Too good for the commuter train.
By Moe Lane Posted in 2008 | Obamafiles — Comments (106) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
Jim Geraghty has a nice post up on the junior Senator from Illinois' views on the New Rochelle commuter train, which was what Obama used as an example of a life that was just "going through the motions" and what the rest of us would just call "normal." A taste:
But there's a fine line between rejecting that life and looking down at that life. Because some people are just fine with jobs that require them to take the New Rochelle train. Some people actually prefer it to the stress, the risk, the time away from family, the constant demands from strangers. And the world needs these people - who get up every morning, go to work to do jobs with no glamor and little or no prestige, wages modest or worse, and whose names never appear in the newspaper. These folks receive a round of applause when they dance at their wedding, and at their retirement party, and that's about it.
About a decade go, I rode a commuter train to my regular, not very interesting, little job. Day in, day out: three hours of travel time, which sounds very bad - until you consider the potentials for reading and/or sleep that this entails. Besides, that's where the job was, and I needed to work. I did that for five, six years, until I moved south to Maryland and eventually got married. Not exciting, but like Jim Geraghty I consider there to be nothing wrong with that kind of life. And, again like Jim, I'm kind of ticked that this is somehow considered less real, or meaningful, by some. The dignity of a man's life should not be subject to the arbitrary judgment of others, and it is annoying when it is.
Moe Lane
PS: I almost didn't note this, but somebody should. Senator Barack Obama, if the New Rochelle train was anything like my own commute, then some of the people that rode it are now dead; murdered in a war that you now decline to properly oversee.
But I understand that their last moments of life were very "dynamic," so perhaps they didn't mind so much.
Obama has such a knack for making me feel this big.
busybody, aspiring Messiah, witness the Resurrection of the Dead on Election Day and make those massive contributions to the GNP for which the Chicago political machine is so famous.
Community organizers=panhandlers in neckties.
"No compromise with the main purpose, no peace till victory, no pact with unrepentant wrong." - Winston Churchill
Here:
Barack Obama will require you to work. He is going to demand that you shed your cynicism. That you put down your divisions. That you come out of your isolation, that you move out of your comfort zones. That you push yourselves to be better. And that you engage. Barack will never allow you to go back to your lives as usual, uninvolved, uninformed.
You have to stay at the seat at the table of democracy with a man like Barack Obama not just on Tuesday but in a year from now, in four years from now, in eights years from now, you will have to be engaged.
We but live to serve them.
"No compromise with the main purpose, no peace till victory, no pact with unrepentant wrong." - Winston Churchill
and the entire Obama campaign just epitomizes everything I hate about someone saying I have to go along with whatever they dictate. "Come together" translates to "shut up and do what we say," in my mind, and it really sounds like a few people trying to make plans for all the rest of us.
It makes it sound (to me, at least) as though a President Obama would be an adversary of immense power and industry, requiring our fullest efforts to prevent him from destroying the country around him.
--
This too shall pass.
What does that sound like to you? It sounds to me like Michelle wants to place all Americans into an institution her and her husband's pastor has been screaming about for at least 20 years...
"Always be honest with yourself. Even if you are honest with no one else."
--me
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
http://thehinzsightreport.com
www.theminorityreportblog.com
www.race42008.com
"One man with courage makes a majority." - Andrew Jackson
Sounds rather a lot like "Arbeit macht frei" to me. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arbeit_macht_frei.
Freedom of Religion NOT Freedom from Religion
I know, I've taken it there - my wife's family is from New Rochelle. (Me, I take the LIRR).
"No compromise with the main purpose, no peace till victory, no pact with unrepentant wrong." - Winston Churchill
Well, they could have been talking about Seattle's S.L.U.T...
"Always be honest with yourself. Even if you are honest with no one else."
--me
What is amazing about Obama is his ability to insult vast swaths of Americans with such a simple and likely well meaning statement. Commuters are doing what most Americans are doing, working.
There are days that I would love to have the option of taking a bus or rail to get to my work place. Not because I have some intangible desire to save money or the environment, but simply so I would not have to drive. But living in southwestern states my whole life has taught me that public transportation is virtually nonexistent and a 60 mile drive is just part of daily life. Heck, I can drive in 1 direction for 4 hours and still be in the same state.
But I digress. Certainly a life of notoriety and popularity is one that some people would enjoy, I'd go as far as saying most politicians crave that. However, it is not a life well spent if popularity is the only goal. And perhaps that is the ultimate insult to that kind of person, to have achieved popularity and not be viewed as a person who has made a difference, good or bad. I wouldn;t know, I'm neither popular or of any notoriety. But I do get up and commute to work every day to a job I like, in a city I (sort of) enjoy and if I died today, know that I have made my family proud.
_____________________________
It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
--Aristotle
after he said "LET ME OUT, I'M ALIVE" (a little Memphis humor to lighten our day), he would say that Fame is over-rated.
Give me fortune everytime.
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
http://thehinzsightreport.com
www.theminorityreportblog.com
www.race42008.com
"One man with courage makes a majority." - Andrew Jackson
for daring to build affordable and economical SUV's in American plants, at the expense of the Big 3?
and the elitism just slithers out like a greasy slug.
I meant what I said and I said what I meant. An elephant's faithful 100 percent.
Having lived through the 60s it seems we are trying to repeat the elevation of the noble radical. Where have you gone Mr. Obama, our nation turns its lonely eyes on you. Kook ook kachoo! I sneeze at your supercilious condescension.
The free exchange of ideas inevitably yields both heat and light.
You guys are the majority of the Street these days, so why feed the hand that smacks you?
When he trolls for your dough, rebel against your dull routine of just going through the motions - just say NO!
Better yet, take a walk on the wild side and vote McCain!
I love the fact that he starts this statement with the following sentance:
But there's a fine line between rejecting that life and looking down at that life.
And then, of course, proceeds to demonstrate just how one would go about looking down on that sort of life.
This is just another variation on those statements that start with "I don't mean to be rude, but...", or "No offense, but...".
Personally, I'm put in mind of that scene in "It's a Wonderful Life", where Jimmy Stuart's character tells the local millionaire that it's the little people who do most of the living and dying and building and buying in this world.
I wonder how long the Obama campaign's private jet would stay in the air if it the mechanic, who rides the public train, didn't show up to tighten the lug nuts, or if the accountant in payroll didn't show up to make sure the mechanic got paid, etc, etc, etc.
___________________________________________________
"You can't save the Earth unless you're willing to make other people sacrifice" - Scott Adams (speaking through Dogbert)
Is he rejecting that life, looking down on it or just straddling the fine line in a nuanced position?
Inquiring minds want to know!
The greatest single cause of Atheism today is Christians who profess Jesus with their lips & then go and deny him by their lifestyle. That's what an unbelieving world simply finds..unbelievable -Brennan Manning
I look down on bitter people who cling to antipathy towards people unlike them.
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
http://thehinzsightreport.com
www.theminorityreportblog.com
www.race42008.com
"One man with courage makes a majority." - Andrew Jackson
What really galls me about Obama, is not just the snobbery of his entire movement, but also the complete narcissism of it all--i.e., "We are the ones we have been waiting for". I mean, how does he know that people who ride the trains are "just going through the motions" and waiting for him to save them ? Maybe they like their jobs.
Anyway, whether it's white women with his "claws coming out" remark or the working class people of PA with his "bitter comments" (and now this comment), Obama sure doesn't seem to mind insulting large swaths of the electorate.
Seriously, there is an increasing sense of creepiness surrounding this guy and his king-sized self-perspective.
first book thru yestersday. Imagine writing two biographies before the age age of 44.
No more than 10 states, max.
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
http://thehinzsightreport.com
www.theminorityreportblog.com
www.race42008.com
"One man with courage makes a majority." - Andrew Jackson
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
http://thehinzsightreport.com
www.theminorityreportblog.com
www.race42008.com
"One man with courage makes a majority." - Andrew Jackson
I don't think Americans necessarily look up to celebrities anymore. At least I hope that will prove true come November.
Looking up is not what comes to mind.
Something along the lines of proctological or gynecological seems more apropos.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
Yes, you are right Streetwise that, right now, Obama is the leader of some "celebrity cult". However, I have a sneaking suspicion that by the time the GE rolls around, people will be tired of him, the fad will have peaked, his bubble will have burst, and he will be old hat. Just my opinion. :-)
They want to force poor people out of their cars so their own limousines don't get caught in any traffic.
~~
Obama's guiding principle: "I reserve the right to revise and extend my remarks."
Before that it was the P.A.T.H. 5 days a week.
The funny thing is the One thing I miss about NYC (Well aside from Midtown Library) is the subway.
The Trains are ever so much more relaxing than being trapped in dense traffic with people that don't even begin to comprehend the physics of the vehicles they pilot with abandon.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
as it did anytime I was driving in Manhattan. Fortunately I was able to quickly adapt my own driving and get through it. I wouldn't own a car at all if I lived there.
Elitist snobs, i.e. leftists, liberals
aw hell
let's not be nice
Sir, your child is not cute. He is writing with ink on my living room wall!! Spank the punk or I will.
Dems after 911...
I have lost a lot of friends. Can't suffer fools.
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
http://thehinzsightreport.com
www.theminorityreportblog.com
www.race42008.com
"One man with courage makes a majority." - Andrew Jackson
an elitist snob democrat (mainly because I wanted to have sex with every babe I saw and yet not have a baby - I was pro-choi, aw hell, I was pro-abortion.) I know how these people talk behind closed doors. Yes, they are not patriotic.
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
http://thehinzsightreport.com
www.theminorityreportblog.com
www.race42008.com
"One man with courage makes a majority." - Andrew Jackson
As much as the Libs scream about "CHOICE!!!!" They are acting as fast as they can to strip as many choices from Americans as they can...
"Always be honest with yourself. Even if you are honest with no one else."
--me
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
http://thehinzsightreport.com
www.theminorityreportblog.com
www.race42008.com
"One man with courage makes a majority." - Andrew Jackson
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
http://thehinzsightreport.com
www.theminorityreportblog.com
www.race42008.com
"One man with courage makes a majority." - Andrew Jackson
McCain says it is a "non-negotiable" priority to eliminate Amtrak during his administration. Which would, you know, *actually* [expletive deleted] over the New Rochelle train crowd. [I normally just warn for profanity the first time, but the casual attitude is sufficiently chilling to warrant no second chance. - Moe Lane]
...it's also ignorant of the fact that many here will almost certainly argue that Amtrak -- because it's federally subsidized and unable to make a profit -- increases transportation costs by deincentivizing and crowding out alternate private forms of commuter transportation.
for years now but the truth is, they'll need a whole new track for regular commuter service, because there would otherwise be too much disruption to freight rail service. The latest idea is to put the rail in the median of highway 316 but of course that will be enormously expensive.
We've got lots of private bus lines servicing larger markets but are there any private rail operators?
...though those would likely be complete unfeasible and I was really referencing any and all private commuter options (not just rail) such as toll roads or, as you mention, private bus lines or some sort of passenger van-leasing cooperative contracted by the companies the employees are working for. Etc.
Presumably free-marketeers would simply assume that gov't subsidies for a transportation option would harm the free market for transportation, in whatever form it took.
Amtrak is facing competition. It's one of those situations where the lack of a service's ability to survive in the free market without help is not necessarily sign of a lack of a real need for the service...
"Always be honest with yourself. Even if you are honest with no one else."
--me
...I agree. I'm not clear about what this means as a response to my comment, though. That's likely my fault because I'm wearing a couple hats, here; in that I think in a "necessary monopoly" situation the government has to be involved to ensure the best outcome for citizens, but I recognize that where a "necessary monopoly" is competing with a somewhat parallel service (rail vs. private bus/van lines) things get really, really complicated real fast.
It is owned and run by Metro North, which is one of the very few commuter train lines that is not dependent on Amtrak. Amtrak ceasing operations would cause unbelievable chaos all over the US; McCain has not thought this one out. Besides, he is inconsistent in that he supports commuter airline subsidies; expect Obama to bring that up if it becomes an issue in a debate as it is already on Obama's web site.
Many people like to take the train, or at least have it available as an option. Amtrak will be even more popular as fuel prices rise and airlines cut service.
A politician could also be pro-Amtrak and pro-drilling - get some environmental points while also working to increase oil supplies.
I persuaded a strongly Democratic-leaning relative in Pennsylvania to vote for both Spector and Santorum by pointing out that both of these (R) Senators had cast key pro-Amtrak votes.
much rail and let air travel replace so much as well.
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
www.theminorityreportblog.com
"The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." - The Chief Justice
But it's completely useless for business travel. It simply takes too long to get anywhere. This country is simply too large for rail to make sense for other than moving coal and lumber from point A to point B, or for regional travel.
Now, if we had some bullet trains to go long distances quickly, that might make a lot more sense, but the returns don't justify the investment, or it would already be happening.
on things that could just as well be handled over the phone that it couldn't last and that too much money was being wasted on business travel.
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
www.theminorityreportblog.com
"The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." - The Chief Justice
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
www.theminorityreportblog.com
"The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." - The Chief Justice
In the 50s they didn't realize the world was changing. Same problems steel and autos had later. They just got it first.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
subsidized for that. You make a great (see dispositive) point about price driving the issue, but I always wondered why people didn't get to gether and take advantage of the rail lines more on FREIGHT, not passengers.
ike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
www.theminorityreportblog.com
"The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." - The Chief Justice
Trucks can go from any point to any point. Trains can only go where there are tracks.
Better to send four trucks to the desired locations than fill up a train to an undesired location only to have four trucks then pick up the loads at the point of the train station.
Trains are most efficient with heavy cargo, and that is what they are primarily used for.
(see govt required eminent domain takings) my idea is probably unrealistic. I just have thought for decades that their had to be a better way that massive trucks covering the highways and tearing them to shreds, that it would be better if they could better coordinate with train depots.
I am not going to submit to cross-examination absent subpoena!
plus, I was raised in a railroad family and benefited from union wages!
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
www.theminorityreportblog.com
"The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." - The Chief Justice
Nimble "just-in-time" manufacturing involves shipping things in smaller volumes and subject to tighter timing constraints.
This discussion with you and Neil is a perfect example of why I come here. Smarter people than DeVine make me wiser.
god bless
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
www.theminorityreportblog.com
"The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." - The Chief Justice
Then we can talk about management fads ;-)
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
I may be wrong but rail only ever worked for freight when there was no alternative. You used the rail line to get your crops/whatever out onto the market, or your stuff didn't get out onto the market.
They were successful business-wise because those monopolies in a given market let them jack up the rates as high as the customers could afford.
and sometimes I hate you for it!
smile
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
www.theminorityreportblog.com
"The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." - The Chief Justice
For freight even today it can't be beat. Nobody trucks coal, or any big bulk product if they can avoid it, it is just too expensive.
This is from the bureau of transportation statistics.
Rail is coming on strong. ( I don't say that just because I love trains either)
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
but I just lucked into this wisdom
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
www.theminorityreportblog.com
"The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." - The Chief Justice
so rail is increasingly attractive, but there is still the flexibility problem.
Once interstate roads were built, trains were relegated to a certain subset of shipments.
source if the Greens have their way...so get over it...
Formally known as Deagle... "Golf is a way of life..."
so I will pass on gettin over anything!
The big problem with the global warming hysteria is that it takes coal out of the solution.
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
www.theminorityreportblog.com
"The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." - The Chief Justice
and your defeatism, right now! I'm counting to 3.
Now, WE THE PEOPLE need you bro. The greens are NOT going to win. (heck, even the first ltter stopped being capitalized in the last 2 minutes)
We the People are going to make DC yeild to OUR will on energy. It is happening now.
That $4/gal was bridge too far.
So, get over the cynicism bro. You are on board, re a ticket bought by DeVine Gamecock, the new revolution.
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
www.theminorityreportblog.com
"The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." - The Chief Justice
Well, at least Tiger did win the Open so I guess things are not as dim as I thought (actually was pulling for Rocco). And no, I have no optimism of gas/oil (gas) coming down below 4 dollars in the immediate future. This problem I place on the greens and the Supreme Court with their idiotic decisions.
Formally known as Deagle... "Golf is a way of life..."
They didn't see the Airplane and the Trucker as competitors.
IIRC correctly Naisbitt did an excellent write up of it in the original Megatrends.
But by example let me point out the "Train to the Plane" concept. If you want to get out to Kennedy its fantastic, I wish they had one for Laguardia. (I love trains did I mention this ?). The other choice is to higher a car (Superior but orders of magnitude more expensive)
The railroads abandoned freight into cities, They did not try to compete properly with airports for shorthaul passenger traffic, they were slow to take up the unified shipping model with containerized cargo. Yeah they got hurt.
Me If I could I would drop my car in heartbeat. I used to get out of my apartment walk half a block east and a little south catch a green line train of just go a few blocks north and be in grand central. Then it would be off to where I needed to be quickly easily and efficiently.
Heck when I went to grad school. I would catch the path back from jersey. Get off at the world tradecenter and then walk to midtown for the fun of it.
Trains are just optimum. I am pretty certain that southflorida underperforms economically because too much mental energy is expended on our roads.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
need such J's!
http://www.redstate.com/blogs/gamecock/2008/may/31/we_the_people_ride_ho...
but 'Oli, you are making my day in confirming one of my decades old theories re my family RR legacy.
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
www.theminorityreportblog.com
"The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." - The Chief Justice
It was the future and the better life.
The great symbol of America building a nation.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
www.theminorityreportblog.com
"The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." - The Chief Justice
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
www.theminorityreportblog.com
"The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." - The Chief Justice
for 53 and 42 years respectively. Dad went to college and was sportswriter for the local paper, but the pay was so good in the 50s, that he quit college and made a career. He eventually made it to management and said he knew the unions and mgmt had gone too far when they came to you and offered you money for a hangnail "injury" in the 70s.
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
www.theminorityreportblog.com
"The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." - The Chief Justice
The passage you quote includes the following:
...there's a fine line between rejecting that life and looking down at that life
And I think that by instantly dismissing that notion and coming down so hard on one side of that line in your judgment of Obama, your quote:
The dignity of a man's life should not be subject to the arbitrary judgment of others, and it is annoying when it is.
...becomes meta-relevant.
I'm not saying you shouldn't interpret Obama's comment in the way you want, or rather the way you believe it's meant. Maybe he does look down on people without his level of ambition toward the locus of change. I think even then there's a complex analysis deserved due to his career choices and personal accomplishments (even if you don't think they qualify him for president, they're still impressive).
But telepathically seeing the motives and intentions of others is, indeed annoying, and really it just prompts unresponsible demi-demagogues to think even less. And that isn't what anyone needs.
It's a fine line indeed. One deserving of at least pretending to straddle before jumping to one side or the other.
Maybe he does look down on people without his level of ambition toward the locus of change. I think even then there's a complex analysis deserved due to his career choices and personal accomplishments (even if you don't think they qualify him for president, they're still impressive).
Yes impressive the way thermodynamic miracles are impressive after they happen.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
"Your technological and physiological distinctiveness shall be added to our own. We are the Borg. Prepare to be assimilated."
At least you can say this for the Borg: They were always honest...
"Always be honest with yourself. Even if you are honest with no one else."
--me
It's simple people.
We all suck and our lives are pointless, but....
If we elect Obama we will have hope and purpose and meaning. Or else!
I think it's worth posting the original passage that elicited Geraghty's comment:
"[Obama] always talked about the New Rochelle train, the trains that took commuters to and from New York City, and he didn't want to be on one of those trains every day," said Jerry Kellman, the community organizer who enticed Obama to Chicago from his Manhattan office job. "The image of a life, not a dynamic life, of going through the motions... that was scary to him."
So, we have David Mendell quoting Jerry Kellman recalling something Obama said when he was a community organizer decades ago.
It seems pretty clear that Obama's problem was not the train, or people on the train, or public transportation in general. His problem was with the nine-to-five routine that the commuter train symbolized. Me, I take the train to my nine-to-five job every day and I love it. But I recognize it's not for everyone. And I imagine it wouldn't be for any candidate that aspires to the office of the president. Think about it--would you say John McCain is a nine-to-five guy?
There are plenty of legitimate lines of attack on Obama. But is this really one of them?
between now and November.
It's the silly season and no one can resist. ALWAYS get your news from sources other than partisan political sites.
The Fuzzy Puppy of the VRWC. I've been usurped!
It may be a very positive sign for the advancement of African Americans in this country that you have this guy who is so unbelievably elitist and arrogant. Another sign that they've made it that their political leader is such a Big Richard.
---------------------------------
Oil: Drill here. Drill now. Pay less.
for people of color with dissenting opinions, everyone from Thomas Sowell, J.C. Watts, Michael Steele, Bill Cosby and even the late C.A. Scott, publisher of the Atlanta Daily World, among others.
My father's sellng furniture until his hearing became so bad he was let go, & my mother's working in a boot factory afterwards was "just going through the motions" to Obama. I guess my going to work is "just going through the motions?" Perhaps he's not known the satisfaction of putting in an honest day's work & accomplishing something, or am I being too hard on Obama?
Obama cares about us, and doesn't want to see this happen to any of us.
But I thoroughly enjoyed it when I saw it. Especially the drive-by "You missed." and the RPG "Pull this out and push this..." BOOM! "Wow..."
"Always be honest with yourself. Even if you are honest with no one else."
--me
But I won't be clinging to my commuter train. We don't have a commuter train.
It truly galls me to think this man can claim to be for the people, when at every possible moment, he makes me feel less than worthy of his notice.
"Government of the people, by the people, for the people."
A. Lincoln