Signage backfire

ABC is reporting that $20 million has been spent on stimulus signage:

Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) has joined the chorus of Republican outrage over stimulus signs and claims at least $20 million has been spent on them. He told ABC News, "I think it's a bit of an oxymoron to spend tens of millions of dollars of taxpayer money, borrowed money, on a bunch of signs to tell them how we are spending their taxpayer money."

I have noted the unseemly nature of taking credit for projects paid for by tax dollars. But perhaps the most significant aspect of that is I'm thinking that while I'm stuck in traffic caused by the project the sign represents.

It occurred to me a few months ago that all those cars sitting still on roads daily may not be too appreciative of the extra gas and time they are burning, broiling in the summer heat. The signs provide a timely reminder why they are wasting so much time in construction.

The Obama administration certainly thought they found a clever way to spend taxpayer money on what are essentially political campaign signs. While that is inherently wrong and shows raw disdain for the taxpayer, it may also backfire as more and more people are reminded who is responsible for out of control spending in D.C., and the gridlock that is making everyone's lives miserable this summer, across the state.

So the next time you are roasting on a Minnesota freeway, moving five miles an hour, remember that it is stimulus dollars that put you there. And if you forget, don't sweat it; there is certain to be a sign coming up soon.