Infrastructure needs worth loosing up pursestrings

[Commentary] In the wake of the recent electoral rout, we conservatives must redefine ourselves. The world has changed, and one new reality is the imperative that our government modernize America's aging infrastructure. Many conservatives are uneasy with such talk - clinging to the notion that government investment is anathema to Reagan orthodoxy and other core conservative beliefs. They fear the creation of another permanent bureaucracy, foresee a strain on the budget and argue that such spending is an ineffective economic stimulus. These legitimate worries miss the bigger point: Our infrastructure needs are at a critical juncture. Like the maintenance of a strong military - investment that protects prosperity - investment in key infrastructure is consistent with Reagan principles. Moreover, such "expansion" would promote several conservative ideals: economic growth, energy independence, national security and US competitiveness.