California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared Tuesday there "isn't a path" for completing the state's plan for a high-speed rail line between San Francisco and Los Angeles, yet his office insisted he is fully committed to building such a project.So what go-to destinations are on the path?
Newsom, delivering his first State of the State address, said he'd shift his focus to completing just a 171-mile segment of the line already under construction in the state's Central Valley. The project is key to the economic vitality of the state's agricultural heartland, he said.
Democratic state Sen. Anna Caballero, who represents part of the Central Valley, called the shift to a line only from Bakersfield to Merced "disappointing." But she said she hopes to see that line connected to other state hubs at some point.Move what? Produce? Hey, you can stop in Fresno, too. I'm sure that's appealing. But argument by assertion is always king among California politicians:
"People need to see it move to really feel like it's important," she said.
Newsom rejected the idea that his plan would create a "train to nowhere" and said building in the Central Valley would help revitalize the economically depressed region.How, exactly? Well, he doesn't say.
Ann Althouse notices the herd of elephants standing in the doorway:
Sad and predictable. Awful dissonance with his party's "Green New Deal."Yes, that. High-speed rail from coast to coast. Ground those airplanes. Trains are better, you see. Sure, you can travel from Minneapolis to St. Louis if you'd like. I'm sure you don't mind going to Chicago first. Gotta save the planet and all that. You understand, right? Well, you'd better. Get on that train.
5 comments:
Economic reality rarely, if ever, lives up to an uninformed political vision. Newsom seems to buy into a line from Field of Dreams -- "If you build it he will come"
I can't see the masses flocking to Merced or Bakersfield just to ride a train. But then again I'm not a train enthusiast as it appears most modern democrats are. At least the ones who don't have to actually live with the consequences of their positions.
Given that the rail line was passed by statewide referendum, I don't know that the governor has the right to cancel it or even modify it. This one could end up as a "four tubs of popcorn"-worthy bit of entertainment when the environmentalists insist on destroying the environment for the new death train.
You can get aboard the train, or lay down in front of it. Either way, the train is pulling out.
Bubba: it was passed by the voters, within certain guidelines. Every guideline has been crossed years ago. the entire project is thereby illegal, according to the statute passed by the voters...
but laws mean nothing without judges and executives to enforce them.
CA has neither.
thanks to both Bush presidents, and a cucked GOP.
John, having grown up near Chicago, I have been a train enthusiast, as there were about 20 major lines going within ten miles of where I grew up. (going around Lake Michigan will do that for you, Chesterton IN) I still would if there were some romance to it like the old "Orient Express", but these days, it's like being on an overcrowded 737 for half a day and paying through the nose for the privilege.
Side note; I was actually on one of the last "Empire Builder" (old Great Northern Route) trains to have dining car service back in 1981 or 1982. Coming back home on the California Zephyr ( UP/CP/Burlington route) with TV dinners was a SERIOUS downer after that!
Gino: thanks for the clarification. I still think it could well end up popcorn-worthy to watch, though miserable where you are.
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