OK, I’ve written a ton about the subject of high-speed rail (HSR) and why it’s important to have it here in Hampton Roads.

We’ve also published a ton about it from other writers, who can further expound on the many, many reasons you should care about HSR.

But what it comes down to is this, and I’m going to obnoxiously write it in bold and all caps so that if you take away nothing else from this article, you get this one message:

HAMPTON ROADS WILL ALWAYS BE LEFT BEHIND IF WE DON’T FIGHT FOR TRUE HIGH-SPEED RAIL.

With this one development, we will be connected to the rest of the country through transit that’s on par with the rest of the country. Want to shoot down to Atlanta for the weekend? Up to D.C. for the day? Get to New York in top speed and style? This is how.

With this one development, we will bring ourselves into the future. Want this region to be more cultured? Have cooler stores? Get better bands to come through? Get a sports team? Well, those things don’t happen in places that the rest of the country regards as a cul-de-sac. HSR makes this place a more viable place to live for other people like you, people who would support those things if they did indeed live here. And when that population grows, those things–culture, retail, touring acts, sports teams–become reality. If you don’t fight for HSR, you really can never complain about what Hampton Roads lacks.

Sure, there are other reasons why we should have it. Public safety, the environment, national defense support.

But what it comes down to is the simple fact that Hampton Roads has been left in the dust for just about ever. To get here, you have to take an extra highway off of I-95 out to us, and then go back that way when you leave, before getting back on the main road. That’s what’s going to happen with HSR if we don’t get involved and make ourselves heard.

We don’t deserve to be on the back burner. We are the most populated region in Virginia and one of the most important regions on the East Coast. We need to be planning for ourselves right along with everyone else who has already “gotten it” up ’til now.

People, this is your wake-up call. Progress doesn’t happen by itself. In order to get what you want, you have to ask for it.

Don’t know what’s going on, even? Find out.

Here’s how you do those things:

Today at 6 pm at the Half Moone Cruise Ship Terminal is an informational meeting regarding high-speed rail in Hampton Roads, held by the state VA Dept of Rail and Public Transportation. This is an extremely important opportunity to find out more about the issue and to express to “the people in charge” that we want and deserve true high-speed rail in our region.

Before the meeting there will be a pre-event pep rally at Granby Theater, starting at 4:45. Come by and pick up signs and t-shirts before we walk down to the Cruise Ship terminal together as one. Or just meet us there.

Here’s a link to the Facebook event page.

If you care about making where you live a better place, be there.

That simple.