Americans: Invest in our nation

The road has played a strong part in this American's life. Every time I traveled down Route 66 and spent the night in Tucumcari, New Mexico, for instance, I felt like I was not only experiencing an adventure but knew I was investing in the economy of Tucumcari, New Mexico and the United States. I sit here on a Saturday morning wondering do Americans care about themselves anymore?

  Recently, the House of Representatives said they are looking to cut part of the budget by getting rid of the Mass Transit program. As a product of the Metro Transit Authority (MTA) it would be disheartening to know various people will have to pay more for their services, while at the same time know the product will be less than decent, due to lack of funding. I believe it does not need to get killed, at worst modifiy it, but at least keep it going. The debate over mass transit is a microcosm of what is going on in this country. Many Americans do not want to invest in themselves and particularly, its infrastructure.

  Throughout the history of this country, the issue of roads has always been partisan, though it has switched back and forth over the years. In the 19th Century the debate was about its constitutionality, it was thought of as mainly county and state issues only. (Although and ironically John C. Calhoun, who would become a staunch states-rightsman, argued after the War of 1812, that roads were constitutional, through the Postal Roads clause of the Constitution, Article 1, Clause 7) As the Good Roads Movement came acalling, however, various industries including oil and steel felt it was in the best interest for roads to be built/improved upon. With the advent of the automobile, the promotion of boosterism within the various trails, and the passages of the Federal Aid Acts of 1916 and 1921, the United States was on its way towards improving its road infrastructure. Consequently, people began to travel and see parts of the country they never dreamt of seeing, spending their money at the Jones Motor Company for car repairs or having a hamburger and shake at the Galaxy Diner. Americans were spending money at home.

  Today, the issue of road/transportation maintainence has become a cat-and-mouse debate. While there may be exceptions on both ends, Republicans tend to favor state-sponsored road improvements in rural and suburban areas, while Democrats support improvements in mass transportation and urban freeways. (What is ironic is the fact that when I lived in New York, people of all political pedigrees used the subway or bus to get from point A to point B.)

  As Americans, we need to forget our political allegiances and understand the importance of keeping our roads and other forms of transportation systems intact. While many people believe in reducing taxes, would you rather see money go towards the multi-national corporations and to other countries like Dubai or would you like to see us invest and help promote the likes of Grand Forks, North Dakota off US 2 or Covington, Kentucky off US 25 (formerly part of the Dixie Highway)?

  I may be a liberal, conservative or meathead, but there is one thing I know I am, a proud American. Believe in our communities, believe in our nation.