Fiscal Responsibility Has Real Consequences

When arguing for government fiscal responsibility you have to realize you're talking about the jobs and lives of real people. Elected officials sometimes forget this.

If a Congressman wants to cut spending and openly admits the number of people who will lose jobs then I have no problem in backing the spending cuts. The Congressman has to own up to the real consequences in terms his constituents will easily understand.

See the example in today's Pittsburgh Post Gazette about Kentucky Representative Jim Bunning (yeah, the pitcher for our Phillies) . It sounds like the Congressman is taking a responsible position from the viewpoint of fiscal conservatives.

The problem is that the problem of transportation is not being realistically addressed by Congress. Here's the problem: the transportation of people is not a profitable business model. With the exception of a few airline routes and cruise ships it is not possible to charge fares that will cover expenses plus a return on investment. Some people could afford realistic fares, but their numbers would not be enough.

Think passenger transportation can be profitable? OK, name me a profitable airport or a profitable highway.

Tough times and tough decisions.