Asked to make a sacrifice

The local papers, especially, have been full of articles about the effects of the Regional Rail announcements on residents of the inner west. We were particularly struck by the comments of Nick Fahey (The Mail, 21/7/10):

"I'm clearly in support of public transport and this project. As much as its painful to be affected by it, somebody has to be affected. But if we've got a group of people who are being asked to make a sacrifice you show them some gratitude and respect."

Elsewhere he expresses shock at the lack of compassion shown by many Victorians (including government representatives) for those who will lose their homes.

Gratitude, respect, compassion - is that really too much to ask?