Absolutely brutal – Makes you think twice before crossing the George Washington Bridge (something you should probably think twice about anyway seeing as it goes to New Jersey . . . ) That said, this story has a lot to say about the inherent dangers of debating infrastructure repair solely as a “jobs issue.” Whether you’re a Paul Ryan devotee of Ayn Rand or a Paul Krugman lover of Keynes, I think it’s time we all agreed that NO economic theory can function if we (literally) allow America to fall apart before our eyes. Whether government stimulus spending or expansionary monetary policy actually create jobs are subjects up for debate. The fundamental need for functional bridges, highways, airports and schools most certainly is not. This isn’t just common sense, folks – it’s patriotism.

[“No Fatalities in Washington Bridge Collapse,” The Wall Street Journal, 5/23/2013]