GOP Failure in Infrastructure Investment - President Obama Gives Them Every Opportunity To Save Face

Right wing Republicans in our US Congress can only point to themselves when considering whose to blame about America's crumbling bridges and transportation infrastructure.

President Obama is clearly on the record, on several occasions, calling the Congress to invest in our nation's transportation infrastructure.  Otherwise, I'm absolutely certain, if the President had missed the opportunity to call for money to build American roads and bridges, right wing Republicans would quickly blame him for the recent collapse of Washington state bridges.

Bridge collapses in Washington state, and others, have renewed the urgency for funding infrastructure investment.  

Federal transportation safety agency chief says Washington bridge collapse is wake-up call:  'This is a really significant event and we need to learn from it, not just in Washington but around the country,' NTSB Chairman Debbie Hersman said.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/federal-transportation-safety-agency-washington-bridge-collapse-wake-up-call-article-1.1355031#ixzz2UPypa7R5

It's impossible to understand why the US Congress is obstructing the important responsibility to improve our nation's essential transportation infrastructure, just because they can....

(CNN) -- President Barack Obama called for Congress to fund proposals to expand public-private programs, to build and repair modern ports, pipelines, schools and other infrastructure.

"..in Miami FL, Obama said strengthening the nation's infrastructure should be a non-partisan issue because it helps American business and creates jobs for the construction industry.  'We can't afford Washington politics to stand in the way of America's progress,' Obama said, adding that 'ultimately, Congress has to fund these projects'."

Obama's proposals followed up on his call in this year's State of the Union address for public-private partnerships to strengthen infrastructure development.

A White House aide told reporters traveling with Obama on Air Force One that the proposals outlined Friday would cost $21 billion, but added that they would not add to the federal deficit.

History Lesson:  Let's remind Republicans about who created our nation's interconnected highway infrastructure! It was Republican President Dwight David Eisenhower and the Highway Act of 1956.  

With an original authorization of 25 billion dollars for the construction of 41,000 miles (66,000 km) of the Interstate Highway System supposedly over a 10-year period, it was the largest public works project in American history through that time!!

Eisenhower understood, based upon his experience as a Five Star Army General, about the strategic importance of a strong national infrastructure. His visionary project is appreciated and enjoyed by all Americans, today.

Obviously, investing in transportation infrastructure is good for the economy.  In addition to creating jobs, building roads and bridges allows for efficient interstate commerce and access to tourism.

"Their impact (building roads and bridges) on the economy will be substantial...," said Alan Krueger, the chairman of Obama's Council of Economic Advisers.

So, what's the hold up?  

Maybe President Obama needs to teach Republicans about their own political history.  I recommend he give a speech alongside a massive poster board image of President Eisenhower.  Another idea, perhaps President Obama should visit President Eisenhower's library in Abilene, Kansas to present an award to the late nation's 34th president, recognizing his visionary leadership in creating our nation's vital highway system.

Whatever works should be tried. Congressional Republicans must understand how utterly stupid they are to obstruct President Obama's leadership, especially about protecting our nation's highways and bridges.  

Moreover, Republicans have every opportunity to save face if they simply vote to lift the stupid budget sequester, a failed initiative everyone says is useless, and, instead, do something positive!  

Republicans are missing an opportunity to invest in America's important transportation infrastructure and, thereby, shine a light on their own party's President Dwight Eisenhower, for creating our successful highway system, in the first place.