Over the past few weeks we've begun to see the new contours of American politics. The budget cutters have taken control of the agenda, while government's defenders are waging tactical retreats. Given the scope of the fiscal problems, it could be like this for the next 10 or 20 years.
Pot holes may become our most visible symbol of our conflict and tension between public infrastructure and public revenue. Gasoline tax receipts are down, stimulus money is nearing the end, states are facing deficits of $125 billion in the next fiscal year - - James Earp, a state transportation commissioner who heads a construction trade group states it best. "There's just no identifiable source for the money, and I don't see that there will be anytime soon."
The website for the Tacoma Weekly, a community newspaper in Washington, reports a boost in readership for its "Pot-hole-Pig" feature - - photos of a ceramic pig positioned in some of the city's more specular potholes, as chosen by readers.
Look for a "Pot-Hole-Pig" revolution, where social media and public shame is a motivating factor or we all load up on asphalt and patch and fill the holes ourselves. My guess is we will all be heading to Home Depot in the very near future.
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