Infrastructure: A Bright new Future

[Louisiana1976]

Project 2010-2025: A Newer Deal

Its there if we really want it.

Do we want to remain competitive in the teens now the noughties are all but over?

Do we really want to create a large number of well paid jobs in the US?

Do we really want to make everyone's life better?

Do we really hold the environment in high esteem?

One thing we cannot outsource that is in great need of attention.

Our infrastructure.

There is no better 'bank' for our wealth than what we use every day.

Our will we remain hell bent on throwing it away?

snip

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/12/28/819778/-Infrastructure:-A-Bright-New-Future

[StarfarerBill]

1. K&R

[xchrom]

2. Recommend

[izquierdista]

3. That's what I notice when I travel

Western Europe has about the best infrastructure I have seen. Speedy efficient transportation, nice buildings, well kept public spaces. And the infrastructure in Eastern Europe is improving little by little. If I had to choose between Bulgaria and Tennessee, I think Bulgaria has a better quality of life (sorry all you Vols, but it's true).

[YOY]

4. I spent 2 1/2 years in the Peace Corps in Bulgaria.

It has it's own share of problems...but the quality of life is better as it the access to affordable education.

The road system is nightmarish outside of the small highway system...but some improvement has happened. Tennessee probably has it beat.

The water/power grids are not horrible but they're different situations.

The rail system still kind of bites there...but speaking as an Amtrak employee...they've got some maintenance problems and a few upgrades needed but are still far away from HSR.

[izquierdista]

5. I won't argue about freeways

America does have the best interstate highway system. However, how does the Bulgarian rail system compare to the railroads in TN? Say if you were trying to go from Memphis to Knoxville, as opposed to going from Sofia to Varna?

[YOY]

6. Sofia-Varna is a cakewalk.

Try going from Sofia to Silestra or Viden or Razgrad or Kazanluk. If you have your own cabin then you are sitting pretty.

Memphis really has the only Amtrak rail in TN that I know of...and it goes straight north/south. Probably once a day.

Are there other passenger rail providers in TN that I do not know of?

Fascinatingly the geography of the two areas are strikingly similar...save the arid mountains in the south of Bulgaria...I've seen nothing like those anchient mountains. If I have money when I retire the missus (Bulgarian) and I wouldn't mind moving to someplace near Melnik.

[izquierdista]

8. That's why I compare the two

And no, there is no rail transportation in TN, which is why it's more backwards than Bulgaria.

[YOY]

7. Sofia-Varna is a cakewalk.

Try going from Sofia to Silestra or Viden or Razgrad or Kazanluk. If you have your own cabin then you are sitting pretty.

Memphis really has the only Amtrak rail in TN that I know of...and it goes straight north/south. Probably once a day.

Are there other passenger rail providers in TN that I do not know of?

Fascinatingly the geography of the two areas are strikingly similar...save the arid mountains in the south of Bulgaria...I've seen nothing like those anchient mountains. If I have money when I retire the missus (Bulgarian) and I wouldn't mind moving to someplace near Melnik.