>SNIP
>>
>>Our Amtrak trains are limited to 50pmh as our track is so bad that trains tend to fall off. Much of our track is still 40-foot sections of rail bolted together and on top of wooden ties. Americans invented what is called “continuous rail”, steel reinforced concrete ties and much of the technology that is in use today on the world’s fastest trains. It costs money to upgrade and we are too cheap to do so.
>
>Tom,
>
>I wonder if the problem is 'too cheap' or 'share price concerns outweigh sensible business decisions'?
>
>Regulation used to make sure that share price concerns did NOT override quality maintenance and good growth planning.
>
>Sounds like Baghdad may get its power back before Virginia does.
>
>Jim
>>
>SNIP

Jim;

There is a mentality that I am personally aware of that will do anything to impress others and not take care of matters at home. Your words, “Sounds like Baghdad may get its power back before Virginia does”, ring true to me. In fact when it was announced how we were rebuilding Iraq’s infrastructure I asked everyone around me how we can afford to carry out such a mission while neglecting our own nation?

I was raised to believe “family first”, then consider “neighbors”. But then I am not a politician. In this case I consider “family” to be the United States and not the state of Texas, and Iraq.

Tom