Cory Carroll presented an incisive discussion of the dysfunctions of capitalism (Feb. 22) and the multiple negative effects we are experiencing as individuals and in society.
As the long-neglected public infrastructure we all depend on ages and decays, the American Society of Civil Engineers has given our roads, bridges, dams, levees, schools, parks and transit systems functional grades of C or D and estimates the U.S. needs to invest $2.2 trillion to restore good functioning. This major study was done before the Minneapolis interstate bridge collapse or the levee failure in New Orleans when Katrina hit.
With U.S. global military operations using more than 1,000 bases in 132 nations and costing more than $1 trillion annually and the enormous cost of the Wall Street bailout, small wonder that U.S. domestic society infrastructure falls into increasing dysfunction and failure from sheer neglect.
Unless and until priorities are changed, the already tough times will increase. As state budgets face increasing shortfalls, will public universities become privatized high-cost schools for the few? Will public roads be privatized toll roads owned by distant corporations? Will public water and electric systems become the property under the thumb of ever richer global corporations?
Is control of public facilities to become the domain of unaccountable corporate chieftains or remain in control of the citizens who paid for them and the officials they elect to represent them?
Chester McQueary,
Fort Collins