A bridge has collapsed in Minneapolis.
At least 50 cars and their occupants plunged more than 60 feet into the Mississippi River when Minnesota’s I-35W highway bridge collapsed at just after 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Michelle and Hot Air are tracking the story. Great coverage as always.
DHS issued a statement that the collapse “does not appear to be an act of terrorism.” Isn’t it too early to say anything meaningful about what it “appears” to be? Couldn’t they maybe, I dunno, say nothing until they actually know something?
Whether terrorism or a failure on the part of big government, it’s clear to anyone with eyes that government doesn’t work. Private enterprise always does better than the Feds. It’s time to cut the Federal Government down to size.
The timing smells suspiciously like terrorism: the collapse occurred during the height of rush hour. A structural failure smells like incompetance of big government. It may be time to privatize infrastructure construction and maintenance.
In any case, we’ll find out the cause in the coming days. But the known facts at this time are that at least 50 cars are involved and so far 3 people are confirmed dead.
Our prayers are with the victims. They need our support.
— Psycheout
Blogs 4 Brownback 
My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.
Comment by Lyssie — August 1, 2007 @ 8:43 pm |
Yes, Lyssie. It’s impossible not to pray at a time like this.
Ongoing live coverage can be seen here.
Comment by Psycheout — August 1, 2007 @ 8:50 pm |
My Goodness this horrible. When they said bridge collapses, many deaths I was thinking “Ah, Jesus finally got around to those horrible Californians” but no. Yes Psycheout terrorism and big government are clearly in the wrong here. Every liberal reading this post, take a long hard look at the good people you have killed.
Comment by BJ Tabor — August 1, 2007 @ 9:19 pm |
I agree BJ. As soon as I heard a bridge collapse, God told me that the liberals were to blame. Clearly this bridge collapse is due to liberal alarmists crying about global warming in places like Minnesota. It is Jesus’s punishment to Minnesota for having all those liberals. Unfortunately the liberals must suffer hell-fires on top of all the swirling muddy water. All you liberals out there, see how foolish and evil you are, and how easy it is for good folks like me and BJ Tabor to figure it all out? That’s because the Lord has given us the vision and perception that come with true Faith in Him.
Comment by Hank Wodehammerz — August 1, 2007 @ 10:32 pm |
prez bush shud get whose ever responsible for this horrible trajedy thayll be in my prayers tonite
Comment by JOE — August 1, 2007 @ 11:26 pm |
How many bridges have to collapse before the liberals realize that God is angry?
Tristan
Comment by tristanjshuddery — August 2, 2007 @ 2:12 am |
It is a tragedy for all involved. It is situations such as this that the great, late Brother Jerry Falwell would offer healing words of console and wisdom to our people. I take comfort in that we can count on Reverend Pat Robertson to soon step forward with a public comment or similar caliber.
May the families of this catastrophic event find peace and resolve.
Comment by Mrs. T.D. Gaines-Crockett — August 2, 2007 @ 5:23 am |
What is so typical is the inane and outright stupid remarks and ideas that people generate and express… despite all the good of the internet, it puts a spotlight on the lunacy of our good citizens. How does a bridge collapse suddenly break into a religious or political argument? That’s insane. A bridge collapsed. Period. Take your pick here: a) It’s not been inspected correctly, b) it was terrorism or sabotage, c) the structural integrity gave away from age and weathering. It is a tragedy. It is not God, or Satan, wrecking vengeance. It is not Bill Clinton or George Bush. It is not caused by sin or voodoo. Idiots.
Comment by Arfy — August 2, 2007 @ 7:32 am |
“Every liberal reading this post, take a long hard look at the good people you have killed.”
Whaaat?? More like, “conservatives, look at the people YOU killed. If people were actually intelligent enough to build a good bridge this wouldn’t have happened.”
“I take comfort in that we can count on Reverend Pat Robertson to soon step forward with a public comment or similar caliber.”
Yes, just like how he alone averts hurricanes and said that some vast nuclear terrorism would occurr this summer on US territory.
“How many bridges have to collapse before the liberals realize that God is angry?”
How many bridges have to collapse before the conservatives realize that sh!t just happens?
“Yes Psycheout terrorism and big government are clearly in the wrong here.”
So first it’s terrorism, then it’s a government conspiracy, then it’s God? At least have the sense to make up your mind.
Comment by Adam Nelson — August 2, 2007 @ 7:36 am |
People, let’s not jump to conclusions. We still don’t know the exact reason as to why this might have happened, so any speculation is pointless. Instead of bickering and blaming, we should be directing our energy towards finding out if there is anything that we can do to help those whose lives have been affected by this tragedy.
Comment by Lyssie — August 2, 2007 @ 7:44 am |
It was an old bridge, my guess was that the structural integrity was waning and it finally caught up. As for the allegations of terrorism, this wasn’t a terrorist attack.
“The timing smells suspiciously like terrorism: the collapse occurred during the height of rush hour.”
This was probably coincidental as the bridge would have been packed full of cars. Maybe that was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Anyway, last I heard on the news, there are about 50 people still missing/presumed dead down there.
Comment by Brandon Explosion — August 2, 2007 @ 7:59 am |
Greetings mighty American people,
Let me introduce myself, I’m a French engineer living and working in Canada with my wife. We moved a year ago so there might be some things obvious to a north-American I don’t know about or I don;t understand yet and I apologize for that (as well as for my poor English).
The purpose of this message is to ask for an explanation of some of the comments I read about this bridge accident. From what I read on this website, I deduced you people were conservatives, right? In my perception of USA political system, conservatives seem to want to keep to old hand-made american values (family, God, …) and liberal could be called progressists, if not please explain.(I may have been clumsy in this previous sentence, please do not feel insulted, there is really no offence).
So you gentlemen and distinguished ladies seem to be on the God-side of the fence (no need to say on the good side, as when it comes to beliefs everyone knows it own is better than anything). There again, from the little I know from your huge country, “God” seems to reference to guy they talked about in the “Holy Bible”. In this interesting book, I also read Jesus saying “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” which could also reference :
** Californians
** Liberals
** Gays
** Muslims
** Jews
** French people (the ones with the wine who did not approve war on Iraq to destroy their Weapons of mass destruction)
** whoever having different ideas about world, religion, life…
From what I learnt when I used to visit churches, the main message of God is about tolerance, protecting the weak, being fair, respecting people…
I’m afraid the perception I have of what I read on this website is you as a bunch of exalted predicators sending other people (here liberals and Californians) to the flames of Hell mainly because they’re either liberal or Californian.
As wishing bad things for someone else is a sin, I’m afraid I just cannot understand how one can worship God and aim to joining him into the Paradise (in actively fighting “carnal desires” as “Mrs. T.D. Gaines-Crockett ” said in the Sparta-related post) , but in the same time show so much hatred about people that are different to him/herself.
In my quest for understanding, I showed the Sparta post to some of my friends which said this blog was a humorous fake. But I’m quite not sure it is. Could anyone bring some light on that subject too?
Thanks
V
Comment by Vengeur Masque — August 2, 2007 @ 8:03 am |
I think this is clear evidence that the government simply cannot be trusted to operate bridges.
If you look at what happened after Katrina, and the pathetic response of FEMA. I mean Wal-Mart and Home Depot were getting supplies into their stores more reliably and efficiently than the government could get something as simple as water to the superdome.
Home Depot could be building bridges like this. There’s no reason why they could not, and as qualified and competent as they are logistically I’m sure it would run more efficiently and cheaper to boot.
Perhaps it’s time we start having a more serious debate about outsourcing our transporation system to private companies? I know the liberals are against this, solely because they like big government.
Comment by Harry — August 2, 2007 @ 8:06 am |
I would not be a bit surprised if we find out later on that those PETA people had something to do with this. Those organized vegetarians are vicious and dangerous people unless you are a spotted owl.
Comment by Mrs. T.D. Gaines-Crockett — August 2, 2007 @ 8:28 am |
I must admit to being a little disturbed by some of the comments regarding God’s or Jesus’ judgement on the bridges of America. As an evangelical believer, I’m not saying that it isn’t His judgement. I just don’t know if you can say for sure that it is. God does govern in th affairs of men, which I believe includes judgement on the just and the unjust. I think you need to be careful of putting God into a box of your making.
I am inclined to blame this bridge failure on the decline of government agencies maintaining infrastructure. The balance of spending on social programs to infrastucture support at all levels has swung way to the social program side. I see it here in California everyday, and the Minnesota bridge collapse is the sad result. It took the ’89 San Francicso earthquake to jolt us into a retrofit program for our Interstate bridges. But smaller, older bridges are in danger still.
Comment by John E. Dalgity — August 2, 2007 @ 10:54 am |
Not sure any ones cares, but just to set the record straight since it does not seem clear to a lot of folks. Bridges, highways, in fact most public facility designs and construction are done by private firms. Government rarely does actual design or construction. Even the Army Corps of Engineers does not do as much design or construction as you might think – just a lot of contract administration. Lots of engineering consultants do the actual design and specification work. Government provides funding, contract development, oversight, administration and inspection, although usually the design firm performs the primary construction inspection. Private consultants develop and write reports for most programs for government (such as Superfund by CH2M Hill for example). Since these projects often are published under the government agency name and format, most people are not aware that the government had consults do the work. Typically government, whether Federal, State or local, performs mostly maintenance with their own forces. Even this is contracted out on occasion. So we are way past the privatization issue.
Comment by M.J. Dees — August 2, 2007 @ 11:37 am |
“Comment by Vengeur Masque”
I used to think this blog was a fake, but I don’t know much anymore. Some of the oppinions they expressed here are so bull-headed and stupid that I just don’t know. Well, Sisyphus is a fake, but the others might be sincere (scary as that is).
Comment by Brandon Explosion — August 2, 2007 @ 11:39 am |
An example of a stupid comment?
“I would not be a bit surprised if we find out later on that those PETA people had something to do with this. Those organized vegetarians are vicious and dangerous people unless you are a spotted owl.”
Yes, Mrs. T.D. Gaines Crockett. PETA, the animal rights advocates, blew up a bridge. That’s the dumbest, most unfounded accusation that I’ve heard from you all day, and that’s saying something.
Comment by Brandon Explosion — August 2, 2007 @ 11:41 am |
I think the only thing that this proves is what we already knew: governments are notoriously adept at wasting money, while cutting back on the spending that actually makes a difference in peoples’ lives. They’ve completely lost touch with the needs of the average citizen and the needs of the country, serving instead themselves and those who helped them reach power. The whole system is corrupt and self-serving and needs a new broom to sweep things clean. Senator Brownback has indicated quite clearly on his site that he is firmly committed to overhauling things:
He’s one of the few I’ve heard to put it so bluntly, to admit that there is waste, fraud and abuse in the system. I think that his honesty and candor will serve us well, and will hopefully also serve our infrastructure well, so that we have no more of these tragedies. For this to have happened in a country as well-off as ours is beyond shameful.
Comment by Lyssie — August 2, 2007 @ 12:08 pm |
Well, one thing i am greatful to God for, is that it wasnt worse. i am especially greatful to God for saving those fifty something children on that bus. That’s all. Geraldine
Comment by G. Lindsay — August 2, 2007 @ 12:34 pm |
Don’t those Minnesotans suffer enough with their winters?
Comment by Maura Ghee — August 2, 2007 @ 1:09 pm |
Masked Avenger,
Sisyphus is no impostor. I know that for certain.
Comment by dadaclu — August 2, 2007 @ 1:11 pm |
Brandon, Brandon, Brandon… I like your last name.
I think TD loves to be proven wrong. Terrorists… Vegetarians… Har.
Nah, this bridge was very likely designed and built by one or more private companies, and I’m certain these people know that.
This will simply be a case of cheap welds that finally gave way after 40 years of harsh Minnesota winters (do they salt roads in Minnesota?). It’s fun to read and laugh at what Malkin and Schlussel will have to say about this, and TD loves to play the part of Malkin-Wannabe. I love reading her posts. Always, um, educational.
I encourage the surviving family members to be strong here. This must be a very difficult time for all of them. We are pulling for you.
Comment by MikeM — August 2, 2007 @ 1:13 pm |
I’m afraid the perception I have of what I read on this website is you as a bunch of exalted predicators sending other people (here liberals and Californians) to the flames of Hell mainly because they’re either liberal or Californian.
Well Vengeur, considering how liberals and Californians behave were else could they be going? Simple justice screams for their damnation for their crimes and God is Just! One can hope and pray the Left and California realize how wrong they are and dismantle their social programs like Jesus wants before it is too late for them like it is for Vermont, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Comment by BJ Tabor — August 2, 2007 @ 1:19 pm |
Update: The bridge was built by Industrial Construction Company and Hurcon Incorporated.
Short history of the bridge here.
But I don’t think they’re really to be blamed here. If anything, the de-icer another contractor installed around 2000 seems like a bad idea to me…
Comment by MikeM — August 2, 2007 @ 1:35 pm |
Private enterprise always does better than the Feds.
In some places. Certainly NOT always. Especially as privatisation brings with it rampant corruption.
The timing smells suspiciously like terrorism: the collapse occurred during the height of rush hour.
Of course, during rush hour the bridge is stressed the most. Perhaps that´s the reason?
Well, as an agnostic, I won´t pray for the victims and their families. But I´ll for sure think for them.
Every liberal reading this post, take a long hard look at the good people you have killed.
Who´s in the government? Yeah, right, the republicans. (Still.)
And since when would any liberal support terrorism. Last time I heard, all terrorist organisations today follow political teachings that are by their nature against everything a liberal could stand for while keeping to be liberal.
PS: I don´t think it has been terrorism. SOmeone would have seen and/or heard the explosion. And the terrorists would have made it public.
Regarding that whole privatisation gibbering: Why don´t you completely outsource your military, then? Or are the big corporations not trustworthy enough to be armed to their collective theeth?
Comment by PG — August 2, 2007 @ 2:21 pm |
“Why don´t you completely outsource your military, then?”
It’s already started. I believe the government already hires (or at least supports) privatized military companies (a/k/a mercenaries) in the middle east.
There’s a link here, and I’m sure you’ll be able to find a lot more if you look it up.
note to editor: forget how to imbed links…
linky link
[Ed Note: Fixed. Learn how to use HTML. It’s not that hard.]
Comment by Brandon Explosion — August 2, 2007 @ 2:45 pm |
I know, Brandon. That´s why I used the word “completely”. And I think it´s one big mistake. Sure, mercs can be quite a help during a real conflict, but in a peace-keeping situation like Iraq, they´re counter-productive. Just think about it: It´s in their best interest that the violence continues. As long as the insurgency continues, they´re paid. Quite something to think about.
Comment by PG — August 2, 2007 @ 3:25 pm |
[…] Terrorism or Big Government Gone Wrong? A bridge has collapsed in Minneapolis. At least 50 cars and their occupants plunged more than 60 feet into the […] […]
Pingback by Top Posts « WordPress.com — August 2, 2007 @ 6:01 pm |
Imagine how much worse it could have been if Obama’s biological weapons had been involved.
Comment by relee — August 2, 2007 @ 7:21 pm |
BJ Tabor said:
“Well Vengeur, considering how liberals and Californians behave were else could they be going? Simple justice screams for their damnation for their crimes and God is Just! One can hope and pray the Left and California realize how wrong they are and dismantle their social programs like Jesus wants before it is too late for them like it is for Vermont, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.”
What does make you think your perception of divine justice is more accurate than theirs? I don’t know anything about californialo-liberal social programs, but it sounds pretty much matching the “help the poor and the weak” directives spread in your holy book, isn’t it?
Comment by Vengeur Masque — August 10, 2007 @ 9:32 am |
Brandon Explosion said:
“I used to think this blog was a fake, but I don’t know much anymore. Some of the oppinions they expressed here are so bull-headed and stupid that I just don’t know. Well, Sisyphus is a fake, but the others might be sincere (scary as that is).”
That’s exactly it! I just don’t know if I should laugh, cry or do anything else…
(but I really appreciate some of your comments ;-))
Comment by Vengeur Masque — August 10, 2007 @ 9:37 am |
What caused the Bridge to Collapse!!!!
Quality comprised by corruption!!!! Simple!!!
The Cure is: Get Government and Big Business out of our lives! If a Community needs a Bridge, let them petition the people for the money and labor….. and, of course, accomplished, educated, competent and honest Engineers to design the “Best Possible” structure. But first, caution them all that if, the structure ever fails, someone will go to jail, or be hanged!
Comment by Lucid Lee — January 15, 2008 @ 12:10 am |