Train Should Be Embraced

Dear People of Brunswick: I am simply astounded at your noisy desire to thwart one of the greatest traditions of this country — our railroad.

If you’ll recall, the railroad was paramount to the development of this country. The railroad offered opportunities to explore and expand our existence, establish new towns and cities, create jobs & commerce for those places, and connect people throughout our vast, diverse & beautiful North American continent.

Today we face huge challenges to preserve the fundamental conditions of our existence: the health of our planet. We pollute and destroy our environment primarily due to the use of fossil fuels. The main culprit? Automobiles. Alas.

I am confused. You are intelligent people and demonstrate support of the environment, our health, and the need for smart development. This includes farmers markets, cooperative living, recycling, and green practices such as composting, thrift stores, ride share and public transit. But if we hear a train sounds, are all bets off ? I am confused. Alas.

I grew up along the the Northeast Corridor. The sounds of trains were reassurance of life’s continuing cadence. The rumble and whistle became such a part of our fabric that it was only distressing were it missing. When I moved away, the train became a lifeline between my new and old communities. When grown and a driving commuter, I realized the exasperation, frustration, expense and hassle were not the freedom I’d anticipated. At last, I understood the unquantifiable peace of taking a bus, subway or train. And, I look forward to the Downeaster expansion to Bath and on.

Let’s open our hearts and minds.

Carrie Callahan,
Bath