An Author's Perspective

Scott Walker Just Doesn't Get It

Posted by Ken Brosky on Nov. 9, 2010

governor walker, high-speed rail, wisconsin, hiawatha, train money, stimulus funds

I'm not even going to comment on the U.S. Senate race. I think it's pretty clear how stupid we as a state were in electing Ron Johnson. That'll play out pretty much like you'd expect.

But Governor Walker ... oh boy. This guy is still asking the Federal Government to cancel the high-speed rail project and put that money into Wisconsin roads.

First, Walker has the power to cancel the high-speed rail program. The Federal Government has made it clear the decision is Walker's to make.

Second, the money is going to be spent on high-speed rail no matter what. If Wisconsin doesn't want $800 million in grant money ... if Wisconsin doesn't want the 5,000 jobs the project is going to create ... that money is going to another state.

Get it? Walker apparently doesn't. He's worried about that little upkeep cost after the project is finished. And you know what? That's fine by me. I can live with or without the high-speed rail project. But I'll tell you this: I would totally use it. I'd use it from Madison to Milwaukee, and I'd use it from Milwaukee to the twin cities. And quite frankly, I'm more than happy to pay an extra $.03 a month in taxes to keep it running.

This money is going to high-speed rail. If Wisconsin doesn't take it, that money disappears.

One more thought: what if this isn't about the high-speed rail at all? What if it's about the very idea that government can create jobs and stimulate the economy? What if Governor Walker, who believes less government is better (always), is afraid this high-speed rail project may actually be a success? What if Governor Walker is so obsessed with lowering taxes that he's willing to eliminate good government programs that truly help people?