A lot of people have gotten on his case about the Trans Texas Corridor, but there are a couple of different ways to look at that issue.
From a capitalist standpoint, it was a good idea. As a former professional driver, and Owner Operator, I can tell you even as recently as 2001-2002 it was a pain in the rumpus to get to Laredo. We import, and export a lot of stuff out of Mexico. As far as the Mexican trucks coming into this country, I’ll accept that if they meet the same standards as the Canadian trucks coming in. They have to pass inspection, and abide by the same rules as the rest of the drivers, including the speaking and reading of English.
From that perspective the project is worthwhile. Of course nothing ever works the way it’s supposed to, but I can’t fault Rick Perry for supporting this project, because the overall economic impact for the US, and Texas would be good if it’s not used for ulterior motives. In other words close the borders, inspect the trucks, etc.
I think most of the people that hated Trans Texas Corridor hated it because of the broad use of eminent domain to seize vast amounts of farmland. I’d understand the complaint more if they were seizing the land to build some CVS stores or something not actually for the public use, i.e., the Kelo case. Eminent domain is necessary, but there are Constitutional protections in the 5th Amendment.
I understand more the complaint that it would have been a massive overlay of money spent by the government. This is something that I wouldn’t even have a problem with though if it was paid for and the taxpayers weren’t out any additional dollars. It’s a lot better than having to pay for some billionaire’s baseball stadium. From what I’ve read the project would have paid for itself with the massive economic opportunity that would have presented itself.
So in the end people didn’t like it because some farmers had their land taken away, or they just abhore any government spending, even if paid for. I just can’t see the outrage. Much of the infrastructure of this country was built by use of eminent domain. Now if you want to argue that “just compensation” isn’t actually just in most cases then I’d see an argument. Call me crazy, but building roads is actually something the government should be doing. It is not something that a private investor can do.