It's no secret that trains are one of my favorite things. They have entertained me, given me solace from childhood through adulthood, and have been one of my outlets as an artist. As a musician I have always seen a correlation, between music (blues, jazz, country and folk) and trains.
I was thrilled when I heard that Barack Obama was going to take a train to Washington D.C. for his inauguration. He also used the rails during his election campaign. President Obama is following in a tradition of great presidents. Franklin D. Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln are two that come to mind. FDR had his own private car and train fully equipped with all the latest communication equipment of his day. Often the observation cars were used for speeches by the presidents at so called "Whistle Stops." Both FDR and Lincoln made their final journeys aboard the very trains they used. Trains are an icon in America's history and will remain and important part of our heritage.
The train that president elect Obama took to the inauguration is special in that it represents a very important milestone in history. The election of our first Black president. For years black porters made the the beds in the Pullman sleepers for the white clientele. Now the person of color is riding in style in a plushly appointed private car. It's only appropriate for America's first Black President who by the very act of being elected will put in motion the dissolving of racial barriers. Long gone are the white only waiting rooms.
I am elated at the prospects of having both a vice president (Joe Biden) and president that have a love for trains. Now maybe Amtrak will get the funding it needs, which is important for many reasons. I look for small things that will indicate a persons character. As far as I can see Mr. Obama is breaking a lot of barriers. This should give all of America and the world in general a clue that the train taken by The President Elect is indeed one of Freedom and Hope. The underground (for smuggling slaves) Railroad is no longer underground. Also on a personal note: as a young man of the sixties and seventies, it brings tears to my eyes to see things come full circle and culminate in a dream that we all held and fought for.
-Thunderhands
1 comment:
Great post. Hopefully Amtrak will get funding and we will get more high speed rail to make long distance train rides more time competitive with the planes which emit so much pollution. Also, I think a friend has that book on Ishi, last of the Yahi; I'll bring it in to you sometime when I get it.
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