Although, it seems, most agree, this nation needs a well – considered, economic boost, now, in order to take some steps towards helping our economy, and citizens, recover! Merely, haphazardly, throwing good – money, after bad, may have some immediate positive impact, but, is not the optimum approach, or a way, to get, the most bang – for – the – buck! Even, before this pandemic, it should have been obvious, many parts of this nation, have serious, perhaps – crucial, infrastructure needs, which have often, been delayed, for decades. This includes, but, is not limited to: upgrading airports, trains and train stations, and other forms of mass transit; improving the condition, and functionability of roads, restoring and upgrading them; addressing potential issues, related to tunnels and bridges, etc. While, economic stimuli are timely, needed, and necessary, restoring the nation’s economy, requires a well – considered strategy, and a timely, action plan, to make these needed expenditures, in a way, which will benefit us, for many years to come! With that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, 5 specific reasons, this is the best, most relevant and sustainable, approach, and course of action.
1. Moral equivalent of FDR’s, WPA: When Franklin Delano Roosevelt, served as President, during, and after, the Great Depression, he instituted a number of moral, ethical, necessary, social programs, In order to stimulate the economy, and restore jobs/ employment, he created the WPA, which proceeded, to create, restore, and build, not simply, in the short – run, but in the longer one. At this point, we need to create a similar concept, which spends money, wisely, in order to employ people, while finally, addressing, long – overlooked, infrastructure needs, today, and into the future!
2. Super – boost economy: If the government, behaves smartly, and responsibly, it will not only spend money, but, do so, wisely, by investing in America’s future. This will serve two purposes: (1) immediately, stimulating the current economic conditions; and, (2) use those funds, on things, which will make America greater, into the future! Governor Andrew Cuomo, of New York, refers to this, as providing, a super – boost!
3. Older cities have failing infrastructures: This nation has many older cities, particularly, in some of our largest cities. Engineers, who have inspected, things, such as bridges, tunnels, roads, and other transport, state these deficiencies, and the danger, of procrastinating on some, long – overdue necessities.
4. Timing: Often, it takes adversity, and/ or, some degree of a crisis, to be, the impetus, to making changes, for the better! In addition, a crisis, like this pandemic, has created, the perfect time, to make significant changes! The economic and employment benefits, as well, as the reduced, amount of current use, make the timing, ideal!
5. Job creation/ necessity: Many believe, we will be entering a period, unlike the previous ones, where there becomes, a New Normal. Many jobs will probably cease – to – exist, many businesses will close, and/ or, down – size, etc. While, this will be an ever – evolving situation, we need, both, a relevant, immediate strategy, as well as a longer – term one! Addressing current infrastructure needs, while, re – visioning the future, will be beneficial, on many levels.
The time has probably, never been, as ideal as today, to begin addressing our infrastructure, in a well – considered way! Demand better, and more, from your elected officials!
Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, professionally run events, consulted to thousands, conducted personal development seminars, and worked on political campaigns, for 4 decades. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles. Website and LIKE the Facebook page for common sense
