I think our infrastructure in this country is falling apart and our politicians need to something about it. When you watch shows, read magazines or travel to other countries, their airports, road, railways and transportation hubs are superior, newer and so much nicer than most of the US. I am not saying everything in America in horrible, but living in NYC, have you ever been to Penn Station or Laguardia aiport...case closed. So how do we fix this problem? Well first it takes:
- Visionary thinking
- Lots of $$$$$
On the first point, politicians on both sides of the aisle have been arguing over priorities and financing for infrastructure projects for years. It is a very popular theme to say "Lets build bridges and roads etc", but when it comes down to getting things built (within a reasonable cost structure), it never seems to get done. We need a person to make a visionary plan that is ACHIEVABLE in the next 20 years for our country! We must have someone in this country or in the world to do this!
On the second point, the cost is the most relevant point especially with today's deficits. As an American, I would love to have my government allocate a specific portion of my taxes to these projects and would have no problem paying more taxes if I knew the money was going to there directly. (NO BRIDGES TO NOWHERE ...had to make that joke)
So why can we not do this America??? Why can we not drive our leaders to rebuild our decrepid infrastructure with a visionary and focused plan. I am not going to get into union labor and costs etc, but this is more about doing what is right for America.......
Join me today to push our leaders for a solution to this mess.....I think its something we all can agree on.....I hope
Example of Infrastructure madness
NY Penn Station: If you have been there, no words are needed. One of the largest commuter hubs in the US and its in the basement underneath Madison Square Garden. The Moynihan station, named after the late Senator from NY, was supposed to be built in the current Post office on 8th avenue but of course that has stalled due to various things, but primarily on $$. Penn Station should be restored to how it was and people shouldnt have to feel like subway rats on their way home everyday.
Hudson River Train Tunnel: This tunnel was to relieve pressure on Penn Station for Amtrak and NJ trains which currently "share" those tunnels. Any problem causes massive delays. The new tunnel proposed was going to cost X and any overruns would have cost NJ taxpayers billions. I agree with Gov Christie in "cancelling" the project because the overrun costs would have burdened NJ when NY gets all the tax revenue from the commuters, but THAT DOESNT mean we don't try to get this thing built another way? The unintended consequence of not doing this project is that MORE people drive now because the train service is so frustrating
Lincoln Tunnel Helix: You ever drive on this thing? I feel like I am driving on a mogul skiing competition at the X Games. Maybe people can get together to fix it....
Airports in NYC area: I have not been to airports in Singapore, Hong Kong or Dubai, but I have "heard" those airports are slightly nicer than JFK, Laguardia and Newark. These airports are overcrowded and the infrastructure is not world-class. I know funding has been going to these airports over the years, but why don't we strive for the best airports in the world, not just trying to make them ok. We can do better America!