Exactly. This is not just zero-sum thinking, but a right-wing belief that the only tax revenues we have available are whatever government collected in a given year - that we can't ever go out and get more from the rich.

Here in California I keep using the argument that "a rising tide lifts all boats" (yes, it's cribbed from Reagan, but it works) - that greater investment in HSR will fuel public support for connecting transportation services.

However, I've also found that people who make this argument, that we have limited funds available and should spend it elsewhere, are really just looking for excuses to oppose HSR.

And the world will live as one