Why not just go for high speed boats and cut channels across America too? The rail system in this country is not great, in fact, it barely gets freight there now. So, we are now going to load onto a high speed rail that will require laying more trackage while freight gets a back seat?
The average voter here is a dope too. I heard an exchange on the radio yesterday between some dim bulb who said she supported it because she would be able to do weekends in Miami and return to NYC. When the moderator said, at best and at top speed, it would take 12 hours by train verses 3 by air, she was undaunted. Furthermore, if any of these systems had to be supported entirely by the fare box, a trip would cost in the 100s of thousands to boot.
One line that is proposed is from San Diego to Sacramento. Anyone care to guess how much the public is looking for such a route? Maybe if it hooks up with the Tijuana Trolley it might be a benefit so those illegal aliens can get themselves to their political base, otherwise, another complete waste of money.