If there is a thing called progressive logic, this Times Writers Group article fits the definition perfectly:
Rep. Phyllis Kahn, DFL-Minneapolis, introduced an amendment titled “Northstar Commuter Rail Extension Study,” key to getting the line from Big Lake to St. Cloud. The study would estimate ridership, identify funding sources and include a timeline for implementation.
Ironically, it was Central Minnesota lawmakers who put the kibosh on this perfectly reasonable, much-needed effort. Rep. Jim Newberger, R-Becker, took the lead, characterizing Northstar commuter rail as only a shuttle to the St. Cloud prison. “Boy, wouldn’t that be convenient,” he said on the House floor, “to have that rail line going from the prison to North Minneapolis.” He continued that in his “neck of the woods” in Becker, “we don’t call it Northstar, we call it the black hole because that’s where all the money goes.”
Where to begin?
By Newberger’s logic, apparently no one from the Twin Cities would want to visit St. Cloud for any reason other than to stop at the prison — not to go to St. Cloud State University, Munsinger and Clemens Gardens, the Paramount Arts District or to see the 100,000-plus people living in our metro area. By his logic, we should take out U.S. Highway 10, so people could not visit the 242 prisoners from Hennepin County behind the granite walls. Egad!
We don’t need to spend money on more studies. Ridership of the Northstar is tiny. As for where to begin, let’s start with the reality that only transportation lobbyists and pork-tasting politicians like the Northstar project. Thoughtful people prefer the liberty that comes with driving. Environmentalists have been trying to force transit down our throats for decades. People have overwhelmingly rejected these options.
Rather than listening to the people, these progressives keep pushing these unwanted options. When will they accept that we aren’t interested?
Sometimes good questions is the best way to get people to actually think, so good job. Here’s more. If this is really such a good idea, why hasn’t private enterprise lined up in droves wanting to build and operate this thing? Or at least lined up a great bus service, in the meantime? How long will it take for the fares to repay the cost of the line, PLUS maintenance and operations costs?
Gary:
If you read the quote it look like he was trying to describe (in a bad a way) that the Northstar line if built will be a waste of money because of the lack of ridership.
Walter Hanson
Minneapolis, MN