While we are all enamored with the current surge in redeveloping passenger rail, here is something to ponder.

In the mid-19th century, we discovered that hauling large swaths of people by rail was a profitable venture. Rail transportation, and its commercial use, grew rapidly until air travel was discovered and became the popular mode for travel.

What impelled the growth of railroads was not government but entrepreneurs, such as Vanderbilt, Gould, Morgan and Harriman. Government never was a major player, which is something to think about as to how, or why, we have become so dependent on government.

Until next time,
Dan

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Dan Reichard

Dan Reichard

Honorary member, Business Member Board of Governors

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