Editorial: Curtain Rises on 2017
This Editorial appears in the Jan. 2 print edition of Transport Topics. Click here to subscribe today.
How could someone not have a lot of questions about the year just starting? We are very happy our job is to report the news and not predict it. Not to wish away a year of life, but we can’t wait to read our “year in review” story in 11½ months.
Political partisans have turned their campaign arguments into predictions. Supporters of the president-elect say he will join with the Republican-controlled House and Senate to improve the economy significantly. Hillary Clinton backers are cringing at what they fear is on the horizon.
Historically, divided government has often had a lot to offer. Making life difficult for either stripe of true believers in government means they can do less damage.
However, the six-year battle between a Democratic president and a Republican Congress has not been a happy time, so we’ll give a provisional nod to a unified Republican government in the hope that it takes steps toward developing a less confrontational relationship between business, including trucking, and society as a whole.
The campaign was filled with fire and brimstone, but now we look forward to some dull, prosaic governing. Infrastructure is almost always tops on our list, and we’re pleased to get some buy-in on that from the incoming Trump administration and congressional Republicans. Make it easier for the private sector to conduct business, which will help spur economic growth and employment opportunities.
Taxing and spending remains a tricky issue in that roads, bridges, airports and other facilities have to be paid for, yet federal debt should not be allowed to soar. We’ll be watching House and Senate committees to see what they devise.
We like international commerce, in general, and within North America, especially. While many workers have been hurt by this, and they are most worthy of training, help and assistance, many people — especially in trucking — have prospered handsomely from the same commerce.
We appreciate a well-crafted trade agreement, but improve upon what exists at present, don’t throw out the status quo to start from scratch.
And there is regulation. It’s not going away, but many rules should be pruned back and some eliminated. Slowing the overall pace is much needed.
Depending upon your current circumstances and location, there’s a lot that’s good about the nation now but also a lot in need of fixing. We wish the new administration well and urge its members to work diligently and wisely but not recklessly in fixing these problems.
