I saw three headlines that somewhat unintentionally went together:
Senate Republicans block Obama infrastructure plan. Even though the plan had a majority support, because of a filibuster, the $60 billion infrastructure plan won’t go any further.
Work has begun on the Sherman Minton Bridge across the Ohio River. The bridge was closed because of a significant crack in a load bearing part of the bridge. The winning bid was $13.9 million and work is estimated to start in December.
Economists expect slow growth in 2012. The state and national economies should expand somewhat in 2012 but not enough to reduce the unemployment rate. A major component of the weak economy, according to an economist quoted in the article, is government inaction.
So, we clearly have an infrastructure need. We have people unemployed, able and willing to do the work – probably cheaper now than when the economy recovers, and we have government inaction standing in the way. Senators Lugar and Coats both contributed to that inaction. Thank you gentlemen.
Doug, I agree with everything you write, except terming it “inaction”. It is a very deliberate action indeed.
And yet, Lugar is getting dogged by the Murdouckers.
It’s pretty simple. You want infrastructure spending? Cut something else.
It’s even simpler than that, get the money from those who don’t need it.
I have lost my remaining respect for Dick Lugar. He clearly knows better; he is groveling before the Tea Party nuts who have taken control of the Republican Party–trading his integrity and dignity for another term. It is a pathetic, embarrassing end to what had been a distinguished career.
It is not simple to determine “who needs it”. Does Bill Gates father “need” Social Security and Medicare? Do your parents or grandparents? That’s where the money is.
What spending did we cut or revenues increased to pay for the last 10 years of infrastructure projects and war in Iraq and Afghanistan? There is the money we need, unfortunately we already pissed it away.
Both wars cost less than Obama’s stimulus. At least Sadaam is dead and the Taliban are in some Pakistani caves. What did we get from the stimulus?
Well, somehow my 10 year old, 100k mile SUV is still worth $12k (according to kbb.com). Cash for Clunkers has really screwed up the used car market, all the low end cars have been crushed.
Which really sucks if you are a poor schmoe looking to buy a cheap used car.
Sorry Buzz, but I had to fact check your statement.
As of the end of June 2010, DOD reported that the cumulative total of war-related obligations
were $885.4 billion including:
• $641.5 billion for Iraq (72% of total);
• $217.1 billion for Afghanistan, almost all of Operation Enduring Freedom (25%);
and
• $26.9 billion for enhanced security (Operation Noble Eagle) (3%)
(DOD, “Cost of War Slides As of April 30, 2010,” June 2010.) 2010!!!
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 distributes funds in three ways. Since its enactment in February 2009, $724.8B has been paid out. (As of 10/28/2011) 298.5B of this are tax benefits. (Recovery.gov)
As you can see the cost of the wars as of June 2010 exceeded the cost of the stimulus to date. The wars have also created long term costs in veterans benefits. The jobs provided through stimulus dollars also provided tax revenue.
Oh, and I am just a “schmoe” and had no problem buying a cheap ($3,000) used car in January of 2010, less than 3 months after the program ended. It’s still running great! Undoubtedly traded in by another “schmoe” that couldn’t actually afford a new car even with the allowance. And yes, it would have qualified.
You got lucky, Tori. Cash for Clunkers took 700,000 old cars off the road. The law of supply and demand can’t be ignored. Used car prices are some of the highest ever, which is kind of unusual seeing as how the quality of cars is better than ever and they last a lot longer than they used to. Obviously, the market has been screwed up by the stimulus.
As for Stimulus vs. Iraq/ Afghanistan, I stand by the truthiness of my statement. ;)
Because if something is repeated enough that makes it true?
No, because it is truthy. OK, technically the stimulus was less at this point in time. But the numbers are damn close. And we’ve been in Afghanistan for almost 10 years now (isn’t December the anniversary?).
Hey, Tori,
I admire your niceness to those on the losing end of an argument. You could be thinking how ignorant or despicable they might be, and yet you treat them respectfully. Is this your typical mode of operation? It’s refreshing.
Tori’s probably new here.
There are a whole lot of people who simply don’t bother with commenting here much, if at all. I’m one of them.