Thursday, January 31, 2013

The Slippery Slope


One of the graduation requirements at San Jose State was that students had to take a course in “critical thinking.”  Different departments offered a variety of courses to meet the requirement; in the Political Science Department our course was entitled “Controversial Legal Issues”  Among the subjects we covered were fallacies often used in debates, including the “slippery slope” argument.  

The slippery slope argument basically states that once we start down a slippery slope, other actions will inevitably follow.  If we ban child porn, soon we will ban all porn, and if we ban all porn, we will soon ban any mention of sex, and then anything critical of the government, and then we wipe out the First Amendment. 

What made me think of this is the N.R.A. argument that if we ban assault weaponry and high capacity clips, we will soon be banning shotguns and hunting rifles.  

I have yet to hear of a gun sanity supporter who wants to ban hunting rifles.  I am sure that some Americans would like to ban every gun, but that is not the proposal of the Biden group or the vast majority of gun sanity advocates.  

The irony is that assault rifle sales were banned for ten years before being permitted again during the second Bush administration.  In that time hunters, including me, had no problems.  The second irony is that we are not allowed to possess RPGs or surface-to-air missiles; nonetheless we still have our rifles and pistols and shotguns.

Remember, the slippery slope argument is considered a fallacy.  Perhaps stupidity would be a better word.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

"Earn"? I think not.


On the day after Obama gave a major speech on immigration, and on the day I participated on a demonstration in Jim Thorpe, and when so many stupid things about assault weapons are bandied about, I’m writing about a small thing.  Forgive me.

The business section of the New York Times today ran an article with this headline:
“Chief of the Jefferies Group Earned $19 Million in 2012.”   I have seen many similar headlines in the past, and it drives me nuts.

Nobody EARNS $19 million.  They may “rake in” $19 million, they may “rip off” $19 million, they may “plunder” $19 million, they may “bag” $19 million, but they sure as heck don’t EARN it.  

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Barletta, embarrassment to the GOP and all of us


A group of 8 U.S. senators--4 Republicans, 4 Democrats--released a statement on immigration reform.  The group called for more border enforcement and workplace checks, but also laid out a path to citizenship for the over 10 million people who are here without papers.  

Richard Trumka, head of the AFL-CIO, said it was a great first step.  The New York Times headlined its lead editorial “Now We’re Talking.”  I certainly don’t like everything in the statement, but I was amazed and heartened that Republicans and Democrats actually tried to work out a compromise.

Then there’s Lou Barletta, a man who won office by attacking immigrants.  It is part of who he is.  He said that Latinos would never vote for Republicans because Latinos were depending on handouts which the Democrats provided. 

He has no idea how hard most immigrants work for how very little pay.  He will soon be consigned to the dustbin of history, the sooner the better.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Shopping at Wal-Mart


In spite of my ranting and raving, a number of my friends still shop at the big box stores.  

I will now quote #54 of 100 Things I’m Not Going To Do Now That I’m Over 50, a book written by Wendy Reid Crisp and published in 1995.

#54:  I’m not going to...buy anything in a chain store that can be purchased from a locally owned business.

While driving through Indiana one summer, I was listening to the radio when a woman on a talk show said, “My kids are always telling me to shop at the discount stores at the mall.  They say, “You’ll get a real bargain there, Mom.”  And I say, “Those people downtown know who I am and who your father was and I’ve helped them out and they’ve helped me out for over forty years.  I know who I can depend on and who this town can depend on.  That’s a real bargain.”

I’d go even further.  If the only place you can get it is at a big box store, you don’t need it. 

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Agenda 21


A brief note to the supporters of the U.N. program Agenda 21.  There has been a change in our meeting location.  We will be meeting on Jan. 29 in the hay mow of the same barn in East Penn Township where we met before.  Park in the back.

Last time some of your forgot the password.  It is “sustainable development.”  

If you have any acquaintances who are in the 9/12 movement, do not discuss this.  They seem to be on to us.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

The 3/5ths clause revisited


If the Virginia legislature succeeds in passing a bill to allocate Electoral College votes by Congressional district, here is what the result could be.  According to Charles Blow in a column in today’s New York Times, if the plan had been in effect in 2012, Obama voters would have received 30.7 % of the Electoral College vote as opposed to the  51% of the popular vote actually received.  Do the math.  It is almost exactly 3/5ths.

If that fraction sounds familiar, it is what the Constitution allowed Southern states to count slaves for purposes of reapportionment.

Would Republicans be that crass?  Yes, they would.  The Virginia Senate is equally divided between Republicans and Democrats.  On inauguration day an African-American state senator was in Washington to celebrate.  The temporary Republican majority quickly rammed through a gerrymander on a 20-19 vote, permitting almost no debate.  

These people have no shame, no morals, no sense of fairness, no honor. 

Friday, January 25, 2013

Reverse Robin Hood


The governor of Kansas is proposing to eliminate the state’s income tax.  Let me give you a quick lesson on revenue sources.

Progressive revenue sources are those that require wealthy people to pay a greater percentage of their income than poor people.  A graduated income tax is an example--people with low incomes pay a lower percentage of their income, while wealthy people pay a greater percentage.

A flat tax is a tax that takes the same percentage bite no matter what one’s income.  There are very few flat revenue sources, but you can see how it would work in theory.  The sales tax is sometimes thought to be a flat tax, but it really isn’t.  

Here’s why.  Let’s say you take in $10 million annually.  You are not going to spend all that money on items that are subject to the sales tax.  You will invest much of it, perhaps bank it in the Cayman Islands.  On the other hand, let’s say your income is $50,000 a year.  You will spend most of that money on items that are taxed.  Therefore, you are actually paying a greater percentage of your income on the sales tax than the rich guy.  The sales tax is a regressive tax, taking more from low income people than the rich.

An analysis of the Kansas governor’s proposal shows that the poorest 20% of Kansas residents will spend an additional $148 per year on taxes.  The top 1% will see their income spent on taxes drop by 2%, or $21,087 per year.  

The governor of Kansas and the majority of both houses of the Kansas legislature are Republicans.  I really didn’t need to say that, did I?

(The Kansas figures are taken from today’s New York Times article entitled “Kansas’ Governor and G.O.P. Seek to Eliminate Income Tax.”)

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Filibuster


In my latest article in the on-line Carbon County Magazine, I listed some of my favorite political films.  One of then is Mr. Smith Goes to Washington with Jimmy Stewart in the lead role.  The climactic moment comes when Senator Smith filibusters himself into exhaustion by speaking for hour after hour on the Senate floor.

IT DOESN’T WORK LIKE THAT ANY MORE.  Now a senator doesn’t even have to speak to filibuster.  In Obama’s first two years the House passed an immigration reform bill.  Fifty-nine senators supported it as well, but under Senate rules 60 votes were needed.  This is not in the Constitution. This is because of some arcane Senate rule.  

When the Senate opens its session it can change the rules by majority vote.  Senator Reid had his chance today.  He let it slip by.  Supposedly the Senate made some minor changes, but why not go by majority vote?  Why do we always snatch defeat from the jaws of victory?  Do you think the Republicans in a similar situation would have done that?  I am so angry.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Jerry Knowles


For years I’ve been a subscriber to Governing magazine, a monthly publication devoted to U.S. state and local governments.  Once a year Governing publishes a list of state legislators, mayors, and local government officials who have made a significant contribution to innovative policies or have achieved excellence in governing.  Pennsylvania State Representative Jerry Knowles (R-Berks/Schuylkill) will never be featured.  Guaranteed,

Today Knowles announced that he was co-sponsoring the “Open Workforce Initiative.”  This is also known as a “Right to work for less” bill, or sometimes by the abbreviation SPWABTDTTBL.  (That’s “Screw Pennsylvania Workers and Bring Them Down To Bangladesh Levels”).  Knowles is known for his slavish devotion to big business and his antipathy to working men and women.  

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Why People Hate Congress: Another in a Series


Headline in the New York Times, Jan. 20, 2013:  “Fiscal Footnote:  Big Senate Gift To Drug Maker.”  What the Senate did was add a paragraph (Section 632) to the infamous “fiscal cliff” legislation to delay Medicare price restraints on a class of drugs that includes Sensipar, a pill made by the Amgen Company.  Amgen can sell Sensipar for another two years without controls, a move which will add about $500 million to Amgen’s income.

That $500 million will come out of Medicare, which means out of taxpayers’ pockets.  

Amgen distributed nearly $5 million to members of Congress since 2007.  The money went to both Republicans and Democrats, to Senators McConnell and Baucus, to the Congressional Black Caucus and the the Republican National Convention.  The company’s lobbyists include former congressional aides, and Amgen has a slew of them.

An investment of $5 million (reported) to get back $500 million.  You have a right to be disgusted.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Seneca Falls, Selma,and Stonewall


President Obama’s inauguration speech made reference to Seneca Falls, Selma, and Stonewall.  I’m sure all over the South people were scratching their heads and yelling out, “Did you hear that Billie Jo, Obama just mentioned Stonewall Jackson.”

As an old American Studies prof, I feel the need to clarify.  

Seneca Falls referred to the Convention held in that town in western New York in 1848.  The Convention called for women’s suffrage.  One woman who attended the Convention was still alive when the Women’s Suffrage Amendment was adopted in 1920.

Selma referred to Selma, Alabama, kick-off point for the Selma to Montgomery march for voting rights in 1965.  Marchers were met at the Edmund Pettus Bridge by cops who beat them--an action which is often credited with hastening the passage of the Voting Rights Act, which, by the way, is currently being challenged in the U.S. Supreme Court.

Stonewall, perhaps the least know of the references, was the shorthand name for the Stonewall Riots.  In 1969 police raided the Stonewall Inn, a club in Greenwich Village, to arrest gay men.  (Yes, gay sexual activity was illegal in New York in 1969.)  This time the gays fought back, and the “riots” are often seen as the beginning of the movement for gay rights.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

More good news


Last Sunday I noted that I should post more upbeat items, and I promised that I would try to do that every Sunday.  This week I have two.

First, New York state passed some very tough gun legislation, including limits on assault rifles and limits on clips.  How did Governor Cuomo get the bill through the legislature?  He did it so fast the N.R.A. said it didn’t have time to mobilize opposition.  

Second, the San Francisco 49ers are in the Superbowl.  I lived in the Bay Area for 32 years.  Old loyalties die hard.  Way to go, team.  Plus, California is a blue state; Georgia is a red state.  Go blue.

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Democratic Information Center


The Democratic Information Center had its Grand Opening today.  The Center is located at 110 S. Main Street in Lehighton, and it will be available for candidate training, Democratic club meetings, and volunteer recruitment.  The Center is located in the old Elks Building in the office that had been the Obama and Cartwright headquarters.

In past years when County Democrats had a headquarters, they closed it down after the election was over.  This time a group of county residents decided to maintain a presence in the County and keep the office open.  Fifty activists showed up today to celebrate the new Center.  This is a big weekend for Democrats in Carbon County.  Monday we will have another round of parties to celebrate President Obama’s inauguration.

Meanwhile, Carbon Republicans have met to discuss “Agenda 21,” an attempt by the U.N. to take over the County through zoning and property maintenance laws.  I’m not kidding.

Friday, January 18, 2013

It's a start


Rick Scott, the Republican governor of Florida who made his money overcharging Medicare, said he will support increasing the number of voting days, including Sunday voting on the weekend before the election.  He will also increase the number of polling places, and he will support efforts to shorten the ballot, seen in part as the reason for the long lines in the November election.  Florida voters, as you may remember, stood in lines for hours to vote even after Obama had been declared the winner.

Other voter suppression policies are still in place in Florida, but at least the state is moving in the right direction.  Perhaps Governor Corbett and Representative Heffley will be inspired by Florida’s example.  One can always hope.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Republicans and East German Commies


I was reading a review of Iron Curtain, a new book by Anne Applebaum, in the February issue of Harper’s Magazine, and I came across a statement made in 1946 by the East German Communist leader Walter Ulbricht.  Ulbricht was explaining how the Communists would win “democratic” elections.  

“We will organize them in such a manner as to ensure that there is a working-class majority in all towns and villages.”  It struck me that this is exactly what Gov. Corbett and Rep. Heffley and all the voter suppression laws are doing.  Just substitute “Republican” for “working class” in Ulbricht’s statement.  The Republicans are using Communist electoral strategy as their playbook.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Action on guns


After the Newtown massacre I made three predictions.  First, there’s be a run on guns.  That happened.  Secondly, after lots of talk, the gun laws wouldn’t change.  Third, there would be another massacre.  I was wrong about the second, thanks the President and his executive orders.  On the other hand, we still have child-killer assault rifles available for sale and hundreds of thousands already in circulation, so my third prediction may come true, although I really hope I’m wrong about that one as well.

After the President made his proposals, a Texas congressman immediately called for the President’s impeachment.  Can we all agree to get behind the Texas secession movement?  Please, just let them go.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Getting out in time


“California To Give Web Courses A Big Trial” was an above-the-fold headline in today’s Business section of the New York Times.  The article discussed a company called “Udacity” [sic], a Silicon Valley firm that produces online college courses, partnering with San Jose State to provide introductory and remedial classes.  

Certainly a large number of students need remedial help.  According to the article, more than 50% of entering students can’t pass the placement tests in English and math.  The deal with Udacity will start with only 300 students, and they will be provided with some professor contact along with staff mentors supplied by the company.  

My old union, the California Faculty Association, is dubious.  Who will control the courses and their content?  How much contact will professors have with their students?  Will the SJSU online courses do better than the open online courses now being offered, which have a dropout rate of about 90%?  

Personally, I can’t imagine teaching an online course. I would need to see my students.  Teaching is interactive.  You can tell if a student doesn’t understand, is losing interest, needs more help. Students learn from each other.  The professor learns from the students.  I know, I know--I sound like one of those dinosaurs who can’t adapt.  Nonetheless, I’m glad that I retired before Udacity (even the name offends me) came along.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Stupid statements about gun control

1.  Guns don't kill people, people kill people.
     Really.  And what do those people use to kill people.

2.  If you ban assault rifles, killers will use knives.
     A friend and I were attacked in a Washington, D.C., apartment building in 1966 by two guys with knives.  My friend fought them off ( I was cowering in the corner), and we got the elevator door closed and escaped.  Had those guys had guns, I doubt if you would be reading this post.
     There was an attack on school children in China abut the same time of the Newton shooting.  If I remember correctly, 20 children were wounded by an assailant with a knife.  All of them lived.

3.  Good guys with guns can stop bad guys with guns.
     In Littleton, Colorado, the good guys did have guns, but the students were killed anyway.  Even trained cops shoot bystanders by accident.  I'd hate to think of a situation where a whole group of untrained shooters blast away.

4.  If they take away assault rifles, the next thing will be hunting guns. 
     Right now we are not allowed to possess surface-to-air missiles or RPGs, but we still have our hunting rifles.

5.  Require bullet-proof glass in schools.
     Somebody actually wrote that in a letter to the Allentown Morning Call.

6.  We need weapons to protect us from the government.
     Who do we really need protection from?  Have you seen the people who are pushing assault rifles?  Who is going to protect guys like me from those wackos?  I trust the government a lot more than I trust armed Tea Party nuts.

7.  When guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns.
     Oh.  My.  God.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Pig Gestation Crate Phase-out


Sometimes it seems as though all my posts on this blog are either angry or pessimistic.  I’ve decided to post something positive at least once a week.  So here is this week’s positive development.  According to an article in the January 12 Lancaster Farming, Smithfield Foods Inc., largest U.S. pork producer, said by 2017 it will have phased out the practice of keeping pregnant sows in “gestation crates.”  Those are small metal crates that don’t permit sows to move around. You don’t have to be a member of PETA to see the cruelty involved.  

The company operates about 460 hog farms in the U.S.  It also has international subsidiaries; those will phase out gestation crates by 2022.  That’s nine years away, but at least the end is in sight.

By the way, I buy my pork chops from a local butcher about two miles down the road.  I don’t think she even knows what a gestation crate is.

Preview:  Tomorrow I’m writing about the dumbest things said about controlling weaponry in this country.

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Gun legislation explained


OK, boys and girls, gather round while your kindly old Uncle Karl explains the politics of gun legislation.  Remember earlier when I told you that Marxist analysis can be summed up in just three words:  “Follow the Money.”

Let’s apply that to proposed gun legislation.  If a ban on assault weapons is passed, who will reap a financial reward?  Almost no one that I can think of.  On the other hand, who will lose?  Gun manufacturers, ammo manufacturers, and gun dealers, and they will lose a great deal.  

Ergo, the pressure to curb the sale of assault rifles will fail.  This is the U.S.  The political system responds to money.  

In the meantime, an average of seven kids die every day in the U.S. because of guns.  They won’t all be little kids; many will be teenagers.  They won’t all be homicides; some will be from accidents or suicides, but the seven deaths will result from guns. In the meantime, membership in the N.R.A. continues to climb.

Friday, January 11, 2013

We suck


The National Institutes of Health commissioned a study to compare the U.S. to other affluent democracies with regard to health care.  The study included countries in Western Europe, Canada, Japan, and Australia.  

We came in dead (bad word choice) last in life expectancy for men.  For American women we were next to last.  We were either last or near the bottom in heart disease, obesity and diabetes, homicides, and sexually-transmitted diseases.  

Why are we so bad?  An editorial in the New York Times suggests a number of likely explanations, including a large uninsured population, weaker safety net programs, sedentary lifestyles and obesity, higher rates of drug abuse, and greater use of firearms in acts of violence.  

You know how people are always saying “We’re number one!”  We are, but not in a good way.

If you want to read the Times’ editorial, click on <http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/11/opinion/americas-health-disadvantage.html>.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Electoral College votes in PA


Republicans in the Pennsylvania state legislature have discussed changing the formula for distributing electoral college votes in the state.  Currently the presidential candidate who wins the most popular votes in Pennsylvania wins all of the state’s electoral college votes.  That number is determined by adding the number of seats in the House of Representatives (now 18) plus the two Senate seats for a total of 20.

Because of gerrymandering, five of the Congressional seats are held by Democrats; 13 by Republicans.  Statewide, Democratic congressional candidates won more votes than their Republican opponents, but they only won five seats because the REPUBLICANS GERRYMANDERED THE DISTRICTS. Had the Congressional district plan been in effect in November Obama would have received seven electoral college (five districts plus two for winning the state) , while Romney would have received 13.  

A few nights ago I was arguing with my wife that the Republican legislators would have more integrity than to first gerrymander the districts, and then award electoral college votes based on the gerrymander.  

Now I read in the New Yorker that that 19 states--almost all controlled by Republicans-- passed laws restricting voters.  ID requirements, citizenship checks, absentee restrictions, denial of early voting--and all in an attempt to suppress the vote. 

 I have changed my mind.  Linda was right.  I think Republicans have no shame, no love for democracy, a win-at-all-costs mentality.  And they put it in the guise of preventing voter fraud.  What a morally bankrupt and evil group of people.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

PA Farm Show Report


Neighbor and frequent commentator George White and his wife Marie exhibit at the Pennsylvania Farm Show every year.  A few years ago Marie’s chocolate cake was judged best in the state.  Here is George’s report on this year’s show:

Marie and I attended the Farm Show on Sunday and Monday. Sunday was the competition for angel food cake.  Marie had an entry in this year’s event, but no luck to be had. Competition is tough. 

We spent a considerable amount of time walking the exhibits. The Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest winter agricultural event in the U.S.  The food is just the best, and we are always impressed by is the number of youth involved in farming.  Agriculture is certainly alive and well in PA.  

Having attended the farm show for over 40 years, I am struck how agriculture has progressed. We saw really large pieces of farm equipment this year. Unfortunately, the average family farmer of today just cannot afford the cost of these monsters, with prices of $250,000 to $400,000.  

The Farm Show is an affordable event. There is no admission charge; only a parking charge of $10 with free shuttle bus right to the door. From Lehighton to the Elmerton parking lot is under two hours. The show continues this week.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Publicizing gun owners


The Journal News, a newspaper based in White Plains, New York, published an online map of the locations of handgun permit owners in Westchester and Rockland counties.  What amazed me is the number of people in two suburban New York counties who own handguns--33,614.  

Although the permits are public record, gun owners were outraged.  Threats were made against reporters, and what is really sick, the schools of reporters’ kids were published online.

Gun owners said they were worried that people who would steal guns now had access to where the guns were.

But wait, isn’t the whole idea that if somebody comes into your house to steal something and you have a handgun, you can blow him away?  Isn’t that the point?  What am I missing here?

Monday, January 7, 2013

Whom to root for


When I was a grad student at Penn State in the Sixties, the chair of the Political Science Department was Dr. Bernard Hennessy.  I learned a great deal from Dr. Hennessy, including a phase which I once quoted in a previous posting--”sometimes it it necessary to rise above principle.”  

When I was a prof at San Jose State, Hennessy was the Chair at Hayward State, and we became very good friends.  He shared his philosophy of rooting for football teams when both teams were out-of-state.  He rooted for the secular team over the religious school, North over South, East over West, industrial city over sunbelt city, public over private.  It was a good system and made the choice generally easy.

Applying Bernie’s rules, I must say:  “Roll Tide.”  That should also make all of my relatives in Tuscaloosa happy, and that’s important, because those people are nuts.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

A raised middle finger

John Swartz, in May 2006, was a passenger in car in upstate New York when he spotted a police car that was using a radar gun.  Mr. Swartz extended his right arm outside the passenger side window and extended his middle finger.

The driver was pulled over.  Mr. Swartz was arrested on a charge of disorderly conduct.  He sued.  The officer who had the radar gun said he saw the finger as a "potential call for help."

In a 14-page opinion, Judge Jon O. Newman wrote: "Perhaps there is a police officer somewhere who would interpret an automobile passenger's giving him the finger as a signal of distress, but the nearly universal recognition that this gesture is an insult deprives such an interpretation of reasonableness."

(I found this information in the New York Times, Jan. 4, 2013, p. A 17.  For every driver who has ever been stopped in a speed trap, I hope Mr. Swartz wins his case.  And to the Franklin Township police who enforce a 45 mph speed limit on 209, I salute you with raised middle finger.)

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Killing birds


I like to think of myself as an environmentalist.  We enrolled the farm in the Farmland Preservation program, I don’t use any pesticides on the garden or our lawn, and every year I work like a dog to cut back the brush on the stone waterway because I’m afraid that Roundup would end up in the stream and ultimately in Beltzville Lake.  I’m a member of at least three environmental organizations, and I taught an environmental studies class at San Jose State.  

Now I find out that I may have been poisoning birds.  When you have chickens, you have mice.  When you have a shed, you have mice.  Mice are destructive little creatures, chewing papers and crapping everywhere.  I’ve been using a product called d-Con to poison them, and it works.

The latest issue of Audubon Magazine contains a long article about what it calls “second generation anticoagulant rodenticides.”  These include d-Con, Hot Shot, Generation, Talon, and Havoc.  They kill by thinning the blood of mice and rats, in effect causing them to bleed to death internally.

When I found a poisoned dead mouse in the shed, I would chuck it out into the field.  That’s the problem.  Hawks and other birds eat the mice and, in turn, become poisoned.  So do foxes, raccoons, bears, skunks, dogs, and house cats.  There is a rodenticide that works on mice that does not affect other animals.  It is called wafarin, the ingredient in blood thinners used by humans.  The second-generation rodenticides act more quickly and are more popular, but they are the ones that harm any animals that consume them.

I’ve decided to go back to the old method.  I set three mouse traps with peanut butter as bait.  The mouse dies almost instantly, and no birds will be harmed.  

Friday, January 4, 2013

The new Congress--and new hope


Yesterday, I travelled by bus to our Nation’s Capitol to watch Matt Cartwright take the oath of office as the new Congressman for Carbon County.  This delightful change, from Lou Barletta to a sentient being, was achieved through “gerrymandering” by our Republican State House.  I don’t care.  I like it.  

While in Washington, my friend Jeremy and I toured the Capitol Building.  Both of us remarked that the building and its monuments to statesmen of the past made us proud.  And now, we are represented by a Congressman who deserves to be in the historic House of Representatives Chamber.  While we watched, Eric Cantor, that sneaky southern snake, gave a speech introducing new rules for Congress.  We would have booed if it were permitted.

On the bus down to D.C. we were joined by Roxie Pauline, who was an official elector for PA.  That means that she cast one of the Electoral College votes that officially elected Barack Obama.  She says she received letters urging her to be a “faithless” delegate and cast her vote for Romney.  They wasted a stamp on Roxie.  She proudly cast her vote for the people’s choice--the first candidate since FDR to win the popular vote in two successive elections--Barack Obama. 

It is corny, but I felt a wave of patriotism to witness the wise choices of the people made a reality.

Linda Christman, Guest Blogger    

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Putin's policies echoed by PA Republican legislators


“Putin Orders Change in Election Rules.”  That was the headline in today’s New York Times above an article detailing how Vladimir V. Putin has ordered a change in the rules for parliamentary elections in Russia.  The change, of course, will benefit Putin’s party, and, as the article noted, “insulate him from dwindling public support....”

What struck me was this echoes policy changes Republican legislators are pushing in Pennsylvania.  Voter I.D. laws, changes in the allocation of electoral votes, gerrymandering--all are geared to minimizing Democratic Party gains and helping the party in power.  

I wonder if the Republican legislators have sent a delegation to Russia for pointers.  President Putin says his proposed changes will enhance democracy.  We’ve heard that one before.  Putin and PA Republican legislators--soul mates.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Carbon taxes


For every major problem, there is usually a solution that is simple, easy, and wrong.  Occasionally, however, a solution will be simple and effective.  Ireland, over the last three years, has imposed a “carbon tax.”  As a way to reduce the deficit and improve the environment, Ireland imposes a tax on households and businesses for the environmental damage they cause.

If you buy a new car in Ireland, you pay a registration fee that rises in proportion to the vehicle’s emissions.  Irelands’s emissions have dropped more than 15% since 2008.  Ireland’s former energy minister said, “We just set up a price signal that raised significant revenue and changed behavior.”

Amazing.  Will the U.S. follow Ireland’s lead?  Republicans in Congress have pledged to block any proposals for a carbon tax.  

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

New beginning, new hope?


Every New Year brings a time of renewal, new resolution, hope for a better year ahead.  Unfortunately, at this point (Tuesday evening, 9:30 p.m., EST) we don’t know if the Republicans in the House of Representatives will pass the compromise worked out last night by the U.S. Senate.  

Some features in that compromise I don’t like very much, but that’s what makes it a compromise.  Provisions I do like very much are that the estate tax increases (though not by much), capital gains taxes increase (though not by much), taxes on people making $450,000 go up (thought not be enough), and unemployment benefits continue for two million Americans.  The important point, of course, is that we don’t hurtle over the “fiscal cliff.”

I must point out that the Republican House members were elected in free elections.  Yes, the districts were gerrymandered.  Yes, states had voter suppression laws in place.  Nonetheless, millions of people voted for House candidates who, by any standard of reasonableness, were nuts.  In Carbon County a majority of voters voted for Smith over Casey for U.S. Senate.  Smith was, to be kind, a demagogue and extremist.

That old cliche that a country gets the kind of government it deserves never appealed to me.  On the other hand, something like 80% of the American public believes we could balance the federal budget by cutting foreign aid.  Foreign aid makes up less than one percent of the federal budget.  Stupid voters elect stupid representatives.  I am not optimistic about 2013.