Lincoln was a man of great vision, whose ambitions for America were not limited to the preservation of the union and the abolition of slavery. He wanted his presidency to end with the country united, not just politically but through technology. In 1862, consumed by the search for a general who would fight and in deep contemplation of the ramifications of freeing the slaves in the seceding states, Lincoln managed to secure congressional approval to begin work on the country’s first transcontinental railroad. A longtime dream of the one-time rail-splitter turned railroad attorney, he understood better than most of his era the interconnectedness of prosperity, growth, and national unity. His passions drove him to pursue, in the traditions of Washington and Jefferson, Jackson and Polk, the conquering of the continent, transforming it into an American nation. Today, that same spirit of vision and ambition is reflected in the proposed merger of the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads. Together, as one entity, they become a partnership creating the first truly coast-to-coast rail network of the modern era. This is no small thing. The efficiencies gained from eliminating redundancies create the opportunity for shipping prices to decline, which will be reflected in retail prices. That’s something we can all appreciate at a time when everyone seems worried about affordability. More than that, we know now what it means when supply chains fail. The consequences are very real and very damaging to every household and small business. Families must pay more for groceries and other supplies when they can get them, while retailers and wholesalers are forced to wait weeks or even months for essential shipments to arrive. There’s no guarantee there won’t be another supply chain crisis like the one we endured during the COVID lockdown. Based on what we now know, we can try to mitigate the impact of a similar crisis in the future. If the federal government permits the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger to go forward, it will be saying “Yes” to the creation of a seamless, coast-to-coast network of more than 50, 000 miles of tracks that run through 43 states, linking nearly 100 ports. The merger will strengthen the nation’s surface transportation system, reduce bottlenecks, increase efficiency, and provide lasting benefits for consumers and businesses alike. Nevertheless, the critics of it, like Calgary-based Canadian Pacific Kansas City, should recall their own history. During its own consolidation effort, Kansas City Southern’s then-CEO, Patrick J. Ottensmeyer, explained why real integration was essential to unlocking the rail system’s full potential. “Unfortunately, as is often the case when two railroads try to collaborate on arrangements such as joint marketing and joint operating agreements, they fail,” Ottensmeyer told federal regulators during the CP-KCS merger proceedings. “This is because each railroad works to protect its interests or not expend its capital on a risky commercial opportunity for which there is no guarantee of adequate returns.” In the Trump administration, trade is an integral part of policy and tariff discussions. The proposed unified rail network connects inland producers to the world more effectively. Creating a way for American goods to reach ports faster and more reliably will create jobs, increase overall GDP, and help U. S. manufacturers better compete abroad. A win-win for all involved. The rail industry currently delivers significant economic benefits. According to the Association of American Railroads, every railroad job creates almost four additional jobs in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and technology. The merger’s expansion of operations and infrastructure investment will generate thousands of high-paying jobs and create stability in communities along the rail lines. It will also support long-term workforce growth, guaranteeing stable, lucrative professions for many years to come. Lincoln’s dream was to unite a divided nation through rail. That same ambition should guide us now. The merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern is an opportunity, of course, to strengthen America’s supply chains. It will also expand trade and contribute to lasting economic growth, delivering benefits that reach far beyond the rail industry. The merger will benefit families, workers, and businesses in every state. Policymakers, business leaders, and communities should seize this moment to ensure America remains strong, connected, and competitive on the world stage. Peter Roff is former U. S. News and World Report contributing editor and UPI senior political writer now affiliated with several DC-based public policy organizations. He writes for numerous publications and appears regularly on international television talking about U. S. politics. You can reach him at RoffColumns@gmail. com and follow him on Twitter @TheRoffDraft.
https://www.redbluffdailynews.com/2025/11/26/roff/
