U.S. infrastructure gets a D-plus

U.S. infrastructure gets a D-plus

So how did we get in this mess. Simple really. Unlike families who reinvest in themselves by getting college educations, buying homes, fixing up homes and adding additions, and starting new businesses the United States has been doing just the opposite. Let me explain. The United States built the bulk of its schools, infrastructure and Dams with projects like WPA in the 1930's. We then had a little effort in 1965 called the Intersate highway system. Most of the railroads in this country and subways in cities were built long before that time.

What are we doing instead? Well like drunken fools we are taking a ride on our fathers and grandfathers dime. Instead of reinvesting we deemed it a good idea to give ourselves a great big tax break. Well not really just people making the big bucks got the most of that tax cut. This at a time right before we know we have a very large liability coming up in the baby boomers retirement and health care costs. So we must be building jobs and manufacturing for the future right? Nope. We are buying up foreign cars faster than you can say LEXUS. It's pretty simple really. If we all went to the store and made sure we tried to buy a product made in America or a car the economy would pick up. People would be working.

We could afford the very infrastructure projects that CHINA is building right now with the money we keep sending them for products that used to be made right here in the United States. A wise man once said vote with your pocketbook.

Here is what I am doing. I bought an American car. Every time I go to the store to buy something I try to buy American if it is available. Why? Because I know it matters what I purchase. I am supporting jobs at home rather than shipping another factory overseas. You see I think the best way to help people is to give them good paying jobs, just like George Bush said in his innaguration speech! If we all did that America would start working again. Without a solid manufacturing base no country can survive and its power and dominance will wane. That is why I am putting my money where my mouth is--how about you?