Hoarding is exactly what the government is doing right now by filling the SPR, and frankly it's the best thing that could happen. It drives prices up. High prices encourage demand destruction. They also finance new well development. The hoarded oil gives us a buffer to fall back on once shortages become more prevalent. High prices are what we need in order to adapt to what's coming, and the sooner they happen, the better.
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 4:22 am Post subject: Re: WSJ: America's Back Working On The Railroads
CNR and CPR are still closing down spur lines in Canada, but in most cases the rail beds are still there. A big debate what to do with them. In most cases communities use them for recreation. But many farmers would like to own - and control - the access through their land. They could save on the cost of fencing for example. However, having those rail beds in public hands would help if they ever needed to be re-built.
Quote:
Canadian National Railway Co. has signed a deal to buy the Athabasca Northern Railway Ltd., a key railway link to the oilsands region of northern Alberta.
CN said Monday it will pay $25 million for the railway and will invest $135 million in upgrades over three years to improve transit times and service consistency.
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 9:25 am Post subject: Re: WSJ: America's Back Working On The Railroads
Quote:
you used to be able to get anywhere in this state by rail. Rail transit is very cheap from an energy standpoint. It's very frustrating to see because if they can't even rebuild old rail lines, then I doubt there would be any interest in building new ones.
If oil goes to $200 a barrel then I suspect those old lines will come back to life.
Quote:
However, having those rail beds in public hands would help if they ever needed to be re-built.
Why? Is the government the only party in society capable of reviving old rail? It would seem to me that having the lines in private hands would be best, since then it would not require an act of congress to revive them, just a favorable market situation.
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 10:16 am Post subject: Re: WSJ: America's Back Working On The Railroads
LoneSnark wrote:
Quote:
Why? Is the government the only party in society capable of reviving old rail? It would seem to me that having the lines in private hands would be best, since then it would not require an act of congress to revive them, just a favorable market situation.
The railway lines are not owned by the government and were not operated by the government. This would be a private initiative. But the decommissioned road beds are still in community hands and they have not been broken-up or criss-crossed with private fences. Therefore, any would-be buyer would be dealing with one owner for the entire line versus having to deal with multiple parties, and as others mentioned previously any hold-outs. All the new owners have to do is re-build the rail bed, replace the old ties and relay the track. The whole operation is much cheaper and faster than starting from scratch. _________________ The organized state is a wonderful invention whereby everyone can live at someone else's expense.
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 12:46 am Post subject: Re: WSJ: America's Back Working On The Railroads
Have bought into Kansas City Southern (KSU) and 2 Canadian railroads (CP and CNI?). The stock of the latter 2 has come up about 7% over the last couple of weeks. As mentioned in one of the articles quoted above, railroads have finally become profitable again. Am thinking about going into Southern? Pacific, Union Pacific etc.
g
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 1:43 am Post subject: Re: WSJ: America's Back Working On The Railroads
Code:
Building railroads on land with multiple owners today is more analogous to the interstate highway system, as it was built using the powers of condemnation and eminent domain. Had it not been, it would have been logistically (and financially) impossible to build a continuous system.
Here in Poland they are having a hell of a time with this issue. _________________ Men argue, nature acts !
Voltaire
"...In the absence of the gold standard, there is no way to protect savings from confiscation through inflation."
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 3:58 am Post subject: Re: WSJ: America's Back Working On The Railroads
If you drive through Poland you will see the problem. Very narrow road built for traffic density of the 1960's. Now overcrowded and due to EAST-WEST traffic in EU, not capable to handle this traffic. One Giant Mess !!!!
2012 World Cup will be fun for the fans, NOT!!!! _________________ Men argue, nature acts !
Voltaire
"...In the absence of the gold standard, there is no way to protect savings from confiscation through inflation."
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