INFRASTRUCTURE, INFRASTRUCTURE, INFRASTRUCTURE!!!!

There is near consensus (or as close as it gets), that a massive investment in infrastructure is a necessary and vital component of the stimulus plan. Infrastructure investment, and upgrades thereof, are desperately needed throughout the nation. From bridges, to power grids, to public transportation, we have a nation that is falling apart at its seems. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), estimates that it will take $2.2 trillion over the next five years to bring us up to grade. How many more bridges need to collapse, or levees break, before we begin to repair the foundations of the country? Investment in our infrastructure is an absolute necessity, no matter the economic situation.

The economic crisis, which requires an infusion of government funding to keep the economy afloat, seems to be a ready made solution to the infrastructure crisis that we have been ignoring. In addition, it is generally agreed that infrastructure development gives us the biggest "bang-for-the-buck" as any type of government spending. Could there be a more obvious course of action?

Then why is so little being allocated for infrastructure development? Paul Krugman, economist and Nobel laureate, has stated on a number of occasions that the biggest problem is to find enough "shovel ready" projects to spend the money fast enough. His fellow columnist, Bob Herbert, pointed out this morning in his column "Risking the Future," that there are more than enough projects that should have already been done to use all the money in the stimulus. The crisis has met the opportunity. The answer: INFRASTRUCTURE, INFRASTRUCTURE, INFRASTRUCTURE.

Why then, we must ask, is the stimulus package taking so long? Time is of the essence. Start fixing all the substandard bridges, repair and upgrade our power and water delivery systems, begin putting solar panels on private residences and public buildings, and all the other things that haven't been done as conservatives attempted to "starve the beast", and we'll be able to spend all the money Paul Krugman could want.

We know what to do. We have to do it anyway. So why aren't we doing it? Are our political leaders this inept? Or is it just grandstanding for the constituents? Rome is burning and a chorus of violins continue to play.