Political "Connectedness"

This weekend, I was fortunate enough to observe a summit at the White House involving President Obama and a multitude of mayors, governors, and former secretaries of transportation regarding the issue of much-needed revamping and reconstruction of our nation's roads, bridges, and everything in between. Throughout this summit, these officers of high esteem brought up a plethora of great ideas and concepts to create an execution plan in making a new transportation bill. The bill would include a front-loaded $50 billion dollar stimulus, in addition to a 6-year, 12-figure plan aimed in rehabbing our nation's infrastructure to promote much greater efficiently in the United States. This would call for  “nothing less than a fundamental overhaul of America’s transportation policies and programs.”

The only thing stopping this revolutionary bill from going into full effect is great opposition from a variety of sides, especially the Republicans. Now I know the arguments against this resolution: higher taxes, greater spending despite an already substantial federal deficit, and I understand these points. But what amazes me is that the opposite side refuses to see how the long-term benefits greatly outweigh the "problems". Our current and outdated system makes the United States one of the worst efficient countries in the entire world, in terms of traffic flow. Our country already is dead-last as far as percentage of GDP used on transportation. With the new plan, we would be able to create hundreds of thousands of jobs for the unemployed. We would be able to fund new technologically-advanced systems, such as high-speed rail, that are healthy on the environment and allow poorer urban communities to go to places cheaper and faster than ever before. New more effective ports for trading will make America will in the global marketplace, whether importing or exporting.
All of these benefits would be reaped by all Americans, especially those in urban communities.

But due to partisan relationships between parties, most likely, this act will not pass through the congressional stage of the process. First off, it's time America behaves like America; through unities and partnerships on opposing sides, we will be able to do great things. Especially on Capitol Hill, I believe that it is time people think of themselves as Americans. Not as Republicans or Democrats or any other distinctions, but of people who will unite for a common good to make this country better. Secondly, our representatives ought to stop making their elections the paramount issue for them, despite today's rugged political climate. Instead of constantly campaigning for votes, our Congressmen and Congresswomen should start acting in the best interest of the people, despite political affiliation, and as bipartisan leaders that assist our country in the long-term. We know that all of the members on Capitol Hill are highly qualified and are capable of making these crucial decisions for our country. This might be challenging, but after all, it is their job.