Monday, Sept. 20, 2021 | 2 a.m.
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There is a debate in Washington, D.C., about President Joe Biden’s investment plan to build America back better. Conservatives argue that America can’t afford to spend that much money. The proposed $3.5 trillion invested over 10 years is $350 billion per year, or approximately 1.6% of our annual gross domestic product.
Imagine if your family was facing challenges like those facing America today: Your roof leaks, your sewer system is failing, your heating and AC are broken, your garage is on fire, your basement is flooded, your aging mother needs long-term care, your daughter wants to go to college, your youngest child needs day care, and your wife was just diagnosed with breast cancer. Do you think 1.6% of your annual income would be enough to address those needs?
It has been said that conservatives “know the cost of everything but the value of nothing.” What is the value of safer roads and bridges? What is the value of better-educated citizens? What is the value of healthier citizens, clean drinking water and saving our planet from climate disasters? I would say the value is significantly greater than $350 billion per year.
We can afford to have billionaires taking joyrides into space; or we can save our people and our planet.
Republicans are clearly on the side of billionaire joyrides into space.
