Best Column

America: A country that can't build anything anymore

It is now too costly and time-consuming to finish public-works projects, says Jonah Goldberg in the Los Angeles Times. But don't blame conservatives

"This country can't build stuff the way it used to," argues Jonah Goldberg in the Los Angeles Times. Big public-works projects that once were quick and commonplace have now turned into logistical and financial nightmares that drag on decades. And don't buy the line from the "liberal intelligentsia" that "anti-government" conservatism is to blame. The real reason? Unions, environmental regulations, and other government "bloat" have hardened "Uncle Sam's arteries." Here, an excerpt:

It took 410 days to build the Empire State Building; four years to erect the Golden Gate Bridge. The Pentagon took two years; the Alaska Highway just nine months. These days it takes longer to build an overpass.

For instance, planning for Boston's "Big Dig" officially began in the early 1980s with a budget of $2.6 billion, but ground wasn't broken until 1991 and the last ramp wasn't opened until 2006. The final estimated cost: $22 billion. According to The Boston Globe, it won't be paid off until 2038.

Meanwhile, the "race" to rebuild the World Trade Center as some kind of remorse theme park approaches its second decade.

Read the entire article in the Los Angeles Times.

Recommended

Will Apple's $3,500 VR headset take off?
Vision Pro headset
Today's big question

Will Apple's $3,500 VR headset take off?

Why is Riyadh going it alone on oil cuts?
An illustrated image of oil rigs and oil barrels
Today's big question

Why is Riyadh going it alone on oil cuts?

Jamie Dimon 2024?
Jamie Dimon on Capitol Hill
Profile

Jamie Dimon 2024?

MoviePass stages a Hollywood comeback
MoviePass illustration
Briefing

MoviePass stages a Hollywood comeback

Most Popular

What is Mike Pence thinking?
Former Vice President Mike Pence on a motorcycle
Talking point

What is Mike Pence thinking?

Ban the Bible?
Holy Bible.
Briefing

Ban the Bible?

Actors union votes to authorize strike
A writers strike picket line outside Sony Studios in Culver City
strike two?

Actors union votes to authorize strike