While the private sector drives the US economy, the government - since the beginning of the republic - has played a leading role as the indispensable investor in America's development, supporting transport, infrastructure and education.

As we enter what looks likely to be a steep economic downturn, a programme to improve the country's crumbling infrastructure would, in addition to its own merits, offer the bonus of significant employment and a sense of confidence. "Credit" comes from the Latin credere meaning "to believe". A government-backed, long-term infrastructure investment programme might provide some of the belief in our economy that has been under pressure as a result of the credit crisis.