A tale of the rails

Re “Fleeing all but each other,” Column One, May 13

I was riveted by the story. Given that I’m a “normal person” living the expected life of job, home and latte, I was surprised by a sense of camaraderie with Adam Kuntz and his lifestyle.

I couldn’t help thinking that maybe he isn’t as dysfunctional as we would like to believe. Could it be that he just feels more intensely than most the emptiness of our existence?

His dad says that Kuntz’s travels may be a way to deal with “tucked away” emotions. Maybe. But maybe he just sees more clearly that there is something terribly wrong with our world and is courageous enough to actively question it. I feel it too, there in the back of my subconscious like a dream barely remembered. Is Kuntz a bum or a prophet?

When I figure that out, I’ll let you know. Right now, I have papers to shuffle.

Allen Greer

Bakersfield

::

It’s quaint to think of these kids as Depression-era hobos, but, in truth, Kuntz is -- and his late girlfriend was -- an alcoholic who requires rehab rather than trains. A 12-step program would probably have saved Ashley Hughes’ life. Not as exciting as trainspotting, perhaps, but certainly a path to survival and a meaningful life.

Rod Vickery

Mission Viejo