OPINIONS/EDITORIALS
EDITORIAL
Repairing Infrastructure Should be Our No. 1 Priority
As rescuers continue to search for survivors in the rubble of a partially collapsed 12- story condominium in Surfside, Fla., Americans remain on edge as the country’s infrastructure issue comes to a head. As of Tuesday, June 29, 11 people have been confirmed dead and upwards of 150 residents are missing. Amid the horror of search teams removing slabs of concrete and debris day and night looking for survivors, reports are surfacing that the building was cited for “structural damage” years ago. Just a few months earlier, the board president of Champlain Towers South warned, in a letter to tenants, of a worsening condition of the building, saying “the concrete deterioration is accelerating.” Even with very serious concerns being raised, no one took any action. Now, with countless people dead, grieving families ask: How did this happen? For decades, America has ignored its aging roadways, waterways, buildings and deteriorating bridges. In March, The American Society of Civil Engineers [ASCE] released its 2021 Report Card for America's Infrastructure, giving the nation an overall C- grade, up from a D+ in 2017. The study, conducted every four years, evaluated 17 categories of infrastructure with the U.S. receiving grades ranging from a B for rail to a D- for transit. Eleven of the 17 categories in the report card received a grade in the D range including: aviation, dams, hazardous waste, inland waterways, levees, public parks, roads, schools, stormwater, transit and wastewater. Several months prior to the tragic events in Florida and the pedestrian walkway collapse over I-295 here in D.C., ASCE Executive Director Thomas Smith issued a troubling prediction: “America’s infrastructure is in trouble.” “This not a report card anyone would be proud to take home. We have not made significant enough investments to maintain infrastructure that in some cases was built more than 50 years ago,” Smith said. “As this study shows, we risk significant economic losses, higher costs to consumers, businesses and manufacturers – and our quality of life – if we don't act urgently. When we fail to invest in infrastructure, we pay the price.” We can no longer ignore the health of these crucial systems in the U.S. The richest country in the world should not endure the prospect of citizens being killed while the building in which they sleep collapses, nor should they fear being crushed while driving underneath a bridge. Make America safe again. WI
Be Smart and Safe for July 4th Festivities During the July 4th weekend, we typically see an increase in BOTH fireworks-related accidents and reports of injuries or deaths from stray bullets that strike innocent victims because of revelers shooting their firearms. This year, we hope that residents in the District and around the region will be more prudent in the ways they celebrate the holiday. Certainly, we have many reasons to spread our wings, enjoy the sunshine and even gather with a small, select group of family members and friends during the holiday weekend. After all, it’s been one heck of a year with the pandemic putting a halt on our lives. But with variants of COVID-19 spreading, the threat of more infections and deaths have health officials concerned. So, we should still maintain protocols established by the CDC including wearing masks, keeping safe distances from others and being sure you and those around you are fully vaccinated. Many Americans plan to take to the roads for the long weekend, anxious to get out of their homes and enjoy the fresh air. Others will hold small cookouts in local parks on in their backyards. And in many cities, there will be parades or firework displays. No matter what your plans, we urge citizens to remember to be smart and to be safe. Children playing with fireworks don’t need to lose a finger, an eye or their lives. And no one deserves to be struck by an errant bullet because someone was foolish enough to shoot off a round of bullets into the air. Remember, what goes up must come down. Happy July 4th to all. But don’t use the holiday as an excuse for being irresponsible or outright foolish. WI
TO THE EDITOR It’s Not Enough It was good to read about the housing progress in Ward 7 with the new Skyland Tower in your paper last week. But when I got to the part where there will be 263 new homes and only 53 will be affordable, I was disappointed. While I know there is no easy answer to address this housing crisis, what dent will 53 units make when thousands need affordable housing? Keiny Thomas Washington, D.C.
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Mystics Take on the World Congrats to the two Washington Mystics players that are headed to Tokyo to represent Team USA in the Olympics! Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve enjoyed watching the Olympics with all the athletes competing from around the world. I also support our local WNBA team to the fullest. Let’s go, Mystics! Dionne Marten Washington, D.C
The Washington Informer welcomes letters to the editor about articles we publish or issues affecting the community. Write to: lsaxton@washingtoninformer. com or send to: 3117 Martin Luther King Jr Ave., SE, Washington, D.C. 20032. Please note that we are unable to publish letters that do not include a full name, address and phone number. We look forward to hearing from you. JULY 1 - 7, 2021 23
