For once Mississippi is not on the bottom of the list. We're No. 31 on the "percentage of deficient bridges in each state" list. Minnesota is No. 5, which just goes to prove that statistics don't show the whole picture. One collapse of a bridge like the I-35 in Minneapolis is one too many, especially when the cost of replacing and repairing our nation's current bridge infrastructure is a paltry $9.4 billion annually over the next 20 years, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers. (Photo: Sherri LaRose-Chiglo/Pioneer Press, via Associated Press)

We're already pouring over $12 billion into the Iraq war every month! I really don't understand how this administration and Congress arranges its priorities. I, for one, had rather my taxes go toward health, education and yes, the long overlooked maintenance of our infrastructure.

I also don't understand why a bridge would be classified as "structurally deficient" unless it means what it says. According to Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, "'Structurally deficient" means some portions of the bridge need to be scheduled for repair or replacement. It doesn't mean that the bridge is unsafe." Ah, what?

Closer to home, I was comforted by the news that Rankin County has the fewest number of "structurally deficient" bridges in the Jackson area.