POLITICS

Time to Upgrade Our Skies: Lessons from a Deadly Crash

Washington, USAFri Feb 07 2025
Ever noticed how old some of our infrastructure is? Well, President Trump turned the spotlight on our aging air traffic control system. You don't need to be an expert to know 67 people died in a midair crash. This catastrophe took place somewhere near Reagan National Airport. It involved a military helicopter and apassenger plane. That's a stark reminder of how crucial it is to have reliable infrastructure. Trump blamed it on outdated equipment. The president started his official address at the National Prayer Breakfast. The event waslikely meant for reflection. But Trump, known for his straightforward talk,chose to focus on the crash. This incident wasonly the start of his thoughts. He emphasized the importance of upgrading the aviation safety system. The ever-critical Trump didn't hold back on the cost issue. Trillions have been spent on the old system, yet, we still have outdated equipment. "We should have better equipment, " Trump bluntly stated, "But we don't. Our equipment is obsolete". Now imagine contrasting the cost of maintaining an old system vs. investing in something new. This is not the only time someone has brought up this issue. The president highlighted that keeping old system going is just like trying to patch up a broken toy, instead of buying a new one. It's like trying to fix an old smartphone by constantly replacing parts, instead of buying a new one. He said the crash never would have occurred if our equipment was up to standard. With a significant portion of our population flying frequently, investing in our skies seems like a pretty smart move. But should we really wait for a wake-up call to act?