15 chapters across the catalog
The Department of Transportation is analyzing the feasibility of using rail cars and deep-water ports to transport fuel to areas affected by the pipeline shutdown. The discussion touches on the Jones Act and the potential benefits for rail companies like Burlington Northern, owned by Warren Buffett.
Speculation arises regarding whether the Suez Canal blockage serves as a promotion for China's Belt and Road Initiative, which offers rail alternatives for transporting goods from China to Europe. Observers note a shift in mainstream media focus away from COVID-19 toward North Korea and Chinese logistical solutions.
A deep dive into the world of private rail cars leads to a proposal for a new service called "Troober," the Uber of trains. The hosts discuss the luxury of private cars attached to Amtrak trains and the potential for a business model focused on high-end, personalized rail travel.
A Massachusetts representative's push for infrastructure investment includes a claim that a train reaching 79 miles per hour qualifies as "high-speed rail." The hosts mock this definition, noting that cars in Texas can legally travel at 85 miles per hour, making the "high-speed" label for the rail project appear ridiculous.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's vision for a national high-speed rail network is criticized as an inefficient "retro" project. The hosts argue that the plan primarily benefits private rail owners like Warren Buffett by using taxpayer money to upgrade rail beds that should be maintained by the private sector.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood defended the California High-Speed Rail project during a congressional hearing, despite reports from the state auditor labeling it an immense financial risk. The hosts criticize the project's $100 billion price tag and its planned route through the Central Valley. They argue that high-speed rail will not alleviate traffic jams on Highway 5 or in Los Angeles.
A clip of Vice President Joe Biden appearing intoxicated during a speech is followed by a satirical report from The Onion. The parody suggests the Obama administration is replacing its national high-speed rail plan with a "high-speed bus" plan to save billions in recovery budget funds.
CNN Pro-Train Propaganda and High-Speed Rail
CNN's Sandra Endo produces a segment comparing Amtrak to air travel, which the hosts characterize as blatant pro-train propaganda. They point out the omission of travel time to stations and the "me time" giggle in the report, suggesting the piece was funded by high-speed rail interests.
Republican governors-elect Scott Walker of Wisconsin and John Kasich of Ohio have rejected federal funding for high-speed rail projects. Keith Olbermann is criticized for his defense of the projects, while the hosts point out that the proposed "high-speed" trains in Ohio would only average 50 miles per hour, far below international standards.
TSA Administrator John Pistole confirmed during congressional testimony that the agency is reviewing "surface transportation" priorities, including passenger rail and mass transit. This aligns with President Barack Obama's vision for high-speed rail, which he previously marketed as a way to avoid airport-style security delays. The hosts predict that the "security-industrial complex" will eventually implement scanners and pat-downs at train stations and sporting events.
American Public Transportation Association, High-Speed Rail Lobbying
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) released a survey claiming 67% of Americans support high-speed rail, which the hosts characterize as a biased lobbying effort. APTA is identified as a major Washington D.C. pressure group receiving significant funding from industrial giants like Siemens. The discussion suggests the survey is designed to manufacture consent for massive public spending on rail infrastructure.
High-Speed Rail Promotion and Airline Industry Degradation
The "Trains Good, Planes Bad" segment highlights stories intended to discredit air travel, such as an airline refusing to fly a donated kidney and a passenger freak-out on a JetBlue flight. The hosts examine the "Sky Rider" standing seat concept, calling it a fraudulent plant designed to make flying seem unbearable. They contrast this with the efficiency of "lifesaver" flights that receive priority for heart transplants.
Warren Buffett and BNSF Railway Maintenance Standards
The BNSF Railway, recently acquired by Warren Buffett, is criticized for the rusty and unwashed appearance of its locomotives. The hosts compare this to historical pride in refinery maintenance and speculate that the railway is neglecting current equipment in anticipation of high-speed rail upgrades. They suggest new rail specs for double-decker cars are designed to accommodate large freight containers.
Corrine Brown, John Mica, High Speed Rail Promotion
Video press releases featuring Congresswoman Corrine Brown and Congressman John Mica are analyzed. The politicians promote high-speed rail as a way to move "people, goods, and services," while the hosts characterize the appearances as scripted PR events funded by the rail industry.
National Rail Program Goals, Tampa to Orlando Corridor
The Obama administration's rail initiative aims to reduce highway congestion and carbon emissions while increasing productivity. The Tampa to Orlando route is highlighted as an initial project, with Biden describing the $8 billion as "seed money" for a larger $55 billion national program. The hosts remain skeptical of the project's long-term viability and its impact on the automobile industry.
