I hate congress.
Bridges? Airports? Nationwide high speed train network? Buses? Light rail? Fixed roads? Nationwide smart grid? Solar? Wind? Millions of NEW jobs?
Nope.
That would be the smart thing to do after all. That would be and INVESTMENT. That would have a RETURN. That would be a wise use of THE PEOPLE'S MONEY.
Instead, Nancy Pelosi and the lobbyists want more dumb things, and that's what we will get.
This bill is full of hand-outs and tax cuts. America will have a sugar high. And they'll still be stuck in traffic, they'll still be addicted to foreign oil, and they'll still pollute the world.
And when that sugar high wears off, unless a massive infrastructure bill is passed after this pork fest, along with a fix to the entitlements ponzi scheme, we'll be right back to where we started.
F*cked.
And stuck in traffic.
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28 comments:
Solar, Wind, and Sugar Smacks.
Drove across the Triboro, now RFK bridge last night. They just spent 5 years replacing the deck on that thing and the ride across it is so jolting, it feels like it needs replacing again.
Our infrastructure situation is simply terrible. Compared to Europe, we look like a second rate power.
I don't know why you even bother talking about "unless we do this..."
It's so far past midnight, too late for anything to change in America.
You'll have to wait generations still for change to come and by that time, America will have dried up and another country or countries will have taken its place for the "land of the free and to each his own".
America has already turned into a bananna republic and it's infrastructure will continue to degrade, gangs will increase in size and strength and there will be only a few places on the populated coasts where people will be able to live without complete fear.
Most of those in the regions between will suffer but manage to get by on their own and will resort to barter and illegal activites including but not limited to:
drug production,
slavery,
prostitution,
theft,
illegal gambling,
extortion,
ethnic cleansing,
oranized crime in all aspects of public life.
But then again, America already has this to such an extent that most will hardly notice the difference i.e. Washington won't be the only place where the above-mentioned list occurs anymore.
There will be no "crackdown" against the people, the government won't have the resources to do it. And military and police factions will become like gangs controlling large swaths of the crumbling country like tribes.
Investing in our infrastructure is such a fraud. The government already taxes us to death. For example, there is a 18% federal tax on gasoline. That 18% revenue is supposed to go to the Federal Highway Administration and then they disperse that money to states so they can maintain our highways, roads and bridges. But guess where that money went? God knows where, but they spend it as fast as they can get it!
Change. True change, real change, honest to goodness change can not and will not happen in America until we the American people hold our elected officials accountable.
Nimesh, if you think investing in infrastructure is a fraud, I encourage you today to think about every time you interact with government-build and government-maintained infrastructure.
I think you'll be amazed. If you can open your eyes.
Your roads
Your electricity
Your protection from murder
Your protection from fire
Your protection from theft
Your town's schools
Your airport
Your street lights
Your running water
I could go on, but I'm getting bored.
CUT OUT THE PORK!!!!
Frisbee Golf course in Austin. How does that create PERMANENT JOBS?
Leashless Dog Park in CA. How does that create PERMANENT JOBS?
Harleys in Louisiana?
Butterfly Garden in FL.
New Icebreaker? I thought because of global warming there was no more ice in the Arctic?
More neon lights for Las Vegas????
Tennis courts for VA? How does that create PERMANENT JOBS?
And it goes on and on---- Earmarks for friends back home. Nothing to add PERMANENT high paying jobs to our economy. Lots of programs and public works that promote welfare and leisure activities.
I WANT WORK! NOT WELFARE!!!
I hope Senator McCain doesn't vote for this bill.
If Barack Obama isn't going to live up to his campaign rhetoric, McCain can restore the people's faith in him as a man of his word.
The attitude of Americans towards government is pathetic. While they have the smallest governmet in the developed world all they can propose is more tax cuts for the rich. While they spend only 0.6% of GDP in infrastructure(China 12%) they still support the failed supply side neoliberal economic policies. While governments in Europe and around the world increase infrastructure, education,health spending and support hard hit manufacturing sectors, America has lost 15% of its manufacturing jobs.
During the last 30 years of small government and neoliberalism real wages for the bottom 80% have been stagnant but at the same time top 1% has doubled its income share.(It is the same story almost everywhere where else in the world)Income inequality in the USA is among the highest in the world along with Brasil and Venezuela. The average American was able to increase his living standards through debt accumulation and rising paper wealth. Now that this is not possible anymore I wonder how fast the average American will change his perception about "Big Governmnet". Americans must get used to it whether they like it or not.
> They just spent 5 years replacing the deck on that thing and the ride across it is so jolting, it feels like it needs replacing again.
>Our infrastructure situation is simply terrible.
Vanilla, that isn't a lack of investment. THAT is corruption. I've heard it said that all the NY metro state contractors are controlled by the mafia, and it seems perfectly believable to me. What you have there is a perfect example.
Heh Heh.
Tax breaks for the wealthy. It is just that old Reagon "trickle down" song and dance routine.
No stimulus here.
"For example, there is a 18% federal tax on gasoline."
As far as I know that tax is one of the only ones that does go to what it was intended, our roads and highways system.
And that 18% is a pittance, it amounts to 40 cents/gallon right now. To maintain and build our roads properly it should be $1/gallon. And on top of that there should be another $2/gallon tax to pay for public transit/bicycling/walking to make up for all the external damage caused by automobiles.
I would gladly pay $5/gallon for gasoline. I'd get to laugh every time an entitled car driver complains about it.
Why do we need more trains and bridges Keith? Is our whole purpose "to improve the earth". Humans have messed up this great unexplainable non-understood treasure enough. We need to find a different basis of our existance.
They wanted "shovel ready", all that stuff you want takes years to plan.
They should do both, it took a world war's amount of spending to end the last depression.
Hey Keith, open your eyes this will be the mother of all big dig criminal infrastructure projects ever.
Good Morning from the shit hole known as California.
I won't wast much of your time today, acctually waste my time but it was a nicer way to put it I guess.
"It is not a game!"
Barack Obama reffereing to this "pork fest" he so truly adors as Pelosi and lobbyist pull the puppet strings.
My message to the president. No Sir it is a f'n joke. As of yesterday the public approval of this bill had falllen to 37%.
The entire federal gov is a joke, not just Congress but the White House Admin as well.
No need for "Welcome to California" signs anymore. The transition to rough roads already let you know that fact.
Keith: Wow. I agree with you completely on every detail of this post!
These people are idiots! This country needs more than a sugar high. IT NEEDS CHEMOTHERAPY.
It's dying!!
Blogger keith said...
Nimesh, if you think investing in infrastructure is a fraud, I encourage you today to think about every time you interact with government-build and government-maintained infrastructure.
I think you'll be amazed. If you can open your eyes.
Your roads
Your electricity
Your protection from murder
Your protection from fire
Your protection from theft
Your town's schools
Your airport
Your street lights
Your running water
I could go on, but I'm getting bored.
February 7, 2009 1:58 PM
Keith, when I said "investing in infrastructure is a scam", what I mean is that the government already taxed us for the supposed reason for building our infrastructure, so where did all of that money go? Besides, do you really trust the government to build a bridge, mass transportation, etc... when every single time it goes through cost and time over runs? I think not. It is amazing to me that no matter how often our government fucks things up, we still trust them.
A better idea would be to tax us, the people less and allow the invisible hand of the free market to provide our needs. The government has done enough to mess up our lives.
Anonymous vanilla ice said...
"For example, there is a 18% federal tax on gasoline."
As far as I know that tax is one of the only ones that does go to what it was intended, our roads and highways system.
And that 18% is a pittance, it amounts to 40 cents/gallon right now. To maintain and build our roads properly it should be $1/gallon. And on top of that there should be another $2/gallon tax to pay for public transit/bicycling/walking to make up for all the external damage caused by automobiles.
I would gladly pay $5/gallon for gasoline. I'd get to laugh every time an entitled car driver complains about it.
February 7, 2009 3:54 PM
Good Lord, why don't you pay $30 per gallon then if you trust the government so much? The government can't keep our borders closed, they can't provide adequate mail delivery and they allow Wall Street criminals to ply their trade. And after all of this, you still trust Uncle Scam? It's time for people to believe in themselves and trust themselves. But trust Uncle Scam with my hard earned money? I think not!
Nimesh,
FINALLY, a reasoned and intelligent response. I swear, I'm getting very disappointed with the level of discourse and debate here.
Yes, I favor the free market over the government. I would like to see the elimination of the income tax, and a drastic cut in government.
That said, America needs airports and roads and trains and light rail and water and bridges and so much more.
So, what can be done?
How can America's infrastructure be world-class (which it is not, not even close), and yet get the government and corruption out of the way?
Come travel around Europe if you want to see infrastructure. Some countries MUCH more so than others. The Scandinavian countries are amazing. The Netherlands is world-class. The UK and France and Italy and Old Europe are falling apart.
Then get into Asia. Countries like Japan and Singapore are putting America to shame.
And then look at China's 600 Billion infrastructure stimulus. They need 10 trillion more, but hey, it's a start.
Infrastructure will lead the world out of this depression. Eventually, when governments and people come to understand the opportunity at hand.
Will America join the cause? Or will it be left behind?
FINALLY, a reasoned and intelligent response. I swear, I'm getting very disappointed with the level of discourse and debate here.
Some of us are getting tired of Keith's level of arrogance and delusion with Obama.
Infrastructure will lead the world out of this depression. Eventually, when governments and people come to understand the opportunity at hand.
Will America join the cause? Or will it be left behind?
How do you propose that infrastructure will lead the world out of depression? Do you have a historical precedent to prove your theory? The reason those Asian countries have all of the latest and greatest infrastructure is because they can AFFORD IT. They are the productive engines of capital in the world.
America is broke. Building nicer airports, bullet trains and bridges to nowhere will not change that fact. Yes, America does need basic infrastucture and maintenance but that goes without saying.
Yes, last gutless anon, I do have historical precedent. Please read up on the Interstate Highway System
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_Highway_System
And after you're done with that, please enjoy the building of the railroads
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_transport_in_the_United_States
Oh, might want to read about going to the moon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_11
Or maybe even something as simple as the 10 things we must fix now
http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/transportation/4257814.html?series=53
Why do I blog for idiots? Is this a representation of how far the United States has fallen?
While they have the smallest governmet in the developed world all they can propose is more tax cuts for the rich.
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stop your moveon propagada. tax cuts for the rich? everyone received a tax cut (except those who don't pay taxes). the rich received a larger dollar benefit because they pay most of the taxes.
F*ck, liberals are a math ignorant bunch.
the Interstate Highway System
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_Highway_System
And after you're done with that, please enjoy the building of the railroads
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_transport_in_the_United_States
Oh, might want to read about going to the moon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_11
Or maybe even something as simple as the 10 things we must fix now
http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/transportation/4257814.html?series=53
Why do I blog for idiots? Is this a representation of how far the United States has fallen?
Like I already said - we all agree that government has a role in providing *basic* infrastructure.
1) Interstate Highway System - APPROVE
2) Rail transport - APPROVE
3) Moon shot - APPROVE but only because at the time the US was a productive and wealthy nation that could afford such extravagance.
Do you really think a moon shot would serve America well today when the US is in debt up to it's eyeballs? Is that how you conduct your personal business Keith?
That would be like working at Taco Bell and driving your Pinto to work each day and then deciding that to improve your productivity you need to go out and buy a Ferrari Enzo.
There is a big difference between basic infrastructure and extravagant infrastructure that provides no real enhancements to productivity.
What I'd like to hear from you Keith is where you really stand on government intervention in the economy. Your opinions span the gamut. Are you a Monetarist-Keynesian-Krugmanite or an Austro-RonPaulian-Misesian? You can't have it both ways.
Now because you're so upset about anonymous users I'll provide a signature.
Signed,
Gonzo
Are you serious?
"Your roads" - I35 bridge
"Your electricity" - Eh? That comes from the electric company. Part of my itemized bill is for their infrastructure.
"Your protection from murder" - Last I checked, people get murdered.
"Your protection from fire" - I live 2 blocks from a fire dept. My neighbor's house burned to the ground from a rag fire. It takes a while for a rag fire to get going.
"Your protection from theft" - Robbed Thanksgiving 2007.
"Your town's schools" - Don't get me started. I pay for private.
"Your airport" - 'Let's build an airport. (20 years later) Now let's pay to soundproof all the houses that were built near the airport after the airport was there. It's not like it's our money."
"Your street lights" - None
"Your running water" - We approach the PPM limits for a few pollutants about once a month
While they have the smallest governmet in the developed world all they can propose is more tax cuts for the rich.
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You nailed that one good. And the more they cut taxes on the rich, the more the rich will hoard.
Cut taxes on the wealthy, and give the money to the commodity speculators. Reduce food stamps, and the poor will either starve or pay rent. Cut medical care, and small neighborhood clinics will close because people can't afford to visit them. Refusing to fund public transportation will force more commutors to depend on their cars to go to work; the results are easy to guess. How can an average Joe afford a TV set from Wal-Mart without a job? Why would he even need one if he doesn't have a place to live?
With the way the bill looks now, I don't think it's going to create jobs. It will only make fat bank accounts fatter. Might I be wrong?
MrCoffee
iPhones
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