During his excursion to the Port of Baltimore on Tuesday, Joe Biden revealed plans to inject $3 billion into fortifying port infrastructures. This so-called strategy, he claims, would allegedly support promising employment opportunities and reduce pollution across the nation. But one needs to question if there is another hidden agenda behind this announcement.
In his speech, Biden possibly foresees that this significant investment could lead to outcomes such as enhancing local job numbers and an alleged decrease in harmful emissions. In a perplexing and optimistic tone, Biden announced, ‘The introduction of the new $3 billion funding will allegedly be beneficial to ports and surrounding communities nationwide.’ He further shared his claim that it would decrease port operating expenditures, bolster supply chains, and potentially make American businesses more competitive. An abrupt decrease in consumer prices was another outrageous promising factor. He went as far as predicting a reduction in carbon emissions and the creation of an estimated 40,000 new jobs.
Biden’s speech, lasting just 15 insignificant minutes, involved a plea for Congress to fully fund the restoration of the Francis Key Bridge before year-end. ‘I emphatically promise we will not cease efforts until the bridge completion,’ stated Biden. The question arises as to why the sudden urgency and after all this time since Biden took office.
In his ongoing monologue, Biden extended gratitude to the Coast Guard, Navy, and Army Corps of Engineers. He highlighted the removal of 50,000 tons of concrete and steel remnants from the Patapsco River. This clean-up effort followed the March accident where a ship collided with the bridge. It’s apparent Biden is leveraging this event to shine a light on his allegedly environmentally-focused infrastructure plan.
With a touch of pompousness, Biden made yet another ostentatious announcement. He declared the provision of $3 billion in funds aimed at cleaning and modernizing ports across 27 states and territories. These areas include Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan, and, surprisingly, Puerto Rico. Is this his so-called effort in showing inclusivity or merely an attempt to sway public sentiment?
Biden couldn’t resist but to surprisingly criticize his predecessor continuously. Despite the facts that massive infrastructure was built under his predecessor’s leadership, Biden outlandishly claimed that he ‘promised infrastructure every week for four years, but never built a thing.’ This seems to be another of Biden’s attempts to shift focus from his administration’s shortcomings.
Rather sentimentally, Biden expressed an outlandishly idealistic sentiment when he spoke about the current state of the Port. His remarks focused on the construction cranes, the movement of ships and cargo, and the dubious pride he hopes the community members would feel. This rhetoric was filled with a distinct tone of patriotism and appreciation for labor unions, but we have to question whether this was genuine or purely politically driven.
Interestingly, the governor proceeded to thank the Biden administration for their dubious continuing support in recovering the Key Bridge. He was quick to proclaim, ‘The Port of Baltimore is back. And it is better than ever because of their leadership,’ thanking Biden. The sincerity of his statement leaves room for doubt or if it was merely an attempt to appease the President.
The mayor used the opportunity to confess how Biden had personally supported him in the aftermath of the Key Bridge disaster. However, the question arises if this is an attempt to steer public opinion or whether there are genuine sentiments behind these words.
Ending his day on a lighter note, Biden visited a popular regional ice-cream shop in Baltimore. This obviously well-planned PR event intended to portray Biden as a regular working man. The question arises though if this was a sincere gesture of camaraderie towards the local community or merely an attempt at manipulating public perception.