Post by Timothy on Apr 21, 2009 8:23:07 GMT -5
In honor of Vice President Biden's dream for a high-speed rail system across the United States, I present the following song.
I thought it was interesting that Biden mentioned the rail systems of Spain, Japan and France. All three of the aforementioned countries happen to be physically smaller than the continental United States unless one uses a Mercator map; when this occurs, a country such as France appears larger than in actuality. While the rail systems of France work wonderfully to convey people across hundreds of miles of French soil, the United States easily covers thousands of miles.
I can understand high speed rail systems in highly traveled areas, but why must this system be extended towards natural or undeveloped areas? "In France, high-speed rail has pulled regions from isolation, ignited growth, remade quiet towns into thriving tourist destinations." This statement puts forth the assumption that citizens of smaller, quieter towns wish for the company of noisy, obnoxious tourist crowds. That, and growth cannot continue indefinitely; sooner or later, the boom will become a bust.
I thought it was interesting that Biden mentioned the rail systems of Spain, Japan and France. All three of the aforementioned countries happen to be physically smaller than the continental United States unless one uses a Mercator map; when this occurs, a country such as France appears larger than in actuality. While the rail systems of France work wonderfully to convey people across hundreds of miles of French soil, the United States easily covers thousands of miles.
I can understand high speed rail systems in highly traveled areas, but why must this system be extended towards natural or undeveloped areas? "In France, high-speed rail has pulled regions from isolation, ignited growth, remade quiet towns into thriving tourist destinations." This statement puts forth the assumption that citizens of smaller, quieter towns wish for the company of noisy, obnoxious tourist crowds. That, and growth cannot continue indefinitely; sooner or later, the boom will become a bust.
