If you want to be FDR…be FDR

It’s time for BFDers to act like BFDers

Since the passage of health reform many people are beginning to make the comparison between BHO and FDR, the New Dealers and BFDers. The problem is no BFD jobs program like CWA or CCC. In the early 30’s FDR, as part of his New Deal, erected two temporary programs to put people to work, the Civil Works Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps. These programs did not end the depression, but they did put millions of Americans to work on projects that we now take for granted: The trails in our National Parks, expansion of highways, electricity to rural areas. Some could argue that these programs were simply a band aid to a bigger concern. I would argue they were a bridge to a better America. Truly transformational.

We have an opportunity right now to put people to work on a bridge to a brighter future…literally a brighter future. Let’s bring back the CWA and CCC and unleash hundreds of thousands of unemployed workers on one task and one giant and monumental goal: Within two years bring every single federal state and local government building in line with LEED certification guidelines for existing buildings. Schools, libraries, courthouses…everything. This is not to be outsourced. This is not to be privatized. This is not some whimsical “cash for…” program. This is a public works project worthy of BFDers that will jump start a green jobs revolution.

Think about the consequences of such a huge endeavor. We will put over a million people to work (CWA and CCC employed nearly 5 million). We will provide on-the-job training and certification for a generation of workers with the knowledge and experience to move into private sector green jobs. Imagine how many homes and workplaces in America need to go green. Imagine how many entrepreneurs this would spark to adapt green technologies for consumer use. Think about how this would have a truly transformative effect on this country and spur it on to be the world leader in green technology

FDR and the New Dealers did not wait for an invitation to lead. The New Dealers message to Congress was short and simple: give us the money and we will execute. The BFDers should take this as a lesson. Draft a simple document even W might read. Enlist all departments of US government to participate. Labor does the recruiting. HHS provides child care and volunteer health clinics. Defense provides training and food stations. A seriously big BFD.

BHO needs a BFD jobs program now if he is to be compared to FDR.
Let’s get to work.