[bvpcvm]

Absolutely. Amtrak should run trains basically in the regions identified for HSR, not cross-country. Unfortunately, senators in rural states like Wyoming and Nebraska have just as many votes as senators from populated states like California and so can fight cuts to services through their states. (TBH I've read that's what happens, but I don't know of any examples. Assuming that it's true...) it seems odd that politicians from rural states, which tend to be red, would even fight for Amtrak service, given they way they want to destroy all government services. In fact, maybe that's an angle to work - co-opt the tea party to get rid of long-distance Amtrak and put those funds to use where the people are.