What other long-term projects had people complaining that "nothing is getting done"?

[zulchzulu]

Just as the Stimulus Package has not fully been realized since it's supposed to be implemented over at least an 18-month period and people are complaining that it's not working, what other projects in the past had the same complainers and whiners trying to shed doubt?

What were the complainers and whiners saying over the years?

[Cant trust em]

1. People who are criticizing the stimulus do not understand how the federal government operates

The process of developing these ideas, writing the RFPs, agencies writing their proposals for funding, the application review process and then the final funding and implementation takes a long time.

My organization has just submitted a proposal and is working on two others right now.

As someone who is actually working on these projects, I'm really pleased by how quickly things seem to be moving.

[zulchzulu]

4. You'd think that people just show up and start fixing highways with bags of cement they got at Ace

That's the funniest and phoniest part about the "argument" where people are complaining about how there are no jobs yet.

It takes Requests For Proposals, competitive bids, vetting and other funding requests well before people are hired and show up at a site. The projects need to be designed by engineers, tracked and managed, and then given timelines for phases of the project.

People bitching about the Stimulus not "getting anything done" are either stupid or phony.

[Cant trust em]

6. I think it's interesting that Republicans want things done instantly and not wasted

To ensure that things don't get fucked up, they need to be throughly examined.

[FrenchieCat]

12. They want Magic...that's what they want!

[SKKY]

7. I haven't heard from anyone who was actually involved in the "stimulus" process...

...so I've been taking a leap of faith in that things are moving along. It's good to hear something is getting done.

[Cant trust em]

9. FYI.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=8518869&mesg_id=8518869

[SKKY]

10. Nice!

[zulchzulu]

14. I work with a client who is involved in getting stimulus money for highway construction funding

The guy works with a group that represents transportation builders and he has applied for funding and it takes time for it to all get going.

He's actually a Republican, but a reasonable one that is very happy with the possibilities that the Stimulus will bring in terms of jobs. The bids are in and now it's a matter of time before the funds get allocated.

[Clio the Leo]

2. Where's the flippin' moon base?

It's 2009 for crying out loud!!!

And more importantly, why isn't my home filled with mid-century modern plastic furniture!!!!

[Cant trust em]

3. BTW, Michaelangelo sculpted David. nt

[zulchzulu]

5. Yep...

Thanks for the reminder.

:hi:

[mopinko]

8. DH says the timeline for the stimulus is 5 years.

i have no idea where he got that number, although he does have a good brain for shit like that. probably from npr's webpage.
there are plenty of road projects around here that have big ole signs that they are paid for by the stimulus package.

[MilesColtrane]

11. Other

The Crazy Horse Memorial

Started in 1948. Not even 1/5 of it has been completed.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_Horse_Memorial

La Sagrada Familia

Started in 1882. Won't be finished for another 16 years.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Sagrada_Familia

[TygrBright]

13. Well, dang, I was going to put in a vote for "painting the garage." n/t

[mkultra]

15. 4 words--- GOD DAMN FLYING CAR