Why Conservatives Should Support Commuter Rail

[tufsu1]

http://www.huntersvilleherald.com/opinion/2012/02/16/a-conservative-who%E2%80%99s-for-the-red-line/

[Kaiser Soze]

Maybe I'm just a redneck methhead from the sticks, but why is this a partisan politics issue?

[JeffreyS]

Maybe I'm just a redneck methhead from the sticks, but why is this a partisan politics issue?

We progressives have been asking that for a long time.

I think Republicans have just been able to get a lot of political support by fear mongering this issue.  They accomplish this with "framing". Instead of saying here is one government service that contributes significantly to it's own operating costs they say it doesn't make a profit. As if the reason we have government services is for profit. They say hey it would be cheaper to buy people cars instead of mass transit costs less than roads.  How they have been able to dodge the economic return part of the argument I will never understand. 

[fsujax]

I know many younger Republicans who are supportive of transit. What I find amazing is how conservative Texas is and yet all of their major cities have invested in fixed guideway transit.

[JeffreyS]

I know many younger Republicans who are supportive of transit. What I find amazing is how conservative Texas is and yet all of their major cities have invested in fixed guideway transit.

Great point, I think when conservatives look at fixed transit they see it fits their values as well as progressives.  We just have a political system right now that too often has the parties dividing up issues just to oppose one another.

[Kaiser Soze]

I know many younger Republicans who are supportive of transit. What I find amazing is how conservative Texas is and yet all of their major cities have invested in fixed guideway transit.

Great point, I think when conservatives look at fixed transit they see it fits their values as well as progressives.  We just have a political system right now that too often has the parties dividing up issues just to oppose one another.

But wait, you are the one suggesting that Republicans are at fault for this?

[JeffreyS]

I know many younger Republicans who are supportive of transit. What I find amazing is how conservative Texas is and yet all of their major cities have invested in fixed guideway transit.

Great point, I think when conservatives look at fixed transit they see it fits their values as well as progressives.  We just have a political system right now that too often has the parties dividing up issues just to oppose one another.

But wait, you are the one suggesting that Republicans are at fault for this?

I am that is true.  I do not know how it evolved to be a Republican talking point but it did. Now this is one of those issues that when people look into it the issue is not so divisive. That is why you see instances where leadership has been able to educate their voting block and get conservatives on board.  That is not what Republican leadership on the national scene is try to educate it's base on however.  Obama said rail is good therefor on the national scene Republicans have upped their screaming to Rail is not only bad it is the work of Satan's evil twin.

[BridgeTroll]

More stereotypes...  As an example... most republicans who requent this site DO support rail... when it makes sense.  Another example would be some of our most strident and ardent supporters of rail on this site vehemently opposed the Orlando to Tampa line.  Much of the opposition today is due to the spiraling deficit spending.  I also do not think the pro rail advocates have done a very good job of advocating and educating the voting public and congress...

[JeffreyS]

So you contend that Republican politicians in the national scene are supporting rail where it makes sense?

[BridgeTroll]

So you contend that Republican politicians in the national scene are supporting rail where it makes sense?

I do not know.  I know the ones making the headlines are generally opposed to high speed rail due to cost and cost effectiveness.  I would suggest a better way to promote rail would be to cut the "national scene" out of the picture entirely.  Local, state and/or private is the way to go at this time.

[JeffreyS]

I agree with your what should be points. I was responding to the question the thread asked. I believe you see lots of conservative push back on rail because it has been politicized at a high level.

[BridgeTroll]

I agree with your what should be points. I was responding to the question the thread asked. I believe you see lots of conservative push back on rail because it has been politicized at a high level.

I guess the question is why is the issue so politicized??  Do conservatives or republicans just hate trains?  Do liberals or democrats simply swoon at the very thought of a train?  Could advocates like Faye(who would never turn down a rail system) actually hurt the cause?  Do republicans like the thought of rail in theory but do not see the practical application as workable or cost effective at this time?  If you want ANY issue highly politicized... bring it up as a national issue.  If you want a working system that fits the wants/needs/cost of thepeople it is to serve... deal with the issue on a local /state level.

[Gonzo]

As a Republican, I am an advocate of local and commuter rail services when they make sense. Unfortunately, in our city at least, the powers that be just do not seem to have a grip on where it should go.

I also think now is not the right time to begin that kind of infrastructure spending. While rail would be a nice to have, it is not a must have right now. There are other things we need to get a grip on first like police and fire protection, education, and effective solutions to the homeless problem.

Rail will undoubtedly help spur the economy in areas where it is present, but other areas of the city, the ones without rail, will not see much advantage. In my own commuting situation, I will not be effected at all and will still be required to drive to work. however, well thought out rail in the historic districts could certainly have an effect on how I come and go from entertainment, dinning, and shopping venues.