35W Bridge Collapse

The collapse of the 35W bridge was an event that should not have happened in this country. We have ample overall resources to address infrastructure issues, but unfortunately political priorities both at the state and national level end up creating catastrophic problems for the American People. If we are able to come up with 70 -100 billion dollars for a war, we can no less do that for our nations infrastructure, health care, housing, alternative energy, food programs, schools, etc. As Americans we also need to realize that all this means that we have to pay taxes to cover these costs. I for one am willing to pay more if those funds are used to improve our countries needs, but I do not want our dollars to steal other countries resources.

The 35W collapse is a symptom of our leaders deteriorating core priorities. For me it was very personal, since I missed crossing that bridge by 10-15 minutes. It is worse for those that did make it on that bridge that day. I keep thinking about what was the difference between those of us who made it on the bridge and those of us that were delayed by one thing or another and missed that horror.

I, like many Minnesotans have contributed in one way or another to assist the victims or families of the victims of that event - and I have also kept a memorial candle burning until all the souls are recovered. We are all affected by every soul lost because it breaks the chain of our humanity in the world and the Universe. It is up to each of us to help repair that link in whatever way we can.