Unfortunately, Richie, there are altogether too many examples of which you speak. Are the examples you cited accurately reported? It makes no difference to me. I believe your citations as you've reported them.

But when I said, "...They need to make sure such projects are built in places where they are really needed and will be long-term enhancements to economic activity, not just politically-driven "bridge to nowhwere" projects....", I meant it. None of the examples you cited appear to have been the type of project I believe might be of help in jump-starting the economy.

If as voters we can't rely on those we elect to high office to do any better than the examples you've described, then we ought to simply...and collectively...tell 'the electeds' that we don't trust them to make responsible decisions. And we ought not to give them any money with which to make decisions and "investments" as you have cited.