Any ideas for New Deal style infrastructure projects to provide the jobs-

[MiltonLeBerle]

to pull us out of the coming Depression?

I favor the development of regional high-speed rail projects, connected to form a nationwide network, similar to the current Interstate Highway system.
I also like the idea of developing alternative energy sources- solar, wind, etc. and fuelcell technology for cars, and home/business use.
Rather than a new and bigger electrical Grid, I'd prefer to see reasearch & development towards smaller, individual generators for business and home use, so that people won't need a grid in the first place.
I would also favor the de-criminaliztion of hemp/marijuana, and R&D into medical as well as industrial uses- Henry Ford originally wanted to make the model T out of a type of 'fiberglass' resin synthesized from hemp oil.

[AP]

1. Cures for all the diseases that drug companies want to treat

rather than cure (ie, a new March of Dimes, for AIDS, cancer, etc.)

Think of all the social wealth that will flow back to the people if we did that.

[AP]

2. High speed inter-state and commuter rail lines all over the country

Just think of all the wealth that would flow out of the oil, auto, and airlines pockets and into the pockets of Americans, and think of all the productivity gains if people didn't have to waste time driving, if there were real transportation alternatives to autos and airplanes. Andi increased mobility is always good for the workforce.

When Jeb became governor he canceled plans for a rail line that was going to connect FL's three major cities. It was going to be a big triangle that would have been great for small businesses and their employees, the middle class, and tourists, but bad for the oil industry. I say that reviving that one would be on the top of my list.

[not systems]

3. masive solar and wind generation projects

Nation wide. Where ever it can be done it
should be done. Break the backs of the oil
and power warfare state.

[AP]

4. Exactly!!!

That would create a ton of social wealth. A ton! And would make the US hugely competitive.

[not systems]

5. the last booming economy

Was build because of FDR and nation wide electrification.

Bringing back cheap public power built on nonimported
resources will do more for peace and prosperity that
any other thing I can think of.

New fast rail will be great it is going to
come up out here on a initiative Fall 2004.

[proud patriot]

6. Alternative Energy

is the launch to the moon of our generation .
IMHO

[diamondsoul]

7. Easy.

Start with renovating and updating our hospitals and schools. Move on to alternative energy projects, or do both of those at the same time. Once you have alternative energy sources up and running, you focus on building information systems like the internet and transit systems, along with rebuilding bridges and such that need it.

There are billions of jobs to be created in this country, the people just have to demand the work. We've got to rise up and demand it in the polls.

[AP]

8. I think there should be a federal program that fixes people's homes

I read the Bruce Sprinsteen spends millions on an organization he started which drives around NJ looking for peoples whose homes are in shambles. He gives them loans which they use to pay skilled contractors to fix their homes. If they people can't pay back the loans, that's OK.

It gives people dignity, and often helps them cut many other costs in their life (like energy costs, and high cost temporary solutions).

I think the Feds and states should take on projects like this, 'cause it's good for property values in entire neighborhoods, and because it spreads money down into professions I happen to have fondness for -- carpenters, plumbers, roofers, painters, etc. -- in addition to poor homeowners.

[InkAddict]

9. WOW - DUers to the rescue

Wonderful ideas and such enthusiasm - I'm very impressed. How we gonna pay for those visions of the future?

[AP]

10. Same way FDR did...

progressive taxation with a little bit of borrowing (read: investing in the future).

[Nazgul35]

11. we could repair all the projects...

that were built during FDR's term, but were allowed to rot away under various repug administrations....

[TreasonousBastard]

12. Give OSHA and the EPA some more teeth.

Require more worker safety... Require environmental cleanup and cleaner industry...

Setting tighter standards forces R&D and investment. And, pushing for international standards gets others to buy or license our technology.

No, it won't kill anyone to clean up their business, but it will spur economic growth and start new industries.

[radfringe]

13. need a national goal

not since Kennedy gave us the challenge to put a man on the moon by the end of the 60's decade have we had a national goal

Thi challenge did more than just reaching the moon - it also gave us a sense of pride and accomplishment, it also produced new technologies that in turn spun off to produce new products and that in turn gave us new jobs

A national goal of being "oil-free" in 10-20 years would do the same thing. Research and development in products that use alternative and renewable fuel sources would benefit us in many areas - including environmental concerns. And yes, this would require extensive work to upgrade our infrastructure.

During the Carter Administration when the oil embargo and gas lines were going on, there were several small starts to get off the oil. Consumers demanded cars with better gas milage, solar panels for use in homes were available to the general public, better construction of homes with a focus on better energy conservation etc.

but, the "oil-crisis" did not last long enough to really get things going. As soon as fuel became cheap and readily available we went back to guzzling the oil.

[AP]

14. solar powered flying car.

Or a monkey man.

"God schmod. I want my monkey man."
- Bart Simpson

[MiltonLeBerle]

15. Flying Cars will NEVER Happen on a large scale basis.

A lot of people already have too much trouble manuvering their cars in two dimensions, and you want to add a third? no thank you.