We received a mailer trashing the proposed high-speed rail system for California. Funded by the Republican Caucus (lookup ASMRC on the internet), the piece bore Assemblymember Jordan Cunningham’s (R-San Luis Obispo) name. The same piece was probably sent out under the name of every Republican candidate for the Assembly in California (this is speculation).
The argument set forth in the piece bears scrutiny. It boils down to this: Ten years have passed since voters chose to develop a high speed rail system, but since the projected cost has increased and the system is still not in place the whole thing should be junked.
Thank heavens these people weren’t evaluating the American space program back in the ’60s. Indeed, much the same could be said of California’s freeway system. It’s not working. It’s been a lot longer than 10 years. And the cost? Spectacular.
Most interesting and subtle was the statement that we were “promised an efficient, new mode of transportation” as if someone had misled us. No, actually, we just voted for such a system. There’s no them and us. Just us. It’s too bad, Assemblymember Cunningham, that it’s going to be expensive. It’s too bad that it’s taking a lot of time. But it will be an efficient and new mode of transportation and simply shutting it down as you propose in order to build more freeways seems like a foolish waste and an ostrich-like approach to realities that aren’t going away.
Steve Belasco
San Luis Obispo
This article appears in Aug 23 – Sep 2, 2018.
Eleven years estimated to complete, over $100 Billion over budget and only individuals that live within 60 miles of tracks would or may use. Stupid is what stupid does.
So what you are saying is that when fully complete approximately 80% of the population in the state of California will have an alternative transportation source within 60 miles of their home. Huh? Doesn’t sound Stupid!
The fallacy of American “rugged independence” and “individualism” as promulgated by Republicans and Libertarians has shredded the importance of community and a “we’re all in this together” mindset. Divide and conquer is the way the forces of hegemony keep us from amassing our collective power and creating a truly amazing nation (and world). We all share this planet, and it seems to me that the sooner we all get together and get to work, the better. Sitting around griping about infrastructures and programs that make life easier for others results in keeping us all down, and keeping the already rich and powerful happily feeding off our petty-minded, cold-hearted desperation and hatred.
You would think that anyone in California that had tried to get almost anywhere on the Interstate in the last 10 years would be thinking, “It’s time for alternative transportation choices.” More concrete for more cars is not sustainable, practical or cost effective.