Forward – Backward - Looking

So, in looking to tighten it’s fiscal belt, congress was poised to slash moneys intended for rail security. Now, in light of the London Bombing, and due to Congress’ inability to not be able to act without knee jerking, the money will be restored and probably increased.

This is not a complaint, per se, that the money is not a good use of tax dollars. Rather it’s a complaint that Congress seems to be swaying in the winds and reacting to situations, rather than to make good policy decisions.

As has been pointed out by others, the London bombing, while tragic, doesn’t shouldn’t change anything in regards to how we are responding to security needs in the US.

It’s not like nobody in Congress predicted that our rail systems could be a target. After 9-11, I remember all sorts of discussions about train security (as well as busses, nuclear power plants, and the food supply). The focus on trains re-appeared again after Madrid. Why, then, pre-London was train security not a large enough concern that the money wasn’t kept in the budget, but needs to be restored post London?

Well, the fact is, Congress passes money not because it’s making us safer – but because they think we’re watching. Then, when they think we’ve forgotten about it, they stop worrying about it. Now, due to the London bombing, Congress feels like they’ve had their hands caught in the cookie jar again. We’re paying attention to our rail systems – wondering if it could happen here (Answer: yes), and nobody wants to be the person in congress who votes against rail security – even if they already voted against it.

None of this is really intended to keep us safe. Rather, it’s intended to keep the members of Congress safe – in their jobs.