[Dr. Sheldon Cooper]

I am still waiting for a reasonable explanation of the Left's fascination with high-speed rail in particular, and trains in general, from its proponents.

The most reasonable explanation I have been offered does not originate from its proponents, but from its opponents. And that explanation is basically that rail is a collective, centrally-planned-and-controlled alternative to individual locomotion.

And it can be claimed to run on time via the good graces of a central authority.

I find this both compelling and disturbing, given the historical precedent.

[jennings2004]

I once had a doctor friend who was fascinated with trains. He built his own private line in his basement. When a train passed, you could be sure if he was in the area, he was watching it with awe in his eyes. His wish in life was to have been an Engineer. Maybe Dear Leader always wanted to be an Engineer, but couldn't pass the entrance exam without supernumerary help.

[DrC]

“Left’s fascination with high-speed rail in particular, and trains in general, from its proponents.”

They’re probably Dagny Taggart wannabes, but being brain-dead, didn’t realize that the whole point of Atlas Shrugged was to celebrate the ability of the private sector to build such railroads in response to market needs.