Recently, there has been a lot of attention and discussion about potential legislation, intended to address both overdue needs and deteriorating conditions, as well as well-considered needs, in the future! When Joe Biden ran for president, one of his campaign promises was to address Americans’ failing infrastructure, as well as bring America back-stronger! Unfortunately, like so much else, in Washington, DC, partisan politics often interferes with necessary action in a timely manner. We have already experienced some accidents etc due to bridges, roads etc. flawed, but the reality is that these will get worse over time unless they are addressed proactively and in a timely manner. The current, proposed legislation, recently passed by the Senate but not yet discussed by the House of Representatives, relied on a bipartisan group of Senators (not an easy task these days). It only includes current needs, without what is likely to be needed to ensure that future generations inherit a nation and plan that is safe, clean and meaningful. With that in mind, this article will briefly attempt to consider, examine, review, and discuss 6 essential components, which should be our top priority.
1. solid/physical; highways, bridges and tunnels; transport: Our American infrastructure is in considerably worse shape than many other larger nations around the world! The deterioration of roads, bridges and tunnels, as well as an old mass transportation structure, in many regions, must be improved and addressed as soon as possible, before a catastrophe occurs!
two. Utilities; Water; electrical network: Although the cost of public services, in this nation, continues to rise, we continue to see problems that harm the health and well-being of our citizens. In cities like Flint, Michigan, and elsewhere, the quality of the water is extremely poor and unsafe for many reasons, including lead pipes, contaminants, etc. Why, in our so-called modern world, are we still witnessing so many problems with the power grid and its reliable delivery?
3. Environmental Protection: From the 1960s to 2017, American presidents, from both parties, protected the environment by enacting protective legislation to protect our environment, especially clean air and water!
Four. Climate change: Nearly all scientists and climate experts agree that we need to take action, soon, to reverse the dangerous trend toward negative impacts of how these changes could make life as we know it much worse! Recently, the United Nations council on climate issues has emphasized that the average temperature of the planet has been increasing, at a faster rate than anticipated. Impacts related to tides, weather conditions, etc. must be addressed and reversed before it is too late!
5. Medical care and prescriptions: Shouldn’t quality and affordable medical/health care and prescription drug costs be a right, rather than a mere privilege, afforded to the economically advantaged/wealthy? This must also consider prescription costs, because we pay more for drugs, than any free nation, in the world!
6. Education: If we are to regain our position, as one of the most advanced nations, we must ensure that relevant, quality education is available, widely and affordable.
We must stop avoiding, taking actions, that we should have taken, years ago! Wake up, America, and demand better and more!