Say What? What They’re Saying On Other Editorial Pages Around The Country

Amtrak’s headed for derailment. Privatize it.

In the 25 years since it was created as a government-run train system, Amtrak has devoured $13 billion in subsidies - but still can’t turn a profit.

Now, Amtrak officials have said they expect to run out of money within a year. Bailout proposals include that of Republican Rep. Bud Shuster of Pennsylvania, who suggests a half-cent national gas tax to raise about $500 million a year for the beleaguered system.

What would serve Amtrak best is privatization. A private Amtrak could restructure staffing and eliminate unprofitable routes. A better-managed Amtrak could make a winning case to Wall Street and refinance its debt at lower interest rates (now as high as 17 percent).

From an editorial in the Clovis (N.M.) News Journal

Commercials won’t save public TV, they’ll end it

There are certain expectations that come with watching public television. Shows are supposed to be high quality. Viewers are likely to be exposed to different cultures and ideas. And programs shouldn’t be interrupted by advertisers hawking $99 mattresses.

At least we thought so. But now PBS stations in Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis and Miami have announced their intentions to ask the FCC for permission to air commercials two nights a week. The reason: money, or specifically, the difficulty of getting it from traditional sources like government and public donations.

Broadcasting commercials on public television is in direct opposition to its very charter.

From an editorial in The Seattle Times

Clinton’s China policy sells out U.S. security

In his insatiable enthusiasm to curry favor with China through trade, President Clinton has rationalized its human rights abuses, weapons proliferation and questionable adherence to protecting intellectual property rights, but the sale of super-computers to Beijing should give Clinton pause about U.S. national security.

The administration … ignores the pervasive influence of the Chinese military throughout critical sectors of China’s economy. For instance, one laboratory devoted to peaceful research also works for the army to develop long-range missiles. … Clinton’s unqualified embrace of free trade to allow U.S. technology to be turned toward long-term Chinese military advantage represents alarming official negligence.

From an editorial in the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram

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