I’ve been silent all trip about my whereabouts and experiences, not because nothing has happened but because I have had other things to do.  Maybe this weekend I can catch up a bit, but before I attempt that, there’s something that caught my attention in a news story regarding the stimulus bill. 

“…there is more than $48 billion for transportation projects such as road and bridge construction, mass transit and high-speed rail.” 

Yes, that sounds like a lot, but:
– Break it down per capita and you have 48’000 : 300 = US$ 160.- per person invested in all these infrastructure projects, far less than most Americans spend per year on their car. 
– Compare it to the Gotthard Base Tunnel costs, which were originally estimated at about US$ 6.5 billion.  I’ll round that up to 7.5 billion to simplify calculation (and because the original costs have already been exceeded past that amount).  That makes 7’500 : 7.5 = US$ 1’000.- per person, or about US$ 50.- per person per year.  That’s just for one single (admittedly huge) project, and one decided on without a financial crisis looming! 

In my more selfish and cynical moments, I feel it’s a no-brainer to upgrade and replace road and especially rail infrastructure (which benefits everyone) instead of digging folks out of debt they owe to their poor decisions (which will benefit – even reward – the foolhardy). 

Rail infrastructure, in particular, could save significant costs and (mantra warning) reduce dependence on foreign oil if it allowed people to use their cars less frequently or even use fewer cars.  Of course, car purchases have already dropped and instead of relieving dependence on foreign oil have revealed our dependence on domestic car makers. 

Now, having added my two cents, I propose that everyone caught blogging or commenting on this issue should pay two cents per post or comment into a stimulus bill discussion fund which will be used for funding the bill.  Where do I send my cheque?