01] Not long ago [spring 2007], those in the news media reported that the French had set a new speed record of over 350 mph on their rail system – the OTHER type of good news to come out of France in addition to the victory of the pro-American candidate during their recent Presidential election.

Nevertheless, the volatility within the Mid East will continue to have an enormous impact upon our oil supplies and associated costs – to say nothing of potentially impacting our security and national independence.

The threat of terrorism will also continue for many years to come – need I say more?

Thus, the economic impact upon our nation will also be monumental – to say nothing of the potential of it reaching a truly catastrophic level.

Thus, our nation’s security, economic wellbeing, and ultimately, even our way of life will all be determined by our response to these issues that are facing us today. And in the end, everything will revolve around oil – its effect upon our transportation network – along with its effect upon almost everything else in our life.

02] And yet, the vast majority of our political leaders, pundits, and others who think that they “know it all” still continue to only nibble around the edges of this problem with their truly feeble attempts at addressing these issues that are staring us square in the face.

Now at first glance, this may seem like a rather hard, bold, brash statement. But I humbly and sincerely ask you to think about it for awhile.

For instance, the type of conservation that has been discussed thus far is truly naïve for the times that we are now living in. This is true because it is truly limited in its scope; and therefore, its ultimate potential.

Likewise, take a few moments and consider things such as bio fuels, alternative energy sources, building more refineries, drilling up in Alaska, and so forth.

Now in and of themselves, all of these approaches are perfectly appropriate and truly beneficial if the times were normal.

BUT UNFORTUNATELY, the times that we are now living in are anything but normal.

Thus, all of these approaches are ultimately doomed to failure. And, the reason for this is quite simple. Those who promote such things still believe in; and thus, they are only promoting more of the same – or in other words – they are promoting nothing more than the status quo.

WHEREAS CONVERSELY, WHAT REALLY HAS TO BE DONE IS TO COME UP WITH A COMPLETELY NEW APPROACH TO THE ISSUES BEFORE USE!

AND TO DO THAT, WE HAVE TO THINK OUT SIDE OF THAT PROVERBIAL BOX!

03] And, I humbly submit, that such a thing is entirely possible for us to do! In fact, we, as a nation, have already done such things more than once during our past. What is more, I firmly believe that we can; and indeed, must do it again – – – RIGHT HERE – RIGHT NOW!

Thus, take a few moments so as to contemplate about such things as I simply list a few instances from our past of when we as a nation had already thought outside of that box. This list will demonstrate most conclusively what can truly happen when we do just that!

And in fact, back in time, we were very bold in our actions. Likewise, these examples conclusively demonstrate the operation of our boldness at those precise, critical periods during our nation’s history which then produced the greatest leaps forward!

For instance, the most significant milestones in our transportation history must include the Erie Canal [Clinton’s Folly], the railroads stretching across the entire continent, the Panama Canal, the inventions of the automobile and airplane [you know, God did not create people with wings – or, so they said back then], the St Lawrence Seaway, and of course our Interstate Highway network.

Back then, at each step of the way, each one of these examples provides a perfect example of how some were thinking outside of the box during the very time in which these ideas were first being proposed and initiated –

while the vast majority of people scoffed and ridiculed such perceived foolishness!

But in due time, each one of these advancements ultimately captured the imagination of our entire nation, while also uniting us behind a specific goal. And in the end, truly great things were ultimately accomplished.

04] I propose that we must launch and champion a similar type of crusade today so as to propel our nation to its ultimate potential – especially since we must address the range of adversities that plague us today.

So in other words, I propose that we choose a construction project of a similar magnitude. And then, make such a great, massive, significant, and all inclusive construction project the center piece of our entire national effort.

Now, the type of project that I propose has many different facets to it. And in turn, this fact would favorably impact and champion many different political viewpoints, causes, and various environmental concerns – to say nothing of the fact that this project would also help to keep our nation safe and secure while at the same time, also strengthening our economic foundation.

What is more, an undertaking such as this would automatically advance the lifestyle of every American citizen – even the lifestyle of the very poorest from amongst us – by creating a most noticeable and genuinely true increase in our collective standard of living!

What I propose is a transportation building project of such a magnitude that it would automatically propel our entire nation and economy into the 21^st century. But that is not all.

A project such as this would also automatically launch a 2^nd American industrial revolution of mega proportions; thereby, dramatically expanding rather than decreasing the size and wealth of our middle class.

05] Now, there are fundamental reasons for undertaking a project such as this.

For instance, right now within America, the 3 major modes of transportation include the plane, train, and car.

And like everything else in life, each one of these modes is always under the influence and control of that Law of Thermodynamics [which states that for each action, there is an equal and opposite reaction].

Therefore as we have created, expanded, and used each mode over time, the automatic operation of that Law of Thermodynamics has produced a certain action; which in turn, is nothing more than the positive side of this equation.

Thus, each mode has its own primary advantage. For instance, we find that the plane has speed, the train has efficiency, and the car has convenience.

But unfortunately, each one of these modes also has its own reaction; which of necessity then, must include all of the various negatives that are also automatically found within each mode.

It is the existence of all those disadvantages [negatives] that limits the overall development and ultimate capability of each mode individually. And, that is why no one mode has yet to become the end all and be all.

In fact by themselves, the existence and operation of those disadvantages has proven to be very detrimental to the environment and economic wellbeing of our nation as a whole.

For instance, it is quite obvious that breathing the exhaust from the internal combustion engine [like the car, for instance] will kill; and likewise, consider the total negative economical impact resulting from those high oil prices [being created by high demand and host of other causes].

06] Therefore, I propose that we remember our historical roots. Thus just like we have always done throughout our history up to this point in time, I propose that we continue in this approach by creating concrete solutions that could and would go a long way towards eliminating all of those negatives that are inherently found within our current transportation structure.

And in turn, that would be accomplished by building a transportation structure that is at the cutting edge of technology rather than just complaining about the situation – or in effect – just nibbling at the edges like so many have been prone to do up to this point in time.

Thus in line with this approach, the ultimate goal must be to find a way so as to combine these three major advantages [speed, efficiency, and convenience] into one seamless, all inclusive mode of transportation. And of these three [plane, train, car], the train provides the best possible foundation upon which to build such a transportation network.

Thus, I have labeled this entire concept as an ULTRA FAST RAIL system so as to easily differentiate it from the normal concept of high speed rail – because in the end – there really are no similarities between the two.

And just like it was when the recoilless gun was created, creating this seamless mode of transportation would automatically propel our transportation network to its ultimate level of development thus far – while also providing a vehicle whereby many if not all of the various disadvantages of the individual modes could also be eliminated and/or neutralized to the greatest possible degree.

07] In essence, what I propose is a rail network that would blanket the entire nation. And in operation, this system would rival the speed of jets, while also incorporating the convenience of the car; while at the same time, capitalizing on the efficiency of rail.

As a simple example, consider the potential and ramifications if one could travel on the ground via this rail network from Houston, TX to Los Angeles, CA [a distance of approximately 1500 miles] in only 3-5 hours. That means that this rail system would have to approach the speeds of jet planes during normal operation [i.e., speeds in the 300 – 500 mph range]!

But that is not all. Unlike the rail system of today, this rail system would maximize the convenience of one’s own car. This would happen because when one got to their destination, their own car would also be there with them. So in other words, one’s own car would automatically be included during all phases of this transportation experience – if one so desired.

And equally important, this transportation system would truly capitalize on the efficiency of rail because one power source would be used to propel multiple shipping units. And, this factor cannot be emphasized enough. In fact, this rail system could be the ultimate conservation tool! This would automatically happen by including the movement of both passengers and freight within the overall concept of this rail system.

08] Just think of what would be possible if we could eliminate 50 – 80% of our need of jet fuel for planes, diesel fuel for trucks, and gasoline for our cars.

Yes, just think of what would be possible if we could significantly reduce and/or even eliminate our dependence upon OPEC oil – to say nothing of the fact that the overall life of the family car could also be increased by a number of years!

So yes indeed then, the ultimate potential of this rail system is truly that significant! Yes, just think of the money that the average American family would save over time; and thus, they would actually then be able to invest that money so as to increase their own real, total net wealth!

Talk about conservation and good stewardship of our natural resources!

Talk about insuring the continued economic viability of the average American family and our nation as a whole – to say nothing of keeping us safe and independent from those who would like to harm us!

And most important during this age of terrorism, we have to be conscious of the fact that it is kind of hard to use trains as a weapon by flying them into buildings like they did planes back on 9-11!

09] Now, in addition to the continual operation and resulting impact of that Law of Thermodynamics upon all the different modes of transportation, I have also factored into this proposal the realization that all the different modes of transportation are comprised of the same three segments of travel.

For instance, the plane does not just include the element of flying. Flight must also include both the pre and post travel segments.

The pre-travel segment includes getting from our home to the airport and the time spent at the airport, etc. Likewise, the post-travel segment includes terminal time again; and, getting to our ultimate destination.

Thus when all of this is factored in, the actual speed of this mode [flight] is significantly reduced; and thus, no where near as fast as one would initially or casually like to think.

But, there is even more. The best possible choice would be if we could use our own car during the post-travel segment so that we would not have to purchase additional transportation.

But now, our car is still sitting at home or in the airport parking lot. So under present design, flight automatically increases the cost by forcing us into always having to pay for additional transportation during both the pre and post-travel segments,

And again, all three modes have these travels segments; and, the resulting, individual positive and negative qualities.

And likewise, these segments of travel have the same impact upon the movement of freight as well as they do upon the movement of passengers.

Thus, my system has incorporated the benefits of each mode into one, new, seamless mode of transportation while eliminating as many of the negatives as possible for both passenger and freight movement.

THUS FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME IN OUR HISTORY, GENUINE ADVANCEMENT IS NOW TRULY POSSIBLE!

10] And in turn, this can be achieved by realizing that each mode has its optimum zone of travel.

For instance, the plane is ideally suited for travel across oceans and to distant parts of the world. Likewise, the car is ideally suited for traveling short distances – like 50 miles or less. And rail would be the best possible choice for traveling 50 miles or more and even across the continent.

But at this point, it also is important to emphasize the fact that the design of our current railroad structure still has its place – i.e. – thinking of the unit trains and so on. Likewise, ocean going ships and barge traffic would also still operate in essentially the same manner as they do today.

Nevertheless, the primary problem up to this point in time has always been that the three major modes have always been competing against each other for market domination rather than working in concert with each other – in other words – the either/or crowd has been fighting and competing against the both/and.

And so thus, major problems have been created – while achieving real progress in transportation has remained as nothing more than some very illusive dream.

11] So conversely then, this ultra fast rail system is the very first time in the history of our nation that the inherent advantages of each mode has been combined into one entity; and then, used to facilitate the best possible method of transportation; thereby, producing the best possible results for the average American family over time and for our nation as a whole.

In essence, this ultra fast rail system facilitates the best possible method for all three modes. Travel within the 50 mile range would still remain on the current highway network. Likewise, travel to distant parts of the world; and, across oceans would still be via the plane.

But then with this rail system, there would be a series of terminals strategically located and placed throughout our country. Initially, each terminal would encompass a 50 mile radius; but then as the business would warrant, satellite terminals located closer together could be also added. These terminals would be the gateway onto this ultra fast rail system.

12] Likewise, this rail system itself would be divided into two major components.

The first component would be a regional version in which travel would be limited to the 500 mile range.

But then, the inclusion of the second component would handle that travel that exceeds 500 miles, to include the transcontinental variety. Access onto these long distance lines would be from the region lines at strategically placed consolidation centers located throughout the country.

All rail lines would have a minimum of 2 tracks – for simultaneous operation in both directions. But depending upon volume, 4, 6, or even 8 tracks could be built for each line.

Initially, 5 major east-west lines are envisioned with a number of north-south, diagonal, connecting, and spur lines. Also, the basic design of this rail network would copy that of the Interstate Highway system with overpasses, cloverleaf interchanges, and the like.

Thus, speed on this entire network has been designed to always be at maximum speed [of course, except during emergencies].

Therefore, that also means that entry and exit from these main lines will always be at speed; and then, the speed would automatically decrease on the spur line itself on its way to the terminal area. And, there have been numerous fail-safe and safety features that have also been designed throughout this system.

13] At all times, this entire rail network would always avoid population centers as much as possible, except to provide access to specific terminals for entry and exit onto the system.

Likewise, the entire system will always be elevated – unless tunneling is required in specific areas [for safety reasons; and/or, so that the ground underneath can still be used for other purposes, such as farming]. And equally important, it will be built so as to protect all animal life and the fowl as good stewardship would also require.

Plus, it will be electrified throughout via a third rail [and, via a gantry system within the terminal area]. Thus, nuclear, coal, wind, thermal, or even water generated power [such as from dams for example] could be used to provide power throughout the entire system.

So thus, this system of electrification in and of itself would also automatically provide a major plus for those pollution and environmental considerations.

14] And likewise then, in concert with this new rail system, I have also developed some theories relative to the handling of containers at our ports. The concept that I have developed reduces the number of steps [and therefore the time] it takes to lift containers off of and onto the container ships.

This is accomplished by reducing the number of steps of the crane from 6 down to only 2 during both the unloading and reloading process.

And in turn, this will speed the entire process up [while reducing costs] to its maximum potential. In other words, this process in concert with other advancements envisioned could reduce the container ship’s port time needed to unload and reload its container load by more than 50%.

15] But also, another integral part of this proposed container process is how it would also be dovetailed into this entire ultra fast rail system. Thus in operation, both facets of this entire process would then challenge the continued significance of the Panama Canal itself.

Likewise then, an integral part of speeding up the handling of containers within our ports would be to utilize a conveyor system thru every step of the way. And in turn, such a conveyor system could also be easily used so as to provide that pivotal link in maintaining the highest degree of inspections and security within our ports against those terrorist elements.

But most important, this entire system of handling containerized freight [both within the ports and via this rail system] would significantly reduce the overall costs of goods –

and therefore – the ultimate price that is charged to the consumer in the store –

which in turn – would go a long way towards increasing the consumer’s standard of living and ultimate net wealth over time –

to say nothing of increasing the overall competitive advantage of American industry within the global marketplace.

16] So thus in turn, the ultimate impact upon the average American family and our nation as a whole would be further enhanced by maximizing the general movement of freight via this rail system throughout out nation.

This would be accomplished by turning the standard 20’ and 40’ containers into the normal tool used for all shipping within our nation – thereby replacing the normal van, refer, and flat bed trailers that are generally used today.

Thus, these containers could easily, conveniently, and always be used in all modes – whether it was truck, rail, container ships, or even barges and airplanes. Utilizing these containers and this rail system would also include the transport of goods via both the domestic LT and LTL segments of the trucking industry along with the small package industry and even the US mail.

17] Thus, all freight handled within America would follow this general process. The loaded containers would be sitting on their semi trailer at the point of origin – namely – at the place where the container was loaded. Now at this point, there would be two different varieties of these containers.

The first type would be the normal container with the doors in the rear for loading in the traditional method. But also, there would be another version, with the doors on the side so that long freight could just be conveniently and easily loaded thru the side of the trailer so as to protect the freight.

Likewise then, when loaded, a semi tractor would come by and hook up to the container trailer and pull it to the rail loading terminal – usually within a 50 mile distance from the point of origin.

When arriving at the rail terminal, the container transfer area could handle multiple trailers at the same time via automatic side unloading devices [using the side method for speed] and utilizing a conveyor system. And in turn, this conveyor system would also automatically move, short, store and retrieve [when needed], and load the container onto the railway car for the actual travel portion.

This rail system would then transport the container on the railway car to its destination terminal. And then within the destination terminal, another conveyor system would reverse the entire process by taking the container off of the railway car, moving, shorting, storing as needed, and loading back onto semi trailers [again, side loading multiple trailers at the same time] so that the last leg to the final destination [again, usually within a 50 mile radius] could then be accomplished.

18] Likewise, this ultra fast rail system has been designed to be interactive with the present railroad lines – especially in the use of industrial sidings and the like. Thus, even though the present style of railroad cars could and would not be allowed on this network, the equipment from this new rail system could and would use the current railroad right of way to access industrial plants and loading sights directly.

Thus over time, railway feeder lines would emanate from the terminal to various industrial plants, warehouses, and loading points so that freight could be loaded directly onto the railway cars of this ultra fast rail system [and thereby eliminating a good portion of the need for having to use tractor-trailers on the highways; and thereby, reducing highway congestion, speeding up the movement of traffic, reducing the need for highway repairs, and thereby significantly increasing the overall life span of the highway network itself].

Thus when loaded, these railway cars would immediately, speedily, and automatically travel via their own power on the feeder lines to the terminal area so that they could immediately and automatically be connected to freight trains headed to various destinations throughout the country.

Of course, the delivery segment would just reverse the entire procedure. Likewise, a variation of this approach could also be used to facilitate passenger movement to and from the terminal area.

19] Now at this point, it is very important to visualize in one’s mind the real capability of this ultra fast rail system.

We are talking about transporting freight in volume over thousands of miles within just a matter of hours – in fact – over night! Today, this is truly an impossible task!

That is right! This is a feat that no other mode of transport – neither plane nor truck – could ever hope to accomplish in a convenient, economical, and truly efficient manner – in volume!

Yet, this ultra fast rail system has the potential to actually transport freight in volume – approaching the speed of flight; yet, at a cost that would be comparable to transporting that same freight via truck or even less!

And likewise, the same would also be true in transporting individual passengers – along with their car at the same time! [Of course, this system would also incorporate passenger cars that carried just people and their luggage in a similar way as the old passenger trains used to do for those who wanted to travel that way, while leaving their car at home.]

So, when everything has been said and done, this ultra fast rail system has the potential to handle individual units of both passenger and freight traffic throughout our nation at a rate totaling in the hundreds of millions of units [railway cars] per year with the ultimate potential to handle any volume required – in the most efficient, economical, and convenient fashion that has ever been possible up to this point in time!

20] Truly now, this ultra fast rail system provides a most significant and giant leap forward for both our individual and our nation’s overall security, economic future, and general wellbeing!

But, that is not all. Within metropolitan areas, a variation of this rail system could be developed and then used so as to aid in the normal commute. And in fact, since the speed of this system is so high, whole new possibilities of life within America begin to emerge.

Thus at some time in the future, it would be entirely possible for one to live 100 – 200 miles from work; and still, be able to commute to work via this rail system – taking only an hour or so to go to work – which is about the same length of time that many commutes normally takes today!

Thus gradually over time, the make-up of the entire country would change – just like the automobile had created our current urban environment. Only this time, this rail system could be used to facilitate a more systematic and orderly method to such a development.

Thus for instance, it would be entirely possible for manufacturing and related business centers to gradually develop and become congregated within specific locations – and yet – everyone who worked within those areas would be able to commute a distance of their choice which was away from this industrial complex to a place that offered a far more pleasant living condition and environment.

21] In fact, the possibilities that this rail system offers are quite limitless. It all depends upon the imagination and will of our fellow Americans.

Nevertheless in the end, for such a rail system to ever become reality, it all depends upon whether or not such high rates of speed could ever be achieved. Likewise then, how can the whole thing be built, what will the railway cars look like – in short – what are the particulars of the entire system.

Extensive thought has been given to a wide variety of those particulars.

For instance, it has been envisioned that magnetic forces will be used in 3 different ways which would allow this rail system to reach those high rates of speed. Likewise, a host of additional particulars have also been thought through to their logical and functional conclusions.

But in the end, the emphasis is not on the brain power or the theories of just one individual. After all, one’s own personal ego is not the all important thing here – no one individual has an infinite mind. Nevertheless, there is nothing wrong with receiving compensation for new ideas.

Rather, the ideas that are being presented are just a beginning. And in the spirit of the American way; and, with the philosophy that two heads are better than one, it is envisioned that the combined effort of many Americans will be used to make this entire concept become a reality. After all, that is the true genius of the real American spirit.

22] Yet, there is still one last area that must be discussed. Upon initial review, this entire concept may seem to be a threat to those industries and businesses that currently dominate our transportation system.

And in one sense of the term, such an observation and fear appears to be so very true. But when viewed from a different perspective, just the opposite situation starts to present itself.

And, I humbly submit that it is this later observation that may in fact be the correct approach. And in turn, this later observation may be the most plausible because it has actually been built upon reality.

For instance, a poor person cannot support, promote, and create an Ultra Fast Rail system like the one being proposed here – simply because he does not have the financial wherewithal to do so.

Whereas conversely, the giants within the industries and businesses that could be affected by a project such as this are the very ones who do have the money, power, and control to support, promote, and create this system.

Given this fact to be true, they would be in on the ground floor so to speak. So thus over time, their involvement and participation in this project would just mean that part their wealth would be transferred from one money making venture into still another money making venture.

So in the end, their wealth would neither be threatened nor decreased. BUT RATHER OVER TIME, their wealth would grow and expand even more! In other words, this proposal creates a win, win type of situation for all of us!

23] So in conclusion, thank you very much for taking the time to review my proposal. I am prepared to share more information should it become apparent that this proposal has merit. And if you feel that it is a project that does have merit – something that you could champion – please add this cause to your list of MUST DO projects and causes!

And in my mind, there is no question as to the worthiness, viability, need, and benefits to this project.

Thus, I hope that I have been able to paint a word picture that does justice to this most clear vision that is within my mind – because in the end – it would take the dedicated effort of those like you to help bring it about.

And likewise, we must remember that it took the foresight and dedicated effort of President Eisenhower and others back in the 1950’s to promote and start the construction of both the St Lawrence Seaway and our present Interstate Highway system – along with others before him during each critical period of development during our nation’s history!

Thus just like it has in the past, being bold and thinking outside of the box can once again truly benefit our entire nation – ESPECIALLY NOW IN TODAY’S DANGEROUS WORLD!