In response to Joseph Coco Jr.'s letter about "Amtrak Economics," I would like to make some points.

First, every form of transportation that Amtrak competes with is subsidized by our government. The government built and maintains the highway system, while the airlines enjoy direct subsidies and guaranteed loans. This is in no way a free-market competition. Why should only Amtrak have to pay its own way?

Coco refers to "an elite" enjoying a form of transportation that the market has rejected. I'm pretty sure he has never ridden on Amtrak or he would know how funny that statement is.

Last, Coco writes that the moral answer is to let the marketplace decide. We differ on this, too. When it comes to morals, I can't imagine looking to the marketplace for guidance.

But Amtrak isn't about morals. It's about spending tax money. I do agree with Coco on one thing — if we want Amtrak, we should be willing to cut government spending in other areas. I want Amtrak and can't even begin to list the billions in government spending I'd happily eliminate to support it.

Otto Hallgren

Whitefish