{ Yearly Archives }
2007
Volume 4 Number 39
- “Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood and probably will themselves not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will not die.” — Daniel Burnham, architect of Washington Union Station, El Paso (Texas) Union Depot and other notable structures
- First, background from a notable Washington Wag about the beginnings of Amtrak and the original intentions of Amtrak’s creators. Continue Reading »
- Amtrak has a new chairman of the board, and it’s a lady for the first time. Here’s the news release from Amtrak. Continue Reading »
Volume 4 Number 37
- National Review Online ran an article by staff reporter David Freddoso November 1st recounting his exploits as an Amtrak passenger, and all of the reasons he can think of to discontinue Amtrak’s subsidies. While Mr. Freddoso does get some of his points correct, Dr. Paul Wilson send him a reply with a better set of facts presented. Here is Dr. Wilson’s reply to Mr. Freddoso. Continue Reading »
- Same song, different choir. Let’s take a look at some of the issues facing our Canadian cousins and VIA Rail Canada. How quickly can you spot the different Canadian verses to the song? Continue Reading »
Volume 4 Number 35
- Amtrak Chairman of the Board David Laney is an American hero. His term as a member of the Amtrak Board of Directors is nearing and end, and he has signaled he doesn’t want a second term. Jonathan Hutchison of Amtrak Governmental Affairs in California made the announcement concerning Mr. Laney at a San Joaquin Valley Rail Committee meeting on October 11th. Continue Reading »
Volume 4 Number 34
- The Amtrak execs said on the conference call this morning, “We don’t want this to get out to any of the politicians until it’s a done deal.” Oops. It got out. Continue Reading »
Volume 4 Number 33
- President George Herbert Walker Bush, the father of the current President Bush, was probably, by resume, the most qualified man to be President of the United States in the 19th and 20 Centuries. In addition, he is a true gentlemen’s gentleman, and a master of making people in his company feel at ease. Continue Reading »
Volume 4 Number 32
- Thanks to all who have inquired about the missing This Week at Amtraks lately. Due to the death of an aunt, a trip to her funeral, the lengthy terminal illness of a dear friend of 40 years who passed away last week and taking care of his many final needs in the last few weeks, and caring for my elderly parents, time has been in demand. This issue should be the resumption of a regular schedule.
- It’s just a couple of weeks beyond a year that Alex Kummant, President and CEO of Amtrak reported to work last September. Here is what Mr. Kummant had to say to Amtrak employees in an internal newsletter on September 18th, six days after the first anniversary of his stewardship of our nation’s passenger rail service. Continue Reading »
Volume 4 Number 31
- If you have an advantage over your close or far competitors, why not use it? Amtrak has not figured out that concept, and continues to subscribe to herd mentality instead of the brightness of individuality. Continue Reading »
- It’s that time of year, again, when Amtrak’s fiscal future for the next year is debated in Congress. Amtrak, again, is minding its manners, and keeping a correct, behind-the-scenes approach to the whole thing, working quietly to demonstrate to its bankers (Congress) why it deserves it annual dose of free federal monies. Continue Reading »
