The Sun's coverage of the recent Amtrak train derailment highlights a major problem the system needs to address: The lack of security aboard its trains ("Death toll in Amtrak derailment rises to 8," May 15).
It's true that outdated trains and equipment can account for such disasters. However, of even more concern is Amtrak's failure to protect its passengers from possible terrorist attacks.
For example, there are no security guards on board Amtrak trains. Because of the lack of security for passengers, such attacks are just waiting to happen.
In the early 1990s, I contacted then-Rep. Ben Cardin to express my concerns regarding this lack of protection. To his credit, he was able to get additional funds allocated for dealing with the threat.
Unfortunately, today Senator Cardin has become another victim of the old adage that power corrupts. No serious attempts by Amtrak have been made to address the public safety and security issues on its trains.
The billions of dollars of taxpayers' money spent on Amtrak epitomizes the folly of pouring good money into bad programs.
What is needed is for Amtrak to go out of business and let the private sector take over. The truth is that Amtrak has become just another government boondoggle.
Ralph Jaffe, Baltimore
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