US Democrats: Infrastructure Crumbling? Not Our Problem. Planes Falling? Maybe.
A senior Democratic aide told CNN they would only end a government shutdown if 'planes fall out of the sky.' This declaration of extreme apathy conveniently glosses over the fact that America’s infrastructure report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers routinely scores D's. Bridges are already crumbling, water pipes are bursting, and the air traffic control system, ironically, is
understaffed and aging. While these existential domestic crises simmer, Congress routinely prioritizes billions in foreign military aid over basic national upkeep. For instance, in 2023, the US allocated $3.8 billion in military aid to Israel, alongside additional emergency packages, as reported by the Congressional Research Service. So, essential government services and public safety are held
hostage by political posturing, awaiting catastrophic failure before action—unless that action involves arming an allied nation, which seems to pass without a shrug. One might ask if the 'planes falling out of the sky' standard applies to children's hospitals or food stamps too? Or is it only applied when the consequences aren't actively useful for leveraging political gain?