New Government Security Plan for Railroads

caldog Dec 15, 2006

  1. caldog

    caldog TrainBoard Member

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  2. HemiAdda2d

    HemiAdda2d Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Wow, that quote about 'bankrupting ourselves trying to childproof' the rail network... Is this what the DHS really wants??
     
  3. Ed M

    Ed M Passed away May 2012 In Memoriam

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    Think you took that quote out of context. The whole things reads: "We can bankrupt ourselves trying to childproof everything," said Carafano. He advocates the approach taken by Homeland Security, with minimal regulation and cooperation by the private sector."

    So it appears that the more extreme measures are in what the democrats are proposing (at least according to this article). Note that I have neither read the DHS proposal nor what this article says the Democrats are proposing, and my comments are just based on the article.

    However, even this excerpt from the article seems a bit onerous, at least in regard to maintaining cars in secure areas when not in use. "The Homeland Security proposal, to be announced Friday, would require freight and passenger rail systems to inspect rail cars and keep them in secure areas when not in use."

    I guess we'll see how it all plays out.

    Ed
     
  4. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

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    My soapbox thoughts

    This is the quote:
    They are not concerned with the cost because it isn't their money and they do not look at how increased cost will hurt business.

    Another expensive quote:
    So, are these nine cities saying that they deserve safety more that smaller cities? What makes them special. Life is life regardles of where the person lives. Also, what about cities that do not have routes that can be used to go around them? What then, just stop shipping all together.

    The folks who are proposing all these changes need to wake up and smell the coffee. You have to look at the whole picture before making a decision. Perhaps these same people would be happy just to go back to the dark ages and live without all the products those so called hazardous chemicals bring to us every day. Okay, I'll step down now. Sorry in advance for the rant. Thanks for letting me get it off my chest. :angry:
     
  5. MP333

    MP333 TrainBoard Supporter

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    Are they going to enforce the same measures on the trucking industry? Same chemicals, probably more trucks moving around than railcars...
     
  6. EricB

    EricB TrainBoard Member

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    Good point Steve. I know that there are several roads here in Colorado that forbid the transport of hazmat. Eisenhower Tunnel and Clear Creak Canyon being the two close to me. Its less of a terrorism issue and more of a public safety issue.

    As far as the cost: Richard said that the government isn't concern about the cost because its not their money. I agree. It our money. First the RRs are going to ask for gov't for subsidies (just like the airlines) which is our tax money. Second, any money the RR spends on the security will be passed onto the shipper and enentually the consumer - US!!

    Perhaps a good comprimise would be only to secure the hazmat loads when not being moved.

    Also, remember, terrorists are going to do the easiest thing that they can do to cause the most damage. There are several problems with attacking rail freight. The main problem is that its unpredictable - when is a hazmat car coming through? Is it loaded? Is the load going to kill people? Ect... Also, the hazmat can only be placed where there are tracks.

    It would be much easier for a terrorist to get a CDL with hazmat endorsements. Then they could get a load that they know will kill people and place it whereever they want it.

    Eric Bufkin
     
  7. Flash Blackman

    Flash Blackman TrainBoard Member

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    Wondering...are there hazmat restrictions on the Chunnel in Europe? That would be a mess if that was closed.
     
  8. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    The whole thing is bizarre. Absolutely impossible to accomplish. What on earth is a secure area for rail cars when not in use? Talk about nebulous.

    The cities and their attempts at forced re-routes are a hoot. Am uncertain how they have authority to exceed Federal regulation.

    Oh well, there goes more tax money. And, up go those prices of all goods we must buy.

    :thumbs_down:

    Boxcab E50
     
  9. Thirdrail

    Thirdrail In Memoriam

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    "Secure areas"?? Can't you just see turning the sidings where commuter cars are parked at night and over the weekend in suburban towns into armed camps complete with floodlights, razor wire and watchtowers? Or local freight yards?

    I have been to Washington to lobby members of Congress and Senators on rail issues in the past, and believe me, the only one I ever talked to that knew a boxcar from a vistadome was Newt Gingrich, and our discussion was at an alumni meeting, not a political one. The short lines will swing into action over this one, as they have become quite adept at dealing with the Feds over the last couple of decades.
     
  10. Thirdrail

    Thirdrail In Memoriam

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    I just heard Chertoff on the news. If these proposals are enacted, you can say goodbye to any short line railroad, as all railroads will be required to supply exact location of any shipment within five minutes. Most shortlines do not keep in continuous radio contact of their trains. It would also ban all hazardous material shipments in urban areas. Say goodbye to safe water and anything made of plastic.

    The terrorists don't have to bomb us, we'll destroy ourselves trying to be safe.
     
  11. fitz

    fitz TrainBoard Member

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    Remember, these proposals are made by the same people who are "stuck on the escalator," a popular video circulating the net these days under the title "government employees." :teeth: We are doomed.
     
  12. jeffrey-wimberly

    jeffrey-wimberly TrainBoard Member

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    From what I've seen, homeland security couldn't close an umbrella. The only way they can accomplish their goal is to ignore the constitution, close the borders, close the airspace over and around the US and turn this country into a police state, where you need a pass just to leave your home and would have to check in everywhere you went. I've lived in countries like that! NO THANKS!

    Reality check time! There is no way a train can be guarded 24/7 whether it's stopped or en route. It's too danged big! Plus, a group or a very determined individual wouldn't have to attack the train. They can attack the tracks. It is not hard to conceal an explosive device in all that gravel. And as to how would someone know how to do it? Geezz, I was trained how to do it almost thirty years ago! The same training would apply today.

    Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

    A paraphrase of a famous quotation from a speech made by Patrick Henry to the Virginia House of Burgesses at St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia, March 23, 1775
     
  13. Martyn Read

    Martyn Read TrainBoard Supporter

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    From it's opening day there have been restrictions on goods that can be carried either by rail or on trucks on the shuttle trains - although as the rail traffic through there includes car and truck shuttle trains with plenty of small fuel tanks on the vehicles a complete "no hazmats" ban isn't feasible.

    Initially a train ferry was kept in service bringing hazmat loads across, but it was soon found to be uneconomical without the rest of the traffic - presume these loads now either go by short-sea container or by truck on ferry routes.
     
  14. friscobob

    friscobob Staff Member

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    "If the opposite of pro is con, then it stands to reason that the opposite of progress is Congress"

    -author unknown


    I refuse to comment further on this topic so as to keep away from a political rant. The proposal is a Dilbert cartoon from Hell.
     
  15. HemiAdda2d

    HemiAdda2d Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Is that anything like 'Military Intelligence; two words combined that can't make sense'? Dave Mustaine said that in one of his songs, Hanger 18.:shade:
     
  16. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Ah yes. The infamous oxymoron..... We can come up with similar stuff about certain railroads. Past and present.

    :eek:mg: :sad:

    Boxcab E50
     

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