Re: Hurt feelings in Silverton

If there're two things we, as a society, love to do these days, they're to take offense when no offense is intended, and to bash the "rich". Combine the two, and we're in heaven.

I see nothing to be offended about in Harper's comments. Nothing. There is a very clear demand for upscale travel services these days, largely driven by the aging segment of our population who've set themselves up for a comfortable retirement. Rich? Well, that's a relative term. Most of the people who I personally know who fit this category, and who very actively pursue this kind of travel, are admirable people who've worked hard to get where they are. They're generally people I admire for what they've accomplished. To the majority of the world's population, we're all rich here.

In any case, the demand's there whether "we" are interested in these services or not. I'm certainly not - I already find Durango bigger and more touristy than I like, so I certainly don't want to see Silverton heading that way - but my preferences don't change the facts.

Now, if nobody in Silverton's interested in partnering with Harper to provide the Silverton end of things, fine. Don't. I'd personally hate to see Silverton become the next Telluride. There's already a Telluride. But I have a hunch it'll happen to some extent, and the train'll likely drive it, either directly or indirectly.

Scott