Infrastructure: We know it is decaying

[Aerows]

How do we apportion funds and guarantee that they are to the maximum going directly to rebuilding?

We have a two-fold problem. We have those that don't want to fund anything that benefits the general public, then we have to contend with those that are crooks and do not deliver and never intended to do so.

How can we solve this problem going forward?

[Cleita]

1. If Congress appropriates funds for programs that benefit the general public,

then there is less Treasury money for the MiC and Wall Street to stuff their pockets with. A**holes.

[Aerows]

2. I know

I just figured I'd bring it up in case anybody wanted good roads, good water/sewage systems, and electricity besides me.

[Rex]

3. We must have a functioning Congress and we don't.

Until we get one, expect the infrastructure to keep decaying. Their own pork barrel spending and kick backs caused this over decades of abuse of the system. And we cannot fix it, only they can.

[elias49]

4. Could we be shamed into rearranging our priorities?

More and more we're presented with uncomfortable truths about our status among nations.
For the 'greatest country on the planet', we all know how this country lags behind other countries in a host of parameters.
The condition of our infrastructure is a great example.
Is there a point after which even the 1% would begin to feel uncomfortable because they couldn't entertain their 1% friends?
...because the roads suck, the planes don't fly on time, you just can't get caviar at the neighborhood Whole Foods any more.
I don't think we can do it with money. We have to do it with an enlightenment of some kind.
Then there would be tons of money to go around.

[Aerows]

6. How do you shame people

into, for example taking brain eating ameoba seriously?

I'm at a loss over how to make it more serious.

[elias49]

7. Yikes!

I don't know. But I don't want to believe it's impossible. I have 3 'brand new' grandchildren. And I certainly wish for them a wonder-filled life.

[global1]

9. You've Hit On It....

As a grandparent you'll not be around long enough to feel and experience the effects of the crumbling infrastructure. It's our children and grandchildren that will suffer. That's why it's up to us to encourage the Millenials to - NOW - get involved politically to support the candidate that is truly concerned with infrastructure; student loan debt; income inequality; education; healthcare; social programs; etc. It's going to be their world in the future and they need to be aware politically NOW to shape it otherwise they'll be in worse shape going forward.

We also as - seasoned political adults - need to be sure we support the candidate that will make sure their future's are kind to them and we don't leave them stranded as slaves to the 1%ers, the corporatists and the Banksters. This is the fight of the century. We're on the cusp of a political revolution that could make or break our children and grandchildren's future.

[HappyPlace]

5. A Fourth Branch of Government formed to Represent Future Generations....

I think would cover it.

Everyone and I mean every one in every party and all parts of our society are living for the short term view.

We weren't always this way, even 40 and 50 years ago we were more respectful of unborn generations, I think.

But these days, since the 80s and 90s, it's just gone to hell.

[Pauldg47]

8. Not a bad thought!