Riding the rails

Regarding “High-speed rail project steaming ahead” (Page A13, Thursday), if Roy Reynolds’ Luddite ethos was embraced we would still not have the interstate highway system because someone’s land would be taken. He seems to lack the slightest vision of how the world of transportation is changing, while Professor William Cannady clearly has the vision to make this system a jewel for the enhancement of the entire region.

Houston’s planners have for too long compromised with short-term gains and lacked the vision of our early leaders, like Jesse H. Jones and M.D. Anderson. Both had the foresight to enhance the city’s quality with visionary projects such as the Texas Medical Center.

Cannady clearly makes the point that a city that accepts mediocrity is no competitor for a city with developmental vision. D. Robert Wiemer, Houston