I’m not shocked at the political charges flying in Washington D.C. tied to the serious and deadly train wreck near Philadelphia. In fact, I would have been a little surprised if no one tried to take political advantage of the opportunity. Both sides do it. But the reality is that little or nothing will ever be done if both sides just look for opportunities to make political points and ignore addressing, in a positive and constructive way, the very real problem that exists. In this case it is our rail system, which is second class to many countries around the world, moving us closer to the day where we will be more like a developing country. What we need is dialogue, talking to each other and actually listening. There is a huge gulf between our two extremes from which to work on compromises that are positive in many ways for our country.
An appropriate response would be not just good for those who ride the rails but the economy in general. I know this is not a hot button issue for those of us in the Midwest. Opposing such specific investments is a safe political move. But how are we going to get support for our own needs with that kind of attitude towards the obvious needs of others? We will have needs, and it won’t just be the isolated but devastating tornado that we want and expect help to recover from. It could be the reservoir silting in that, without massive action, will at some point serve little or no purpose or the drought that is devastating to our economy. Yes, it requires resources, but by investing, we not only address a very real need, we also create good jobs and help the economy. For me, that works.
Click here to read a piece printed in TIME Magazine by Ray LaHood, former Secretary of Transportation and Republican member of Congress from Illinois, making the case very effectively.
Below is a story that aired late last year on 60 Minutes which provides more detail on our country’s neglected infrastructure and the political maneuvering that is slowing solutions:
An appropriate response would be not just good for those who ride the rails but the economy in general. I know this is not a hot button issue for those of us in the Midwest. Opposing such specific investments is a safe political move. But how are we going to get support for our own needs with that kind of attitude towards the obvious needs of others? We will have needs, and it won’t just be the isolated but devastating tornado that we want and expect help to recover from. It could be the reservoir silting in that, without massive action, will at some point serve little or no purpose or the drought that is devastating to our economy. Yes, it requires resources, but by investing, we not only address a very real need, we also create good jobs and help the economy. For me, that works.
Click here to read a piece printed in TIME Magazine by Ray LaHood, former Secretary of Transportation and Republican member of Congress from Illinois, making the case very effectively.
Below is a story that aired late last year on 60 Minutes which provides more detail on our country’s neglected infrastructure and the political maneuvering that is slowing solutions:
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