Amtrak provides fine service and should be supported

Amtrak provides fine service and should be supported
EDITOR:
Let me voice my objections to the short-sighted policy of our president in reducing funding for Amtrak. To do so would limit passenger rail service and place a bigger burden upon auto and air transport, which is already in a crisis mode. It would also limit my option to travel and I would be forced to either join the "jet set" or suffer as a highway traveler, with all of its headaches. Highway and byway transport is expensive for one person to get from here to there, and as a result, transportation as a whole suffers.
Our president has often reminded us that "it's your money," so if that is true, for my money, expand and develop public transportation.
A recent experience as a rail passenger on Amtrak brought forth forcefully my limited knowledge of rail transport today. I hadn't ridden a train since the steam locomotive was phased out. What a revelation. When, if ever, did you travel by rail? Try it. You will then share the same enthusiasm and delight that I did.
Let me share my ride with you.
I walked up to the ticket agent at Salona Beach, in San Diego, and purchased my ticket to Victorville, by way of Los Angeles. No lines, no searches and no questions. In 15 minutes I was aboard in the business section. No sooner seated than I was offered a drink and informed if I wanted refreshments to help myself at the counter at the rear of the coach. My coach was like the interior of a huge 757. Seats that could compete with a Lazy Boy for comfort. If you choose, open the fly leaf table, plug in your laptop or phone into the outlets and spend the next 2 hours, 12 minutes doing your business on the way to L.A. Want to wash up? A spacious restroom with diaper change facilities available. Hungry? Besides your snack bar there's a dining room fit for a four star hotel. Linen, silverware and glassware, and a gourmet menu. Had your fill, go to the observation lounges and see the sights before you arrive at Union Station in L.A.
At Los Angeles you have but a short walk and in half an hour you are on your way to Victorville. That's a 3 hour, 12 minute ride in continued comfort.
Let me quote the price: Round trip of 10 hours, 44 minutes, $84.05. Every mile and every minute worth it.
Some observations I made: For the handicapped, there is spacious room and a coach equipped for them. Time spent between trains was less hectic and hurried. I would imagine parents with children would greatly appreciate the room afforded them.
In summary: The world is a busy place. Time seems to be in short supply and racing toward a goal that I would be hard-pressed to define. I have run my race and my goal is preordained, but I would like to take my time getting there. I'll go by train and hope I can purchase a ticket.
LOUIS MAMULA
Lowellville
Celebrate responsibly
EDITOR:
St. Patrick's Day is a time when everyone in New Castle joins together in celebrating Irish heritage. At LaRusse Distributing, we would like to say "thank you" to the 122 million American adults who have been a designated driver or have been driven home by one. According to a national survey by the Data Development Corporation, 93 percent of Americans believe promoting the use of Designated Drivers is an excellent or good way to reduce drunk driving.
By working together, we continue to make progress in the fight against drunken driving. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the number of fatalities in drunk-driving crashes has declined 38 percent since 1982.
We're winning the fight against drunk driving, but there's more work to be done. So before we make a toast in tribute to St. Patrick, let's look out for one another by drinking responsibly and designating a driver. Remember, responsibility matters.
LISA GEORGIANA
Consumer Awareness and Education
LaRusse Distributing
New Castle, Pa.
Squad raids wrong house
EDITOR:
I wish to bring to your attention an incident that happened to one of our local senior citizens. The incident occurred March 4 when a Youngstown Task Force frightened and almost alarmed her at her residence. She was shaken due to the force of knocking at her side door.
When she asked "who is it," they identified themselves. She opened the door and asked what they wanted through the screen door, to which they replied, open the door. She asked what they wanted, and their reply was they were looking for a particular individual. She told them she did not know this person and no one by that name resided there.
She was not alone at home at this time; her son was there. He also was frightened and came downstairs to tell her to let them in after he had seen them from an upstairs window with their weapons drawn. The residence was then searched for whoever they were looking for with no result. She was told that they were there on a tip that the individual was there. It wasn't her son, or anyone else that she knew that they were looking for.
Since this incident I've been in contact with the following: mayor, chief of police, vice squad, drug task force, fugitives of crime task force, FBI and internal affairs. None could, or would, give me a firm explanation on what went wrong, but said there was nothing wrong and I should not be concerned. I also contacted my councilman who informed me he would look into this matter and get back to me.
It's ironic that this senior citizen whose family has been at this residence for over 60 years, lost a son to murder in 1995 with no resolution, and has been vigilant in her community about the trafficking of drugs could have this done to her. A formal apology is warranted, because none was given when her residence or privacy were violated.
ROBERT NEVELS
Youngstown