The dark cloud on the horizon

Now don't get me involved.

 

Very Interestinggggggggg !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Jeezzzz..another one from the past

 

I wouldn't be so sure about rail ...

Maybe it looks good today because of all the excess capacity, but wait till the economy picks up again.

You think highways are bad, you should see some of the arterial and trunk rail bridges, the industry (nearly entirely subsidized by the US taxpayer btw) is awash in red ink - and as many as 30 years behind Europe in technology, track maintenance, and upgrades.

Add to that no real "rail miles" have been laid in over a half a century, cost of land (railroads just confiscated land in the early days), and the always present NIMBY politics (more RRX's in your neighborhood?).

Buffet is obviously a brilliant investor, and is probably "spot on" today - but 5 years from now?

1 major terror attack against the RR will tie up capital for years in security alone, and the billions needed to fix all those RR bridges and tunnels?

With our debt?

Cut those taxpayer subsidies to the RR (the only reason rail is so cost effective now), and watch trucking roar back ...

 

I read a story on the net before summer and buffet was quoted as saying that new lines must be made for trains. He went on saying that it will lower the price of goods and lower the need of foreign oil. Plus less pollution. With obma in office. He just might get his wish.

 

The new lines would take longer than 4 years.

 

Thats the kicker. jobs. jobs will come from new lines, But it will take years after all things that need to be done before they start tearing up the ground.

 

Take a while to lower prices and remove the foreign oil.

 

we will never stop using foreign oil. From what I can remember. He want it done or started in 10 years. He never said what area he wanted to start with, But I'm sure he has a plan.