With apologies to Forest Gump’s Mama
Knocking on doors is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get.
Tonight I came across yet another Bloomington resident who thought it took an act of courage on the part of Democrats to raise our taxes because our bridges (yes, he said “bridges,” as in more than one) are falling down and our roads need repair. He is happy that we all are paying more because more money equals better bridges and roads. Right?
Wrong. Money does not keep our bridges from falling down. Money does not keep our roads in good condition. Good engineering, quality construction practices and materials, and prudent maintenance practices will keep bridges from falling down and roads maintained.
Money does not solve problems. People solve problems. Money may be a tool to get a job done. Money is not the first and only solution as many Democrats seem to believe. We should first try managing our State’s existing resources effectively before we blindly follow the Democrat’s cry and just throw money at a problem.
At the other end of the spectrum, tonight I met a husband and wife who were good enough to invite me into their air conditioned home for a few minutes and give a me cool drink. This was much welcome. It was 90 degrees and humid and they offered me some comfort. Their kindness was much appreciated. There really are a lot of nice people out there.
You never do what you are going to get.
September 12th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Bob with respect I think we received the nations attention when a major interstate bridge collapsed that served roughly 140,000 vehicles a day, 13 people lost their lives, and the costs of losing the bridge are expected to be higher than the costs of replacing it (in terms of business, transportation, river passage, excluding the cost of human life). The Federal Highway Administration advised States to examine over 700 bridges of the same design nationwide after the NTSB found the gusset plate issue (with the NTSB’s final report expected late this year). Tim Pawlenty estimated the cost in economic terms of the loss of the bridge to be between $400,000 to 1 million dollars per day(I have recently seen more accurate/higher numbers this was from Pioneer Press 2/21 Tad Vazner). Excluding the tragic loss of human life and injuries, the new bridge will likely cost less to build than the economic loss sustained during the time it was out of commission. Again with respect I think the money for bridge and road inspections and proper maintenance is money well spent. I am sure that when they built the bridge in 1964 they did’nt say ‘lets use sub-standard materials and designs’ to save the taxpayers a few bucks. The NTSB has expressed grave concern in the gusset plate design used at the time in over 700 bridges nationwide. The person you are talking about is clearly happy that the issue is being addressed not that they are paying more in taxes. Everything has a cost. People solve problems, the people you want solving your problems cost money.