32 of 49

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

would hear such phrases as spread the wealth, extend our efforts, broaden our influence, distribute our resources, and broadcast our message. Examples of vertical growth are passively descriptive. Lateral growth is always action oriented. An example of lateral growth would be to put at least if not more money into the maintenance of the existing infrastructure as into the design and development of the new.

In 1967, the same year the 1-35W Bridge was built, American folk singer Arlo Guthrie said of Alice's Restaurant, "What we need is a movement." He's right: In the US, let's call this the birth of the Maintain America Movement. Fundamentally, it requires a huge shift from all things bright and beautiful to sustaining and maintaining what we have. We, at all governmental levels, would in a mature fashion ensure that our taxes (yes, even new ones) would be dedicated to taking care of what we already have. That huge shift I mentioned? It would be in our level of maturity.

The foundation for the Maintain America Movement and any other country's lateral growth movement would be a mandated educational effort: any company or partnership wishing to participate or be part of the supply chain in this lateral growth model would have to build in educational/learning components to fund technology and trade schools through out the country. In the US that means in all 50 states and the territories.

Naysayers and no-more-taxers will be quick to demand: "Where's the economic payback?" In the US, graduates of those schools and education programs can work to Maintain America for a lifetime; they'll become consumers and taxpayers and homeowners. Business owners and investors will (must) pay a fair tax on their profits. Finally, we Americans benefit because everyone is buying, selling, making a profit and paying taxes with a level of stability never before seen.

History will hold us accountable. In the US, we, the Baby Boomers, the forever young' generation must face the fact that maintaining what we have is mature and responsible behavior. It's a new revolution reinvigorating the values we like to say we favor and support. The Maintain America Movement can't be out-sourced. Laws to maintain the Maintain America Movement can be passed. Just imagine: We can again become a model for the world and be "proud to be American".

(An abbreviated version of this article appeared Wednesday, August 22, 2007 in the Rochester, NY Democrat and Chronicle newspaper, Op Ed page. http://democratandchronicle.co m/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/2 0070822/)

Learn more about this author, Nick Clark.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Reflections: The Minneapolis bridge collapse (08/01/07)?
We want to hear your view. Write now!