Letters: Are the condems playing deaf?

Aug 4 2011 Buckinghamshire Advertiser

WHEN vanity combines with deafness, the result is HS2.

Our politicians have fallen into this dual condition, dismissing reasoned argument as Nimbyism; ignoring economic evaluation because it does not fit their point of view; changing the forecasts when proven flawed; and deaf to argument. Even the questions in the consultation are designed to confuse and obfuscate. As ungrammatical as it may feel, say NO to each question when you respond.

HS2 is a terrible waste of scarce financial resources. Spend money on capital infrastructure rather than wasted social schemes as the former will provide economic benefits that last, but pick the right schemes. Improve the existing infrastructure. Increase platform lengths and train lengths on existing routes to ease commuter congestion. Modernise and extend the high-speed broadband links to be better, faster and capable of doing more, thus removing the need for business travel wherever possible.

As to vanity. It is politicians trying to be remembered for something other than scandal, war and economic misjudgment, except it is another misjudgment for which they will forever be vilified. Stop HS2 now.