Bee opinion writer told to go to ‘mental institution’ over high-speed rail column | Opinion
A recent column I wrote about the need to keep funding high-speed rail sparked some email responses from readers as far away as Idaho.
Needless to say, one of those readers thinks I need a mental-health eval. But hey, at least they are reading!
For those unaware, high-speed rail was the brainchild of former Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown. The concept: Have a electric (nonpolluting) train system that can whoosh passengers from Los Angeles to San Francisco (and vice versa) at over 200 mph. The trip would take less than three hours.
My column, published online Dec. 18, opined that Northern California congressmember Kevin Kiley should not try to end all federal funding for the bullet train. Further, I advised Elon Musk to quit his longstanding opposition and instead get with the program.
My reasoning is based on the fact that $13 billion has already been spent constructing rail line, bridges and other structures in the San Joaquin Valley. Any Fresno-area resident traveling Highway 99 north or south sees the big structures that will carry the fast trains over the roadway.
It would be a total waste to end the project and leave those facilities unused, or even under-utilized, should some future secondary purpose be found.
At least, that is my thinking. Here are snippets of the emails with different points of view.
“You either work for a union, need to be in a mental institution or were paid for this piece. Likely all three.”
_ Will Stuart
Mr. Stuart’s phone number on his signature line indicates he may live in the Bay Area. If that is the case, he would benefit from high-speed rail whenever he wanted to go to Southern California. So, maybe, he could someday benefit. But he seems to doubt that will ever happen.
I don’t belong to a union. As for my mental health, I am human, just like anyone else.
“Your comparison of the federal interstate project to the high speed rail completion timeline is absolutely absurd. Do you realize tens of thousands of interstate miles were built in 36 years? Given your estimations on the completion date for the Merced to Bakersfield line is damn near same amount of time it took to build the national interstate system. So 30 years to build a pitiful 164 miles is OK with you? What an embarrassment that California will never live down. Typical of California. A boondoggle scam for the unions.
I want my federal dollars to stay in Idaho. If it’s so important to you and the rest of your global warming zealots in California, you and your state pay for it.
_ Skip Thompson
The point I was making in comparing the high-speed rail to the U.S. highway system was that both took time to complete. Critics of the bullet train often point to how long it is taking to build. It is just the nature of big, complex projects. And don’t forget, much of the nation’s highways were constructed before environmental laws fully kicked in.
I wonder how many federal research dollars have been spent to fight potato diseases to benefit the farmers in Idaho. I like potatoes, so it is money well spent. Just wondering.
“Californians like to drive. Trains are for Europeans or American outliers who live in a handful of US cities. Those who like public transportation could/should move to NYC or Boston. Build more highways. Subsidize auto gas, end fuel taxes.”
_ John
This reader does not give a full name or hometown, but he likely is in California and clearly enjoys driving. Here’s the thing: Climate change is requiring a new means of transport. We cannot keep driving solo in gas-powered cars for everything. That is why electric vehicles make sense for those who want to go solo.
Besides, high-speed system is not meant to get around in cities. It is intended for us to get around our state, on electric trains that don’t create air pollution.
“The power grid is falling apart, but at least we’ll be able to take a choo-choo between Fresno and Bakersfield.”
_ Art Gary
Anyone who uses “choo-choo” in an email gets me to smile! Mr. Gary is unaware, however, that California’s power grid is far from falling apart. In fact, this summer the grid reached a milestone: 100 days with 100% renewable energy powering the state for at least part of each day. That effort will just keep ramping up.
As for just riding to Bakersfield, I wonder if Mr. Gary has ever been to Hodel’s Country Dining in Bakersfield, “50 years of tradition as Kern County’s best buffet.” Yum!
Thanks to those who write to keep me honest. Here’s hoping for more in the new year.
This story was originally published December 25, 2024 at 5:30 AM.
