Getting a grip on climate chaos is going to require a functioning rail system — one that people will willingly use.

Would such a system arrest photographers participating in its own annual photo contest?

Every time Amtrak falls apart — which typically occurs on days ending in "y" — it hurts us all. If Obama wants to make concrete change fast, he could do no better than to make rail revitalization a high priority. He should aim to create a system that he would be happy to have Malia, Sasha, and Michelle use.

Meanwhile, we’ve got Amtrak … because the federal government doesn’t think the DMV inflicts quite enough suffering.