Putting it back together for the future

Some readers may have been able to discern that I am writing from a viewpoint that is not that of the usual American observer. I am presently working in Europe, but enabled by the internet, able to read US newspapers, listen to US radio stations and even catch up on American television. What I miss, of course, is the opportunity to see those places I know on a regular basis, and that's why the decline of America's infrastructure stuck me so hard on my visit last month.

While the industrial base of the Northeast Corridor collapsed nearly two generations ago, its ruins remain too obvious today. Moreover, much of the newer stuff is in a state of rapid decline, too.

It what remains one of the wealthiest areas of the country, the highways are in appalling condition, the mid-sized cities have surrendered the battle against out-of-town malls, and too much potentially lucrative land is given over to open parking lots.

Spend some time with Google Maps and check out the under-used land in any of once-thriving downtown areas of Hartford, New Haven, New London, Springfield, Worcester, Nashua, Manchester, and so on. Yes, parking is necessary, and the policy of charging for it is one of the major causes of the abandonment of city-centers.

If, "it's the economy, stupid," has an immediate resonance, it begins with the local economy: local property taxes, and a shrinking tax-base, that is impoverishing cities while rising costs are making new investment a major problem. Companies with serious money tend to be open only to big-statement "showcase" developments that look impressive on the walls of corporate boardrooms. However, what's really needed is an architect with a vision for two blocks where an old machine shop was pulled down; some creative planing permissions, enabling useful mixed-used zoning, and some investment.

A series of modest developments costing between $5 - 10 million would make a big difference in these city centers on both economic and social levels, and probably deliver a pretty good and fast ROI.

Local governments can be quirky, but they are far less likely to be suffering from the paralysis that state and federal governments are suffering from.

Low-cost, low-risk projects are suited to increased local participation from community leaders and private citizens with a strong knowledge of a neighborhood, that can increase a project's chance of success while potentially reducing its cost.

Repairing America's infrastructure does not need to be a daunting, bureaucratic and hugely expensive process, but it does need to start soon.

Failure of Leadership

Perhaps it's time for Americans to revisit the idea of representative democracy.

That concept looks at the abilities and character of its representatives and elected officials and decides whether they are suitable to serve the electorate. Parties offer general positional guidelines only, and for an elected official to blindly follow party policy is to deny his own intellectual ability and abdicate responsibility for his actions. Moreover, not to action one's best considered judgement is to fail to lead.

Unfortunately, today there are many things that interfere with politicians exercising their best judgement. One big reason is the number of lobbyists there are now in Washington. There are more than 15,000 Federal lobbyists. That 28 for each US Congressman, Senator and the President.

Now you know why your senator doesn't answer your letters. It also gives a pretty good indication as to who's running the country - especially now that corporations are regarded as individuals for campaign funding purposes.

How we get our leaders to lead?

Too many people think we can't get there from here. That slows down the process considerably.

It will take time, and it will take effort on the part of individual voters, but the process is there.

1. Vote

2. Vote people out are doing their jobs badly - and that doesn't mean just not doing what you want. It means, a) if their attendance at votes is poor; b) if they've made dubious deals; c) if they appear to have more money than someone on a Federal/State salary should; d) if they don't reply to reasonable, reasoned letters; e) if they don't visit their constituency often or come to local party meetings, support local organizations or are absent without good reason more often than they should be

3. Have some idea of what's going on in at least one issue of importance; build knowledge and write to state and Federal representatives to put your case

4. Support activities that will help return government officials to better accountability

There are myriad other activities, but these are the easiest to begin with. Joining a local party and work to influence its thinking. Educate its members in the area(s) where you have knowledge and experience.

These things will make you an active citizen and an informed voter. However, beware as these activities can become habit-forming.