existing rail operations against service disruptions. We support a robust national passenger rail system. Our proposal will improve and expand passenger rail service by welcoming competition and forcing Amtrak to improve. Rep. John L. Mica (R., Fla.) Rep. Bill Shuster (R., Pa.) Washington
Chairman, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Chairman, House Subcommittee on Railroads,
Pipelines and Hazardous Materials
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#1. To: socalv8 (#0)
here in Virginia the state government just reported that the $380 million allocated from taxes for road maintenance is woefully less than the nearly $1 billion needed this year, and as a result the DOT can't maintain the state road system. Obviously this means that road transportation is a failure and government should pull the plug.
"Thats because your basically and idiot." we spend that in one year in Afghanistan and Iraq. It's all about priorities. Republicans like to build infrastructure "outside" the U.S., Democrats prefer to build it here.
"Thats because your basically and idiot." It's all about priorities. Republicans like to build infrastructure "outside" the U.S., Democrats prefer to build it here. Libya says, "Huh?!?"
THAT explains a lot... Why don't you just go outside, sit in the swing-set, and enjoy the afternoon/evening? Socialists & Democrats want you to do one thing: THAT'S gonna' leave a mark! LOL.
Socialists & Democrats want you to do one thing: That hillbilly swing pic is awesome. Thanks.
we haven't spent a trillion in Libya on infrastructure. Oh, and as I write this i'm sitting in airport, delayed 5 hours due to weather in the mid-atlantic. How much better is air than rail again?
"Thats because your basically and idiot." A billion times better. Much like rail was a billion times better than a horse. Enjoy your flight.
Obviously this means that road transportation is a failure and government should pull the plug. It actually means the the government is very good at keeping people unemployed, hence the lower tax revenues.... Maybe the government should pull the plug on itself, that would be a novel idea...
"I love the 45 caliber M1911, I respect the 9MM M9 Beretta but I only carry a CZ for my own personal protection". Quote courtesy of Lt Col John Dean Cooper, recognized as the Father of Modern Handgunning
The unemployment rate in Virginia is 6.1%
"Thats because your basically and idiot." finally got out about 4 hours late. Sigh...
"Thats because your basically and idiot." Four of the top 10 richest counties in the U.S. are in Virginia. http://www.forbes.com/2011/04/11/americas-richest-counties-business-washington.html
"Thats because your basically and idiot." No, I meant the national unemployment rate.... Most states if not all rely on the Federal government for "SOME" funding of road and transportation repairs/maintenance..... And most states use money set aside for one thing (usually infrastructure) to fund other things, usually vote getting (stupid) projects.... So not having enough money for infrastructure doesn't surprise me in the least.... And start complaining about the roads that get repaved on a regular basis (for political reasons) when they don't need it, and ask why the ones who need it badly don't get repaved..... that will piss them off and show them the electorate is actually paying attention to what they do.... Oh and try running down all of the people in your state who don't pay taxes when they are supposed to be be paying them..... I know you have a lot of rich Liberals there who think it's "EVERYBODY" elses duty to pay taxes, not theirs!!! (every state has them).... Also get rid of your future Democrat voter base (illegal aliens) and you would have a lot more of the money necessary for infrastructure.....
"I love the 45 caliber M1911, I respect the 9MM M9 Beretta but I only carry a CZ for my own personal protection". Quote courtesy of Lt Col John Dean Cooper, recognized as the Father of Modern Handgunning
I failed to find a single fact in your post. Sorry. You seem to be missing the point that road infrastructure across the country is crumbling and will require hundreds of billions to fix/maintain. And for some reason that leads you to argue against expanded rail.
"Thats because your basically and idiot." ...and illegal [sic] immigration.
America...My Kind Of Place... "I truly am not that concerned about [bin Laden]..." "THE MILITIA IS COMING!!! THE MILITIA IS COMING!!!" I lurk to see if someone other than Myst or Pookie posts anything...
So you don't think you have Liberals in your state dodging paying taxes, and you don't think you have any illegal aliens either..... LOL.... So the only facts your interested in are the ones you dream up???? I'm not missing the point at all, it's going to cost a lot of money to fix curent infrastructure... "AND" it's going to cost a lot to lay down new tracks and expand the rail lines..... So what do you end up with in the end???? Both ROADS AND RAILROAD TRACKS to maintain, it will cost the taxpayers of your state and this country "DOUBLE" to maintain.... Or do you just plan on getting rid of existing roads to put in the latest Liberal Boondoggle, high speed rail???? Taxes, taxes, taxes, the Liberals mantra..... tax em till they puke!!!!! ( or invoke their 2nd Amendment rights).....
"I love the 45 caliber M1911, I respect the 9MM M9 Beretta but I only carry a CZ for my own personal protection". Quote courtesy of Lt Col John Dean Cooper, recognized as the Father of Modern Handgunning
Last time I checked Liberals were the ones trying to make sure folks paid their taxes while Republicans keep arguing that taxes are evil/immoral. And while I'm sure we have illegal aliens, northern virginia has been extremely aggressive in crackdowns for the last several years. I fail to see how any of your points though explain why our roads require $1 billion in repairs that the government, which is running a surplus, can't afford.
"Thats because your basically and idiot." ROTFLMAO....... Why don't you ask Tim Geithner, Caroline Kennedy and John Kerry (just to name a few) how they feel about paying the taxes they are supposed to!!!!!! Rules for Libtards #14). Do as I say not as I do… Rules for Libtards #17). Try to shame others into doing something I won’t do...
"I love the 45 caliber M1911, I respect the 9MM M9 Beretta but I only carry a CZ for my own personal protection". Quote courtesy of Lt Col John Dean Cooper, recognized as the Father of Modern Handgunning
Buying votes..... Why don't you go have a talk with them and find out why they won't fix the roads, you do have a local representative..... Now whether they will talk to you or not is another story, or if they will tell you the truth.....
"I love the 45 caliber M1911, I respect the 9MM M9 Beretta but I only carry a CZ for my own personal protection". Quote courtesy of Lt Col John Dean Cooper, recognized as the Father of Modern Handgunning
they won't fix them because they don't have $700 million lying around, and our conservative governor won't consider raising taxes.
"Thats because your basically and idiot." they won't fix them because they don't have $700 million lying around, and our conservative governor won't consider raising taxes. ???????
When asked by a Liberal what I bought my Granddaughter for her 1st birthday I replied, "MORE AMMUNITION"!!!!
Badeye posted on 2011-04-29 10:30:22 ET
#2. To: socalv8 (#0)
30-year, $117 billion plan
Badeye posted on 2011-04-29 10:30:22 ET
#3. To: go65 (#2)
Afghanistan and Iraq.
#4. To: go65 (#1)
here in Virginia ...
#5. To: socalv8 (#3)
Libya says, "Huh?!?"
#6. To: Capitalist Eric (#4)
#7. To: socalv8 (#3)
Libya says, "Huh?!?"
Badeye posted on 2011-04-29 10:30:22 ET
#8. To: go65 (#7)
How much better is air than rail again?
#9. To: go65 (#1)
here in Virginia the state government just reported that the $380 million allocated from taxes for road maintenance is woefully less than the nearly $1 billion needed this year, and as a result the DOT can't maintain the state road system.
#10. To: CZ82 (#9)
It actually means the the government is very good at keeping people unemployed, hence the lower tax revenues....
Badeye posted on 2011-04-29 10:30:22 ET
#11. To: socalv8 (#8)
Enjoy your flight.
Badeye posted on 2011-04-29 10:30:22 ET
#12. To: socalv8 (#6)
(Edited)
That hillbilly swing pic is awesome. Thanks.
Badeye posted on 2011-04-29 10:30:22 ET
#13. To: go65 (#10)
The unemployment rate in Virginia is 6.1%
#14. To: CZ82 (#13)
Also get rid of your future Democrat voter base (illegal aliens) and you would have a lot more of the money necessary for infrastructure.....
Badeye posted on 2011-04-29 10:30:22 ET
#15. To: go65 (#14)
And for some reason that leads you to argue against expanded rail...
--GW Bush
--Sarah Palin's version of "The Midnight Ride of Paul revere"
#16. To: go65 (#14)
I failed to find a single fact in your post. Sorry.
#17. To: CZ82 (#16)
So you don't think you have Liberals in your state dodging paying taxes, and you don't think you have any illegal aliens either..... LOL.... So the only facts your interested in are the ones you dream up????
Badeye posted on 2011-04-29 10:30:22 ET
#18. To: go65 (#17)
Last time I checked Liberals were the ones trying to make sure folks paid their taxes while Republicans keep arguing that taxes are evil/immoral.
#19. To: go65 (#17)
I fail to see how any of your points though explain why our roads require $1 billion in repairs that the government, which is running a surplus, can't afford.
#20. To: CZ82 (#19)
Why don't you go have a talk with them and find out why they won't fix the roads
Badeye posted on 2011-04-29 10:30:22 ET
#21. To: go65 (#20)
I fail to see how any of your points though explain why our roads require $1 billion in repairs that the government, which is running a surplus, can't afford.
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