"We Knew How to Build Things"
President Barack Obama in Denver two weeks ago:
America became an economic superpower because we knew how to build things. We built the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Hoover Dam, and the Interstate Highway System. And now, we're settling for China having the best high-speed rail, and Singapore having better airports? When did that happen?
President Barack Obama setting national policy yesterday, as reported by Reuters:
The U.S. government on Thursday delayed approval of a Canada-to-Texas oil pipeline until after the 2012 U.S. election, bowing to pressure from environmentalists and sparing President Barack Obama a damaging split with liberal voters he may need to win reelection.
This action kills more than 20,000 U.S. construction jobs and foregoes 700,000 barrels of oil each day.
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Comments :
Re: "We Knew How to Build Things"
Brilliant juxtaposition. Imagine trying to get the Obama EPA to approve the Hoover Dam! Or the Golden Gate Bridge. Or [fill in the blank].
Apr '11
Re: "We Knew How to Build Things"
We are constantly being told that only government can do projects of that scale, but it's frequently government that's the greatest obstacle to the same projects.
Feb '11
Re: "We Knew How to Build Things"
Today Obama takes no responsibility and blames others for everything.
Unfortunately, I am not convinced that the next President, Republican or Democrat will do better.
Already I am thinking about voting "none of the above" for President in 2012.
Sep '10
Re: "We Knew How to Build Things"
Absolutely stinging indictment of Democratic Hypocrisy.
They want jobs as long as it is high speed rail and windfarms (for now). If only that darn economy would do what we want it to do!
Apr '11
Re: "We Knew How to Build Things"
A Doghouse?
May '11
Re: "We Knew How to Build Things"
We could start improving our airports by getting rid of the high school dropouts who grope you as you walk through. It's not exactly Hoover Dam, but it would be a great improvement. Just sayin'...
Nov '10
Re: "We Knew How to Build Things"
A friend said something simple but poignant today. He said (paraphrasing) that with the Obama Administration, he sees no "step 2" and that very little seems inter-connected into a larger program.
Step one: Let's reset with Russia by giving up a promised missile shield in Eastern Europe. Step two: ?.
Step one: Let's have a massive "stimulus" to "jump start" the economy.
Step Two: ?
Step one: Let's negotiate with Iran.
Step two: ?
and so on, and so on.
Mr. Savage's post brilliantly points out the disconnected nature of many of the Obama decisions. It would be sad if it weren't so infuriating. Oy!
Jun '10
Re: "We Knew How to Build Things"
There would be absolutely NO way that the Hoover Dam could be constructed today. Think of the amount of "environmental reorganization" that was required to make it happen. It was simply stunning. And think of the return on investment it has produced since then. Again, stunning. The Canada-Texas pipeline's impact on the environment doesn't even come close to what the Hoover Dam did and yet, it's a non-starter in today's world. Never mind that there is a huge potential ROI. Anything Obama wants to build has yet to prove that it's worth the price. Their version of "the right thing to do" still costs money and can't be a perpetual drain on our coffers. If only he paid attention that part.
I've been on this kick lately with my liberal friends that creating social value still costs actual money, but nobody seems to care.
May '10
Re: "We Knew How to Build Things"
"Brilliant Juxtaposition" was what I wanted to say as well. Very well done.
Feb '11
Re: "We Knew How to Build Things"
Large projects then....Hoover dam, Atlas missile....contrasted with large projects now:
Like swimming in glue
Jun '10
Re: "We Knew How to Build Things"
Why do we want a pipeline running from Canada to Texas? Is it holy writ that oil can only be refined in Texas? How about doing something smart and build the refinery in, say, Montana?
May '11
Re: "We Knew How to Build Things"
The tankers actually have a hard time getting to Montana.
Aug '10
Re: "We Knew How to Build Things"
Barack Obama is clearly an Underpants Gnome.
We're through the looking-glass here, people.
Oct '10
Re: "We Knew How to Build Things"
This is a great counter move by the GOP today. We'll use revenues from oil drilling in ANWR to fund Obama's infrastructure projects.
Re: "We Knew How to Build Things"
Imagine if we tried to build the Golden Gate Bridge today. Leftists, including President Obama, I bet, would strongly protest it. It could never be built. Strange, even a little hypocritical, that President Obama touts it.
Jun '10
Re: "We Knew How to Build Things"
Larry3435
The tankers actually have a hard time getting to Montana. · Nov 11 at 4:36pm
Seattle then.
Dec '10
Re: "We Knew How to Build Things"
George, you have it exactly. Obama is the disease and 2012 is the cure. I am older then you so I can remember when Carter was the disease and 1980 was the cure. The defeat of this present fool is of supreme importance.
Feb '11
Re: "We Knew How to Build Things"
Linked at Chicago Boyz, where I've also developed some additional thoughts about Obama's remarks.