Bloomberg Attacks Washington During Trip to Coast

[CK_John]

Source: Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — He says he's not running for president, but Mayor Bloomberg traveled to the delegate-rich state of California today to deliver a scorching attack on Washington for failing to keep up with the need for new airports, roads, water systems and bridges across America.

While China and other nations are investing heavily in ports and high-speed trains "Washington doesn't have a plan" to address crumbling American infrastructure, Mr. Bloomberg said.

In remarks clearly aimed at a national audience, the mayor said politics trumps common sense in Congress, where pork-barrel spending takes priority.

Washington "spends money to win votes," Mr. Bloomberg said. "It's hurting our country."

Read more: http://www.nysun.com/article/69819

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Hinting at a pothole fixer campaign, something we may need if the financial markets meltdown. CCC type work programs of the '30s did some great things.

[TwilightGardener]

1. I do feel we're getting kinda antiquated on the "non-sexy" stuff

like transportation and sewage and water. It's like watching your house foundation crack and shift, but instead of paying to jack up the house to fix it, you spend your money on granite countertops or a hot tub.

[ribrepin]

2. Nah, you put in the granite countertops and a hot tub

then dump that house on some unsuspecting sucker. That's the American way.

Kinda like Bush dumping rebates into the economy and hoping the shit hits the fan on the next president. Unfortunately for Bush, I think the foundation has already cracked and shifted. I think the Christmas sales have exposed the tilting house and nobody's wants that lemon. Couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

[FarCenter]

3. Bloomberg is right

Instead of addressing real problems like our crumbling infrastructure, our lack of international competitveness, or the drag on the economy of excessive military and security spending, the morons in Washington are encouraging further consumption.

Their solution appears to be --

-- The US consumer can no longer refinance with cash out, has tapped out his home equity line of credit, and has maxed out his credit cards.

-- Therefore, we'll run up another $800 each on the government's tab, so consumer spending can continue unabated.

Idiots.

[LibDemAlways]

4. That kind of talk will strike a chord with people who

drive over the pothole filled, congested roads and rickety bridges, and then go home and choke down a glass of water that smells like rotten eggs - which is a lot of us.

We're actually going backwards in a lot of ways. Years ago I took the train from LA to Las Vegas. It was slow, but it existed. Today there is no train, high speed or otherwise on that route, and highway 15 through the desert is choked with cars. And on the California side, especially, it is in shitty condition.

If Bloomberg gets into this thing and his theme is America is going to hell and needs serious fixing, he will, at the very least, force the other candidates to start addressing the issue.

[Deja Q]

5. I agree. I believe he genuinely cares.

Or at least he's doing more than having a pissing contest with all the other candidates; which is all too easy (and fun!) to do...

[CK_John]

6. If he runs, politics will never be the same. IMO, he has a 50/50 chance to win or

throw the election into the House and Senate. If nothing else America will learn the purpose of government.