In my backyard of the Adirondack Park there has been quite a debate regarding whether we should rip up the rails and use the salvage sales to fund a recreation trail or whether we should continue to use state subsidies to maintain a rail line that many consider a relic of the past. I think we deserve both. Some argue we can’t afford both and others argue that it is environmentally impossible or impractical at least.
My populist rationale may sound a bit whacky but hear me out. We have an economy where sixteen-and-a-half million Americans representing a little over 8% of U.S. households control almost two-thirds of the country's wealth. They get whatever they want. If they want a $40,000 surround sound video system they get it. If they want a $60,000 boxing ring in their New York City apartment they get it. If they want to buy $35,000 purses twice a year they buy them. A $200,000 watch? No problem, just buy it. If these people can waste their money on such absurdities while the federal government is subsidizing their businesses I think the lowly middle class ought to be able to get both a rail line AND a recreation trail. Don’t tell me it costs too much. It is a matter of priorities. I learned a long time ago that if a business, government, or even many a non-profit wants something bad enough they make it a priority and they get it. We have to make BOTH a priority.
There is an argument that the environmental challenges are just too great. Not so, they are just problems to solve. An example was given of the rail line across Lake Colby in Saranac Lake that is narrow and couldn’t possibly be crossed. There are numerous options. We just need to put on our creative thinking hats.
Here are a few suggestions:
All the middle class has to do is rise up! You have nothing to lose but your chains!
Source:
http://www.forbes.com/2008/02/16/style-luxury-rich-forbeslife-cx_nr_0218style.html?feed=rss_forbeslife
My populist rationale may sound a bit whacky but hear me out. We have an economy where sixteen-and-a-half million Americans representing a little over 8% of U.S. households control almost two-thirds of the country's wealth. They get whatever they want. If they want a $40,000 surround sound video system they get it. If they want a $60,000 boxing ring in their New York City apartment they get it. If they want to buy $35,000 purses twice a year they buy them. A $200,000 watch? No problem, just buy it. If these people can waste their money on such absurdities while the federal government is subsidizing their businesses I think the lowly middle class ought to be able to get both a rail line AND a recreation trail. Don’t tell me it costs too much. It is a matter of priorities. I learned a long time ago that if a business, government, or even many a non-profit wants something bad enough they make it a priority and they get it. We have to make BOTH a priority.
There is an argument that the environmental challenges are just too great. Not so, they are just problems to solve. An example was given of the rail line across Lake Colby in Saranac Lake that is narrow and couldn’t possibly be crossed. There are numerous options. We just need to put on our creative thinking hats.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Route the trail to the north of the lake - there is already a snowmobile trail that goes around the backside of Camp Colby.
- Route the trail to the south of the lake - there is already a trail going to St. Bernard's Cemetery.
- If all else fails widen the trail. It can be done.
All the middle class has to do is rise up! You have nothing to lose but your chains!
Source:
http://www.forbes.com/2008/02/16/style-luxury-rich-forbeslife-cx_nr_0218style.html?feed=rss_forbeslife
RSS Feed
