By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The Trump administration has frozen funding for $2.1 billion worth of infrastructure projects in Chicago, including the Red Line extension, citing concerns about “race-based contracting,” according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Illinois’s elected officials, including Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson, have strongly condemned the move, accusing the White House of using its power to punish political opponents amid the federal government shutdown and questioning the prioritization of aid to Argentina over Chicago. Officials like Representative Mike Quigley have warned that this could be the beginning of a broader effort to cut federal funding to cities that disagree with the president and that the Red Line funding might be permanently blocked.
Read the original article here
So, the news is that billions of dollars earmarked for infrastructure projects in Chicago are being held up. At the same time, there’s a substantial financial commitment being made to Argentina. And the question that’s naturally arising, and being voiced by the city’s Democratic mayor, is a simple one: “Argentina gets $20 billion and the South Side gets nothing. What happened to America First?”
This situation, viewed through the lens of the current political climate, immediately triggers a cascade of questions and concerns. The initial gut reaction is a sense of bewilderment. Why would funds for local improvements, for things like bridges, public transit, and clean water – essential components of a functional society – be frozen while another country receives such a significant investment? The immediate impression is one of punishment. It feels like the city, or rather its residents, are being penalized for not aligning politically with the current administration. This feels like an overreach, plain and simple.
The phrase “America First” itself, usually associated with nationalist sentiment, begins to feel hollow. The common sentiment is that this phrase has been twisted into something else. It’s beginning to seem like “America First” is a selective vision, a coded message that actually translates to prioritizing a specific segment of the population, or a specific political agenda, over the needs of the nation as a whole. It makes you question the true intentions behind the rhetoric. Is this really about American prosperity, or is it about something far less inclusive and far more self-serving?
The fact that the decision is happening within the context of a shutdown heightens the tension. The checks and balances that are supposed to be the bedrock of our government are being eroded. There’s a palpable sense of frustration, and a sense that the situation has reached a breaking point. It feels like something has been fundamentally broken in the system, and that the consequences of the inaction will be long felt.
The potential implications are troubling. Infrastructure projects are vital for economic growth, job creation, and the overall quality of life for a city’s residents. Delaying or canceling these projects doesn’t just impact Chicago; it creates a ripple effect, potentially slowing down progress across the board. This isn’t just about politics; it’s about tangible consequences for people’s lives. The fact that the rest of the Republican party can only standby as this occurs and act as enablers, is incredibly frustrating to a great deal of Americans.
There’s also the question of legality and morality. Is this even something the President is allowed to do? Is it fair? Is it right? The answer, more than likely, is a resounding no.
The perception is that those in power are not acting in the best interests of the country. The focus is on self-preservation, on rewarding allies and punishing perceived enemies. The overall feeling is that America is no longer being considered first.