Because No One in Washington Believes In Public Works for the Public Good

Duncan Black wonders why Obama's infrastructure plans have so much added complexity in order to accommodate private investors:

I like me some infrastructure spending. I do not know why the government, which can borrow money for free, needs a rube goldberg machine with added middlemen to make it happen.

This one is simple: There is a Washington consensus about public projects these days, it's that giving some rich dude the opportunity to earn a profit at taxpayer expense, is essential because of capitalism.

What are you a commie pinko or something?

Yes, the free market mousketeers are basically corrupt ratf%$#s.

BTW, that is one seriously fat cat.