Buffalo Souljah
22nd December 2009, 04:29
From a Q& A Session posted in the Charlotte Observer:
Q: Charlotte just opened a new light-rail line. How do you feel about federal support for mass transit?
Obama:
I'm a strong supporter, as part of our broader energy strategy. You know, if we are designing cities, and urban communities and suburban communities around two-hour commutes, then we are destined to continue down the course of climate change. And mass transit not only is far more environmentally sound, but with oil prices sky high, and not likely to go down significantly, because of increased demand by China and India, it gives individuals much more of an incentive to look at trains and mass transit as an alternative.
What do you think about the prospects of a major injection of funds for mass transit systems in America? Obama has voiced support and has pumped money into Amtrak, as well as promising to integrate MagLev lines between the following cities a) Atlanta<->Chatanooga, b) L.A.<->Las Vegas, c) New York<->Toronto (joint effort with Canadians) into the general transit structure. Could this be a WPAesque opportunity to reinvigrate the economy, or does capitalism just need to be overthrown? I'm for the latter, but I want to hear your opinion.
Q: Charlotte just opened a new light-rail line. How do you feel about federal support for mass transit?
Obama:
I'm a strong supporter, as part of our broader energy strategy. You know, if we are designing cities, and urban communities and suburban communities around two-hour commutes, then we are destined to continue down the course of climate change. And mass transit not only is far more environmentally sound, but with oil prices sky high, and not likely to go down significantly, because of increased demand by China and India, it gives individuals much more of an incentive to look at trains and mass transit as an alternative.
What do you think about the prospects of a major injection of funds for mass transit systems in America? Obama has voiced support and has pumped money into Amtrak, as well as promising to integrate MagLev lines between the following cities a) Atlanta<->Chatanooga, b) L.A.<->Las Vegas, c) New York<->Toronto (joint effort with Canadians) into the general transit structure. Could this be a WPAesque opportunity to reinvigrate the economy, or does capitalism just need to be overthrown? I'm for the latter, but I want to hear your opinion.