An unknown number of people died when a bridge over the Mississippi River collapsed this week. While the loss of life was tragic, what made it even worse is that it was all about money. Republican politicians would have you believe that they can just keep cutting taxes with no consequences. But the people in Minneapolis now know better. It was, however, an expensive lesson in many ways.
The New York Times put it this way, "A steam pipe explodes near Grand Central Terminal, a levee fails and floods New Orleans, a bridge collapses in Minneapolis.
These disasters are an indication that this country is not investing enough in keeping its vital infrastructure in good repair, engineering experts warn.
'Governments do not want to pay for maintenance because it is not sexy,' said John Ochsendorf, a structural engineer and an associate professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
He said the bulk of the nation’s highway system was built in the 1950s and 1960s and is ageing. Referring to the collapse in Minneapolis, he said 'This type of event could become more common.'"
The highway system was built in the 50s and 60s because governments then recognized the value of public infrastructure. They realized that a robust economy depends on a modern transit and communications infrastructure, and they were willing to raise and spend taxes to build them. They were willing to invest in the country's future.
But no more. Republican donors tend to live in gated communities with private services. They send their children to private schools, and can afford private health insurance. They may even have a private jet. They seem to believe they can remain in their private world forever and not have to worry about the decline in public services. They're wrong. Eventually, they too have to drive to their jet on the potholed roads, across the crumbling bridges. They rely on public services too numerous to count to run their businesses--from railroads and airports to electrical grids and telephone systems. And they need to be willing to pay for them.
Maybe the Republican governor of Minnesota will reconsider his ill-advised tax cuts before more people die. At least I hope so.
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