The Stamford Advocate
Staff Reports
In a statement last week even his defenders would admit could have been put more delicately, Rep. Christopher Shays spoke something close to the truth: "The irony of our high energy cost is that a lot of good things will come from it." Call it timing, or simply indication that everyone's mind is on the same thing these days, Mr. Shay's comment coincides with a six-part series Advocate and Greenwich Time reporters, photographers and editors have assembled, which takes an in-depth look at how residents in our communities are coping with the high gas prices. In the face of $4.50 gas prices, political opponents jumped all over Mr. Shays' comment, calling him out of touch, elitist - all the old standards. And there's no question that people from all walks of life are facing hardship from the continued climb in energy prices. But in a heated political climate, opponents won't admit what they probably know is true, which is that Mr. Shays is right. With gas at $1.50 a gallon a few years back, politicians and consumers had no incentive to make changes, even though all signs indicated the good days couldn't last. This country imports huge amounts of oil from unstable parts of the world, and rising economic giants like China and India are stepping up the competition for finite resources. Rising energy prices were predictable, but the political will to change course was almost nonexistent. Now, with the country's economy reeling under the strain, politicians are - slowly - taking some action. A case in point is the overwhelming congressional approval this month for a bill that would set aside $14.9 billion for Amtrak over the next five years. Driving is expensive, so eyes turn to mass transit.
For nearly a decade, Democrats and Republicans have argued over how best to fund the federally subsidized rail service. GOP leaders agreed to the funding authorization after Democrats accepted a proposition that could privatize a high-speed rail line in the Northeast Corridor. The bill includes an amendment offered by Rep. Chris Murphy, D-Cheshire, that would support commuter rail service through central Connecticut along an existing line between New Haven and Springfield, Mass. While there are many questions to be answered about the costs and benefits of funding such a line, it is worth exploring. No one likes high gas prices, but there is no question they are inspiring people and the government toward different behavior. Officials need to ensure that the pain those costs are bringing leads to a better future. Original Article: http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/ci_9679650 Click here to read more about Christopher's views on energy issues
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