Suggestions For Economic Recovery

SUGGESTIONS FOR ECONOMIC RECOVERY
This is a suggestion for investing our nation’s money in the long-term development of America’s transportation system and in a clean energy base for the country with an immediate result of a large number of jobs. This would be a solid investment of funds in the nation’s infrastructure rather than precarious spending of hundreds of billions of dollars for iffy “bail-out” plans or the unlikely rescue of poorly functioning businesses.
First, modernize and consolidate the nation’s rail transportation to bring it up to the level of other industrialized countries. Rail transportation is cleaner and more efficient than the exclusive reliance on trucks. Tractor trailer trucking will need to continue for shorter distances such as from rail stations to surrounding destinations and air transport could be limited to situations in which speed is necessary.
The construction of several small hydroelectric plants (like there are in Texas) could consolidate the nation’s electrical grid while providing assistance for more arid areas (agriculture, fish, climate) and would provide a way of flood control for exposed areas. In addition, the use of solar and wind energy should be pursued. Drilling off shore for oil would also continue. Construction of nuclear power plants has proven safe and clean, and is quite successful in Europe particularly in France.
These positive steps would constitute a lasting legacy that would keep the United States in first place among industrialized nations. Environmental damage would be minimized and there would be less dependence on unfriendly foreign nations. It would not only be an intelligent way to invest in America’s infrastructure but would drastically reduce unemployment while helping the economy develop. This plan would be far less expensive for American tax-payers in the long run than a multi-billion dollar bail out plan.