David N. Camaione: Invest in America

Regarding the May 16 editorial cartoon on American exceptionalism: This train wreck cartoon should spark a national debate.

Let’s have a real dialogue on just how close we are to being defined as a “Third World country” in some important metrics.

The dialogue around the train derailment tragedy in Pennsylvania has bought up the fact that America spends only 1.7 percent of its GNP on its infrastructure, a ranking of 25th in the world, whereas China spends 9 percent. Do crumbling bridges, roads/railways/airports, schools, water and sewerage systems come to mind?

Equally important, the World Economic Forum ranks the United States 52nd in the quality of mathematics and science education, and fifth in overall global competitiveness with more foreign students studying in the STEM programs than American students.

Let’s not forget national defense. Data from 2014 has the U.S. spending $610 billion with eight leading industrial countries spending $601 billion. Sadly we are finding out we should not be the world’s policeman.

When will our leaders understand that investing in America’s future is an economic issue that would create millions of jobs, help the middle class and, to the delight of many, likely reduce one’s dependency on government’s social programs? A win-win.

This story was originally published May 18, 2015 at 5:12 PM with the headline "David N. Camaione: Invest in America."