So now we have a great leap forward on infrastructure
spending. They might be able to fix a bridge or two… buy some rail cars
and buses. Maybe drag rural America out of the 1980s version to high speed
internet. Fix a pothole or two. Maybe rid a few local highway agencies of
nepotism, no-shows and corruption.
There were great celebrations when enough Senators held
their noses and decided they could consider the legislation to fix up the stuff
that keeps America moving. It took some doing.
Now, the hard part. Every two bit politician wants a
piece of the action, and no one wants a nickel spent on the district next door.
This is the real bipartisanship of the currently elected. Party doesn’t
matter when the folks ten miles away get something you don’t.
A beach erosion prevention grant on either coast will set
the cotton district and grain district growers into fits because “hey, where’s
our share?” Of course, that can work both ways.
The folks of New Jersey will be demanding a fix for the
boardwalks and spew jealous rages when someone’s peanut farm or chicken
district in Georgia gets new sprinkler systems.
Eventually these geniuses will work out some kind of deal
and the proposal will pass -- haltingly and with great fanfare. How much
resemblance will the newborn look like its parents? Not much.
I’m wesrichards@gmail.com my opinions are my own but you’re welcome to them. © WR
2021
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