On DU - the Bushler gets blamed for everything - even bridges

[hfojvt]

I am reposting this, since I did ten minutes worth of research to verify what most of DU knows (although I am surprised DU isn't blaming this on Pelosi and Reid - yet)


100% Bush's fault? No, although once upon a time a President did say 'the buck stops here'. The following articles show, briefly, that crumbling bridges and other infrastructure have been a problem for a long time. In general, Republicans have not funded this because they would rather give the money to rich people in the form of tax cuts. I guess Haliburton is not in the construction business or something. Plus, I think there may have been a war that started in 2003 and has taken alot of our attention and money. At least I heard a rumor that this had happened.

http://www.accessmylibrary.com/premium/0286/0286-104781...

"The mayors of four U.S. cities asked Congress to provide more federal money to finance improvements in the nation's infrastructure because cities are not able to keep pace with booming growth and need to upgrade their rapidly aging systems, including highways and sewers. " 25 Jul 2001


*** Notice who cut funding AFTER an increase was requested.

http://www.transact.org/transfer/trans02/05_15.asp

"The passage came after a compromise between the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and House appropriators left the Revenue Aligned Budget Authority (RABA) mechanism in place, while calling for its revision in the future. The funding cut in the Bush Administration budget was largely due to RABA. " May 15, 2002


**Republican-leaning organization arguing against increasing taxes to fund bridge repair.

http://www.cltg.org/cltg/clt2006/06-10-17.htm

'But several members said the commission has concluded the state cannot adequately fund its highways, mass transit system, and other transportation infrastructure without a significant infusion of new revenue.

"With declining federal revenues and the cost of the Central Artery the state must find additional revenue sources to maintain and expand its highways and mass transit," '

*** Key phrase there 'with declining federal revenues'

http://www.asce.org/reportcard/2005/page.cfm?id=108

"While long-term Federal transportation programs remain unauthorized since expiring on Sept. 30, 2003, the nation continues to shortchange funding for needed transportation improvements." 9 Mar 2005


Hmmm. The nation (under the presumed leadership of President Bush) continues (note in 2005 CONTINUES) to shortchange funding

funding for what? What's that again?

NEEDED TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS