The Viral Tweet by Ghostface Kafka That Exposes America's Infrastructure Crisis

Avery Emberly

Updated Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 12:00 AM CDT

A recent tweet by Ghostface Kafka (36 Chambers), known by the handle @RuairiWood, has sparked a significant conversation on social media regarding the state of infrastructure in America and the UK. The tweet humorously critiques the lack of investment in public infrastructure since the 1980s and highlights the consequences of relying on the free market for essential services.

The tweet reads: "It’s really funny how America and the UK stopped investing in infrastructure in the 1980s because the free market will pave potholes and make the trains run on time and now literally nothing works and you cannot go anywhere or do anything but like 4 people are richer than God."

This statement has resonated with many users, prompting a wave of comments that delve deeper into the issue. One user remarked, "Thatcher and Reagan, where the rot began in their respective countries..." This highlights the political decisions made during the 1980s that have long-lasting impacts on current infrastructure.

Another user, identifying as a dual citizen of the US and the UK, commented, "As a dual citizen of the US and the UK I can reveal that this is, in fact, not really funny." This sentiment underscores the frustration felt by many who experience these infrastructural shortcomings firsthand.

Interestingly, some users pointed out that private companies like Domino's have stepped in to address potholes, as one comment noted, "But Domino's will fix the potholes because it cares about its drivers and delivery times for customers. Didn’t you see the ads?" This comment highlights an ironic twist where private ent***** are filling gaps left by public funding.

Other commenters discussed the broader implications of privatization and its effects on public services. One user stated, "All those state-owned organizations that got sold off for individual profit, now require state subsidy to function." This reflects the complex relationship between privatization and the need for government support.

In contrast, another user praised the infrastructure in their state, saying, "This is a state by state thing because where I live, our infrastructure is great. No s***ty roads, robust electrical grid that produces MORE than we need. Repaired bridges. Solar and wind projects up the a**." This comment demonstrates that the state of infrastructure can vary greatly depending on local governance and investment.

The discussion also touched on the legal and regulatory challenges of infrastructure maintenance. One user explained, "The free market will fix potholes" except legally, you can't just go mix your own asphalt and fix a pothole, even. Roads are extremely regulated, there are standards in every state about the integrity of the makeup of their roads you have to follow and as a result really expensive tests and paperwork you gotta fill out with the local DoT to get clearance for it."

Overall, the viral tweet by Ghostface Kafka has brought significant attention to the ongoing issues with infrastructure in America and the UK. The conversation highlights the complexities and challenges of maintaining public services in a system heavily influenced by privatization and regulatory constraints.

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View source: Imgur

Top Comments from Imgur

PhloydPhan

Conservatives in both countries decided that government was ineffective and inefficient, and then spent then next 40 making sure that it was both.

LordTwaddleford

Thatcher and Reagan, where the rot began in their respective countries...

e********conception

But dominos will fix the potholes because it cares about its drivers and delivery times for customers. Didn’t you see the ads?

ExpectedD***buttGotD***b***

as a dual citizen of the US and the UK I can reveal that this is, in fact, not really funny

Sonflooki

All those state owned organisations that got sold off for individual profit, now require state subsidy to function.

srsfaceI8C

"The free market will fix pot holes" except legally, you can't just go mix your own asphalt and fix a pot hole, even. Roads are extremely regulated, there are standards in every state about the integrity of the make up of their roads you have to follow and as a result really expensive tests and paper work you gotta fill out with the local DoT to get clearance for it. And then companies who pave for a living sue because it's their livelihood you see. Aka none of this works. OP is right.

nonickname23

Canada, too. I live in Montreal, the city that Preventative Maintenance forgot...

Littledirtybirdyfeet

This is a state by state thing because where I live, our infrastructure is great. No s***ty roads, robust electrical grid that produces MORE than we need. Repaired bridges. Solar and wind projects up the a**.

aoshistark

Capitalism unchecked by governing policy will always, ALWAYS run the entire economy into the ground and make everyone save the owner class suffer for it. Marx nailed it on the head.

lemmerustlethosejimmies

I'm going to Devil's Advocate here and bring up that while I don't trust the altruism of the private sector for a second, you do understand that governments at any level don't just let private companies walk up to the desk, slap x$ on the table, and say I'm bringing in my road repair crews and machinery we're fixing it. Like...your government will not permit that.

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