I've read all the the comments. It seems like the general consensus is that most FReepers (with one or two exceptions) have never rode in a HSR, do not care to ride in one, and associate it with progressive liberalism and communism. They would rather follow the dictated of whomever is flying the conservative banner rather than question why things are so, and what is wrong with our society.
I for one, have a background in aviation, and I love trains. So am I conflicted? Not in the least. Each method serves a purpose and a role. For cheap costs, easy comfort, and a leisurely experience, nothing beats HSR. This is hands-down the preferred way of travel.
Air travel in the USA is like going into a slaughterhouse with TSA groping, and NSA screening, not to mention DHS military watching your every move. Then you are jam packed in seats too small for you, with cramp inducing leg room.
As the videos clearly show, that HSR in China doesn't resemble the USA nightmare. And the point of the article is a good one...
Americans need... NEED to slap their collective faces and look around them. The rest of the world is moving on, and America is being left in the dust. Or to put it another way....
I met a IT specialist who did ten years at hard labor. He told me that all he could think of while he was in prison was all the different ways that "dial-up" modems could be improved. he must have worked out twenty really ingenious ways to improve them. Then when he exited prison he looked around and everyone was using wireless and dial-up modems were obsolete. He was totally out of his element, and went into a kind of mind numbing shock. It is difficult when all your plans and beliefs come crashing down.
Most of the comments here, and read them for yourself if you don't believe me, are rationalizations as to why there isn't any HSR in the USA. Rationalizations. Not one person is willing to look at the problems and the obstacles and say.."Here's the problem! and we, as Americans can easily over come that minor hurtle." Instead, we rationalize.
Like the overweight person that sits in front of the television and watches a show on how to exercise. Instead of turning off the TV and exercising themselves.