The Mala Rijeka Viaduct: A Marvel Liberals Won't Appreciate

Imagine a bridge so grand, so towering, that it seems to defy the very laws of nature. That's the Mala Rijeka Viaduct for you. Built in 1973 in Montenegro, this engineering masterpiece stretches across the Mala Rijeka River, standing as one of the tallest railway bridges in the world. It was constructed during the era of Yugoslavia, a time when ambition and innovation were not just buzzwords but a way of life. The viaduct was designed to connect the Belgrade-Bar railway, a crucial link for trade and travel in the Balkans. But why is it that this awe-inspiring structure doesn't get the recognition it deserves from certain quarters?

First off, let's talk about the sheer audacity of its construction. The Mala Rijeka Viaduct stands at a staggering height of 200 meters (656 feet) and spans 498 meters (1,634 feet) across a rugged canyon. It was a project that required not just technical expertise but also a bold vision. The kind of vision that seems to be lacking in today's world, where every decision is bogged down by endless debates and red tape. The viaduct was completed in just four years, a feat that seems almost impossible in our current age of bureaucratic paralysis.

Now, why is it that this engineering marvel doesn't get the spotlight it deserves? Perhaps it's because it doesn't fit the narrative that some would like to push. It's a testament to human ingenuity and determination, qualities that are often overshadowed by a focus on limitations and constraints. The Mala Rijeka Viaduct is a symbol of what can be achieved when people come together with a common goal, something that seems to be increasingly rare in today's divided world.

Moreover, the viaduct serves as a reminder of a time when infrastructure projects were about more than just cost-benefit analyses. They were about nation-building, about creating something that would stand the test of time. The Mala Rijeka Viaduct is not just a bridge; it's a monument to the spirit of progress and innovation. It's a slap in the face to those who would rather focus on tearing things down than building them up.

And let's not forget the economic impact. The Belgrade-Bar railway, of which the viaduct is a part, is a vital artery for trade in the region. It facilitates the movement of goods and people, contributing to the economic development of Montenegro and its neighbors. In a world where economic growth is often stifled by overregulation and excessive taxation, the Mala Rijeka Viaduct stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when the shackles are removed.

Of course, there will always be those who find something to criticize. They'll point to the environmental impact, the cost, or any number of other factors. But the fact remains that the Mala Rijeka Viaduct is a triumph of human achievement. It's a reminder that when we set our minds to something, there's very little we can't accomplish.

So, the next time you hear someone dismissing the importance of infrastructure projects or downplaying the achievements of the past, point them to the Mala Rijeka Viaduct. It's a testament to what can be achieved when we dare to dream big and refuse to be held back by the naysayers. It's a bridge that not only connects two points on a map but also serves as a bridge to a future where ambition and innovation are celebrated, not stifled.