While Jon Greenbaum correctly criticizes the failed conventional wisdom strategies for Rochester's economic revitalization ("A Better Way to Boost Upstate's Economy"), he presents few positive strategies and, unfortunately, he dismisses the most promising initiative, high-speed rail, out-of hand, as "politically unfeasible."

We must remember that the abolition of slavery, women's suffrage, and equal rights for people of color were once also dismissed as "politically unfeasible."

Rochester's economic prowess in the past was nourished by transportation --- in the early 19th century by the Erie Canal, also once dismissed as politically unfeasible. In the 19th and 20th century, Rochester prospered as a major railroad junction where the lines coming up from the coal fields in the south met the great east-west trunk line of the Grand Central, which connected the seaboard with Chicago and the iron mines of Michigan.

Rebuilding America's railroads to modern standards would not only be Rochester's economic salvation but also is the single most effective strategy for reducing the use of petroleum. A modern railroad system is the key to all three: energy independence, reduction in global warming, and a prosperous western New York State.

With a vision and courage, yesterday's politically unfeasible has become today's reality. We can do it again. You can help by joining one of the organizations working to bring modern railroad service to America, like the Friends of Amtrak , or the National Association of Railroad Passengers.

We have to face the truth that there are no local or quick measures that will cure the ailing upstate economy. The conditions affecting us are national in scope. We are a part of the great northeastern Rust Belt that stretches from Schenectady to Flint. (During World War II, this area earned the title "The Arsenal of Democracy.")

Our prosperity is tied to the prosperity of the entire American manufacturing sector. The measures that will eventually make a difference to Upstate are a fairer international trade policy, a balanced national transportation policy, and a realistic energy-independence program. That takes us back to rebuilding our rail network, which more than any single available measure offers the possibility of great benefits for the region, the nation, and the environment.

Sam Abrams, Dartmouth Street, Rochester

Jon Greenbaum's response: I agree with Sam Abrams that our nation needs to upgrade its rail travel. Progressive grassroots activists need to push back against the conservatives who are trying to eliminate all subsidies to public transportation.

Of course, Amtrak is a federal issue, and I was just addressing what New York State could do. And perhaps I should have clarified that I was focusing on short-term solutions to our states problems as opposed to more long-term structural reforms that are necessary.

Unfortunately, the reality in Albany is that grassroots public transportation advocates have an awful lot of work to do to get the legislature to work on visionary investments. This is what I meant by "not politically feasible."

Hopefully the second installment of the two-part article, featuring the Fiscal Policy Institute's One New York proposal, provides some positive strategies for economic revitalization. We need citizens working for long-term structural changes as well as short term reforms that have some existing traction in Albany.