I was kind of surprised at the hating on kids in BC. BC isn't the quiet car, folks - if you want quiet, move one car to the rear (on Regionals, at least). I don't think that I'll ever have the $$$ for all 3 of us to take a trip in Acela First, but if I did you'd better believe that I'd have my son right there with me every chance I could.
I don't think anyone was hating on the actual kids. More like annoyed/disgusted with the
parents of those kids and those who endlessly fawn over babies at the expense of their job. There's a difference. And who can blame them? Just look at your post above. You almost sound like you're just itching for a fight with the nearest first class passenger and only your lack of funds has prevented you from repeatedly tempting fate. Personally I don't disagree that your views on acceptable behavior change drastically when you
choose to have kids. But not all of us have chosen or will ever choose that path. Not all of us consider procreation our primary purpose in life. Just being around other people's kids is more than enough for me. They're great in small doses, but I don't like being a parent for more than a couple hours at a time. Some of us just want a quiet and peaceful existence and we should have that right without having to constantly fight for it. Not to mention that the "quiet car" appears to be more of a concept than a reality.
THIS! THIS! THIS!
FINALLY! Finally there is someone here with some common sense and isn't all OMG 'how can you hate kids you evil person'. I hate how people think just because you don't want to hear endless screaming of a child and find the banshee annoying that you hate kids. It's well proven our minds are wired to find the sound of a crying/screaming child annoying.
I also hate the 'well you don't have kids so you don't understand'. It's such an ignorant and self-centered thought. There are other people on the train, and yes children will cry but to sit there and say 'but kids do that' and not try to stop it is the most disrespectful thing you can do.
I also hate parents who let their children run like wild animals up and down the cars, especially when it's early and people are still sleeping. Really use your head mom and dad, stop thinking about you and think about others first.
Oh and the sightseeing car and PAX inside said car are not baby sitters, don't leave your brat there and expect people to watch them.
Oh and people who try to smoke in the bathroom. That annoys me too.
I also find myself a bit uncomfortable with prayer at the table during meals. I am not at all religious, so this puts me in a very awkward situation. I am never sure how to react or what I should do.