While I was listening to the radio and attempting to clean my garage, I heard a possible apocalyptic story of President Bush giving a speech before a Western Tribal Council. At the end of his speech, there were the customary presentations; these included a plaque embossed with a new Presidential Native American name – “Walking Eagle” (WE).
To support his Social Security proposal, WE asserted real economic growth of 1.8 %; in the context of historically high deficit numbers, he asserted 3.4 - 3.6 %. Where is the truth? WE doesn’t know.
We lied to the world about WMD. WE took from the health, education and welfare of our children, to affect the death of Iraqis children. WE put our brave troops in harms way without proper armor.
June 25 2005, WE’s response to requests for an Iraq exit strategy was clear: "There are not going to be any timetables. Why would you say to the enemy, you know, 'Here's a timetable; just go ahead and wait us out?'"
WE seems to have forgotten – our elections are scheduled. It’s part of democracy. A timetable is in place – it’s based on who wants to win in 2008, and the GOP is beginning to understand; there are Bills being introduced to start withdrawal in October 2006.
A former United Nations military expert, stated plans for the invasion of Iran are already in place – I have no doubt that an terror timetable for another 9-11 has already begun; but it must be post-2006 election and after the new Iran Presidency is established.
But, in reality, such prediction and speculation is meaningless. Our concern is our community. Our community is our county and its economic prospects. Those are, to a large degree, connected to the economic priorities of the nation – which are reflected in our national debt..
For perspective, it took the nation 225 years to amass a $5.7 trillion National Debt – most of which was the current this dollar value of WW2, Korea and Vietnam. The end of this Administration will see the National Debt doubled to around $11 Trillion.
About a third of current debt, money we owe us, is represented by Treasury Bonds which constitute the Social Security Trust Fund – WE declared them to be worthless IOU’s.
WE gets the thanks – states will be billed monthly for the cost of federal services. Texas Gov. Rick Perry has said, "For the first time state governments would be expected to directly finance federal Medicare benefits with state tax dollars.” A new problem for Maine’s budget planners.
Department of Education's Title I program, which helps children in high-poverty areas, is increasing by 3.2 percent, to $12.6 billion – but due to demographics, and a federal EPS formula, more than two-thirds of the districts will receive LESS funding. Gee, sounds like they used our EPS formula!
Red voters got their Walking Eagle – Why did the Tribes name him “Walking Eagle”? It’s a name given when the bird is too full of crap to fly.
CURIOUSITY -- Maine appears to be in the middle of a major drought that remains unreported.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Sunday, July 24, 2005
“want-a-be-poor”
California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey started their fiscal year without budget packages. The Minnesota government actually closed down – 9,000 employees lost paychecks. New York faces problems but it averted a crisis. In that context, poor Maine isn’t doing all that bad.
Augusta might have a handle on a $1.2 billion King administration structural budget deficit. – but it still looks to borrowing before saving. Can we fault Augusta for that insanity? Only if we don’t look.
Look at Washington – they erased $150 billion surplus and brought an end to balanced budgets; now we see them cheer a $333 billion deficit – they expected it to be $100 billion higher. By the end of the Bush term, the national debt, which took 230 years to amass, will have doubled in eight years.
How does Maine handle a $200 million gap (3.5% of budget)? It proposes options. The same gap in Minnesota (0.6% of budget) resulted in the state closing down – Maine, by comparison, has competent leadership.
“I’m always positive when I’m being negative.” If I believe something is wrong, it’s because the facts are such as to make that the only possibility. The facts are arguing that Maine should adopt zero base budgeting as a means to cut waste and redeploy assets.
Per NCLB, I question the wisdom of bowing to unfunded, and paretically funded mandates. We need to examine our budgetary logic – like, “do we want programs tied to federal matching funds?” Do we gain more than the cost of the program?
Are NCLB testing mandates superior to our own program? Bush cut NCLB funding – that implies he doesn’t see enough value in his own initiative to justify funding, even it at previous inadequate levels.
If we’d spend the money anyway, the expenditure is not an issue – federal funds are a bonus; but why spend money on something which doesn’t fit our needs, or duplicates something we already do right?
Both individuals and Governments fall into one of three categories: poor, want-a-be-poor, or well-off; the “well-off” often have fiscal philosophies evidencing “want-a-be-poor”objectives.
The “want-a-be-poor” are the interesting group. They seek the appearance of status; by the practice of deficit spending; and both figuratively and factually, gamble with food money. On the other hand, the “well-off” are frugal, getting value for every cent.
The “want-a-be-poor” borrow for the appearance of substance. The “well-off”, regardless of how little they actually have, focus on paying cash for substances – quietly becoming rich (very well-off).
I recently read of Tibetan nomads who proudly carry a cell-phone – with neither reception, nor anyone to call – a costly and empty status symbol. Maine cannot afford “status”– not if it hurts its people.
The state budget problems appear to emerge from the collusion of two forces, “matching funds” which caused us to spend on non-essentials, and a failure to focus on essentials – we are population rooted in a network of small communities with common needs, we should pool resources for common essentials.
Next week: Walking Eagle.– but this week, on Thursday, the 28th, the Machias Congregational Church is out for blood. From Noon to 5 PM, you get a chance to save a life – now is a shot at real status.
Augusta might have a handle on a $1.2 billion King administration structural budget deficit. – but it still looks to borrowing before saving. Can we fault Augusta for that insanity? Only if we don’t look.
Look at Washington – they erased $150 billion surplus and brought an end to balanced budgets; now we see them cheer a $333 billion deficit – they expected it to be $100 billion higher. By the end of the Bush term, the national debt, which took 230 years to amass, will have doubled in eight years.
How does Maine handle a $200 million gap (3.5% of budget)? It proposes options. The same gap in Minnesota (0.6% of budget) resulted in the state closing down – Maine, by comparison, has competent leadership.
“I’m always positive when I’m being negative.” If I believe something is wrong, it’s because the facts are such as to make that the only possibility. The facts are arguing that Maine should adopt zero base budgeting as a means to cut waste and redeploy assets.
Per NCLB, I question the wisdom of bowing to unfunded, and paretically funded mandates. We need to examine our budgetary logic – like, “do we want programs tied to federal matching funds?” Do we gain more than the cost of the program?
Are NCLB testing mandates superior to our own program? Bush cut NCLB funding – that implies he doesn’t see enough value in his own initiative to justify funding, even it at previous inadequate levels.
If we’d spend the money anyway, the expenditure is not an issue – federal funds are a bonus; but why spend money on something which doesn’t fit our needs, or duplicates something we already do right?
Both individuals and Governments fall into one of three categories: poor, want-a-be-poor, or well-off; the “well-off” often have fiscal philosophies evidencing “want-a-be-poor”objectives.
The “want-a-be-poor” are the interesting group. They seek the appearance of status; by the practice of deficit spending; and both figuratively and factually, gamble with food money. On the other hand, the “well-off” are frugal, getting value for every cent.
The “want-a-be-poor” borrow for the appearance of substance. The “well-off”, regardless of how little they actually have, focus on paying cash for substances – quietly becoming rich (very well-off).
I recently read of Tibetan nomads who proudly carry a cell-phone – with neither reception, nor anyone to call – a costly and empty status symbol. Maine cannot afford “status”– not if it hurts its people.
The state budget problems appear to emerge from the collusion of two forces, “matching funds” which caused us to spend on non-essentials, and a failure to focus on essentials – we are population rooted in a network of small communities with common needs, we should pool resources for common essentials.
Next week: Walking Eagle.– but this week, on Thursday, the 28th, the Machias Congregational Church is out for blood. From Noon to 5 PM, you get a chance to save a life – now is a shot at real status.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Maine Elections - Washington County Perspective dux
As I said last week, we are entering campaign season and Washington County may be up for grabs. It should be clear that there are several issues on the 2005 ballot which might determine a 2006 election.
There is no questions, the opinions and analysis are mine. If the numbers or facts don’t make sense, I am unlike to mince words – though I might, at times, parse them. And yes, I do beat-up on friends just a bit quicker than I would an opponent.
When an opponent makes mistakes – you mention it when it’s already too late for them to recover.
Here in Washington County, EPS funding – the loss of $2 million threatens our economic growth and stability. We are not about to give up our children’s futures – a reality which puts Eddie DuGay on the hot-seat. Initially Eddie took credit for EPS – then he took credit for a one year reprieve.
Eddie then took a $4,130 bonus for regular session work – part of $514,430 accepted by about 70% of our legislators for doing their salaried work – then a contribution filing violation reclaimed $4,110.
The age of political gimmicks carries a price tag; and when you use gimmicks, it would wise to ensure that the underlying objective is achieved. In this case, the legislative procedural gimmick was intended to push through a proposal to borrow $450 million – which I immediately opposed.
I was also among the first to question the reverse mortgage proposal, and efforts to shift the expanded Homestead Exemption costs to localities – others chimed in. John got smart, and wisely backed off.
Before a criteria can be fixed for 2006, John needs to survive 2005 – he supported conforming Maine’s civil rights to those of New England and vetoed the fiscally irresponsible Racino expansion.
On balance, the gubernatorial election is now a matter of the GOP losing it. John has a chance – it will be evaluated in November ... right-wing homophobia offer a demonstration of the opposition’s electoral clout. If they win, John will be a one term governor. In 2006 Racino expansion will solidify support..
The Racino, which is predicated on attracting thousands of losers to Calais, makes no economic sense – thus a statewide referendum will sustain John’s veto – score one for John’s re-election.
Tribal insistence on a waste of State money – will have a negative impact on future Tribal proposals. It would be wiser for the Tribe to focus on LNG related issues; and possibly also consider a Wind Farm.
The people of Maine, will honor Hillel and the Christian mandate of treating others as they would want to be treated. We will join the rest of New England and reject right-wing homophobia – two for John.
Clearly, retaining his traditional 2nd District power base is at the forefront of the governor’s re-election aspirations. To undermine that base, his opponents must find ways to enrich or economic prospects.
The governor has committed himself – wisely obtained in writing by Green Rep. John Eder – to a special session on Tax reform; another half million to get Augusta to do the work we already paid for.
As far as Washington County is concerned, we are ideally situated to capitalize on wind power; which is an ideal follow-up to several LNG facilities, and something I’ll discuss in more detail in the future.
Wind is a sustainable economic force – the electric generated can replace oil, coal and natural gas. So why not capitalize on an abundant, safe and environmentally friendly natural resource?
Wind power would not only contribute to our economic growth; it would enhance downeast “quality of life” in a manner which is environmentally friendly. Quality of life is something we can promote in a way which will both stabilize our population, and attract new resources.
Well, Jonesboro’s Nancy Oden apparently stepped into the gubernatorial ring – BDN op-ed 11 July – and tripped on the ropes. Which shows why we’ll next visit: “want-ta-be-poor”?
There is no questions, the opinions and analysis are mine. If the numbers or facts don’t make sense, I am unlike to mince words – though I might, at times, parse them. And yes, I do beat-up on friends just a bit quicker than I would an opponent.
When an opponent makes mistakes – you mention it when it’s already too late for them to recover.
Here in Washington County, EPS funding – the loss of $2 million threatens our economic growth and stability. We are not about to give up our children’s futures – a reality which puts Eddie DuGay on the hot-seat. Initially Eddie took credit for EPS – then he took credit for a one year reprieve.
Eddie then took a $4,130 bonus for regular session work – part of $514,430 accepted by about 70% of our legislators for doing their salaried work – then a contribution filing violation reclaimed $4,110.
The age of political gimmicks carries a price tag; and when you use gimmicks, it would wise to ensure that the underlying objective is achieved. In this case, the legislative procedural gimmick was intended to push through a proposal to borrow $450 million – which I immediately opposed.
I was also among the first to question the reverse mortgage proposal, and efforts to shift the expanded Homestead Exemption costs to localities – others chimed in. John got smart, and wisely backed off.
Before a criteria can be fixed for 2006, John needs to survive 2005 – he supported conforming Maine’s civil rights to those of New England and vetoed the fiscally irresponsible Racino expansion.
On balance, the gubernatorial election is now a matter of the GOP losing it. John has a chance – it will be evaluated in November ... right-wing homophobia offer a demonstration of the opposition’s electoral clout. If they win, John will be a one term governor. In 2006 Racino expansion will solidify support..
The Racino, which is predicated on attracting thousands of losers to Calais, makes no economic sense – thus a statewide referendum will sustain John’s veto – score one for John’s re-election.
Tribal insistence on a waste of State money – will have a negative impact on future Tribal proposals. It would be wiser for the Tribe to focus on LNG related issues; and possibly also consider a Wind Farm.
The people of Maine, will honor Hillel and the Christian mandate of treating others as they would want to be treated. We will join the rest of New England and reject right-wing homophobia – two for John.
Clearly, retaining his traditional 2nd District power base is at the forefront of the governor’s re-election aspirations. To undermine that base, his opponents must find ways to enrich or economic prospects.
The governor has committed himself – wisely obtained in writing by Green Rep. John Eder – to a special session on Tax reform; another half million to get Augusta to do the work we already paid for.
As far as Washington County is concerned, we are ideally situated to capitalize on wind power; which is an ideal follow-up to several LNG facilities, and something I’ll discuss in more detail in the future.
Wind is a sustainable economic force – the electric generated can replace oil, coal and natural gas. So why not capitalize on an abundant, safe and environmentally friendly natural resource?
Wind power would not only contribute to our economic growth; it would enhance downeast “quality of life” in a manner which is environmentally friendly. Quality of life is something we can promote in a way which will both stabilize our population, and attract new resources.
Well, Jonesboro’s Nancy Oden apparently stepped into the gubernatorial ring – BDN op-ed 11 July – and tripped on the ropes. Which shows why we’ll next visit: “want-ta-be-poor”?
Maine Elections - Washington County Perspective
Ah yes, once again we are entering campaign season. The parties are tuning their engines, perspective candidates are the subject of speculation, and, more important, the weaknesses of the incumbents are being evaluated – so, as he emerges from Augusta, eyes turn to the job done by John Baldacci..
EPS remains at issue. Democratic majority leaders Brennan and Cummings – both from Cumberland – have taken credit for using EPS funding to reallocate our $2 million to Penobscot County. It would appear they determined they could buy more gubernatorial votes there than would be lost here.
On balance, if not for the bigotry of their right-wing, the gubernatorial election would now a matter of the GOP losing it. Baldacci? His chances – when fiscally irresponsible Racino expansionists and their right-wing homophobic allies reveal their electoral clout via the 2005 ballot, we’ll know for sure.
We were promised a 13% property tax reduction – in 2006, property taxes should be 87% of what they were in 2004. In addition, State funding to our schools should be restored and dramatically increased.
We have highly qualified teachers receiving pay cuts – politically, that’s poison. For any children who will be denied the benefit of competent educators, affected, Augusta will be held accountable.
Gee, does Washington County, or the state, deserve poorly educated children? Voters should say NO!
Clearly, the issue of retaining his traditional 2nd District power base is at the forefront of the governor’s re-election aspirations – this explicit in his June 30th BDN Op-Ed piece, which followed a preliminary re-election case in a May 22nd Sunday Telegram op-ed piece – alleging five administration positives.
In his May 29th column, economist Charles Lawton, delivered some sharp economic reality – negating the alleged economic positives. The analysis in Lawton Sunday Telegram column was solid.
With regard to the Racino, the governor is on record as saying, “I do not support casino gambling as economic development, and cannot support its expansion in Washington County.” Clearly – based on last week’s column – this columnist supports that position.
I remain on record as believing the Tribe should take a wait-and-see attitude regarding the Racino. Let Bangor make the mistakes. On that point, there is no deviation between reality and a governor’s veto.
Maritime traffic flows through Calais. If the Bangor Racino causes it to swell with well-healed folks with money to lose, the Tribes can tap that traffic and produce sustainable economic growth. But the slot landscape is changing a lot faster than many would have expected.
In June, Nevada authorize gamblers to play slot machines, video poker, blackjack and other games on hand-held wireless devices from public spaces in casinos. People can now sit by the pool, and lose their money while they get a tan – can Bangor compete with that?
The wave of the future is broadband internet gambling – people in the Maritimes don’t need to go to either Bangor or Calais to connect their computer to legal Internet sites. It is noted that, under a 1961 anti-racketeering law, Internet gambling is illegal in the United States; however, in a global economy, such laws are effectively unenforceable against foreign operators.
The current worldwide market for gambling on mobile devices – about $2 billion – is, according to a recent report by a United Kingdom research firm, Juniper Research, still relatively modest. However, it is expected to reach $19 billion by 2009. If the United States eases restrictions on Internet gambling, that number will be higher, and the bottom will fall out of Racino profits.
Here political and local realities coincide. We should make no investment which is not sustainable. A racino, absent a broadband internet component, cannot succeed. Next week: 2005 precedes 2006..
EPS remains at issue. Democratic majority leaders Brennan and Cummings – both from Cumberland – have taken credit for using EPS funding to reallocate our $2 million to Penobscot County. It would appear they determined they could buy more gubernatorial votes there than would be lost here.
On balance, if not for the bigotry of their right-wing, the gubernatorial election would now a matter of the GOP losing it. Baldacci? His chances – when fiscally irresponsible Racino expansionists and their right-wing homophobic allies reveal their electoral clout via the 2005 ballot, we’ll know for sure.
We were promised a 13% property tax reduction – in 2006, property taxes should be 87% of what they were in 2004. In addition, State funding to our schools should be restored and dramatically increased.
We have highly qualified teachers receiving pay cuts – politically, that’s poison. For any children who will be denied the benefit of competent educators, affected, Augusta will be held accountable.
Gee, does Washington County, or the state, deserve poorly educated children? Voters should say NO!
Clearly, the issue of retaining his traditional 2nd District power base is at the forefront of the governor’s re-election aspirations – this explicit in his June 30th BDN Op-Ed piece, which followed a preliminary re-election case in a May 22nd Sunday Telegram op-ed piece – alleging five administration positives.
In his May 29th column, economist Charles Lawton, delivered some sharp economic reality – negating the alleged economic positives. The analysis in Lawton Sunday Telegram column was solid.
With regard to the Racino, the governor is on record as saying, “I do not support casino gambling as economic development, and cannot support its expansion in Washington County.” Clearly – based on last week’s column – this columnist supports that position.
I remain on record as believing the Tribe should take a wait-and-see attitude regarding the Racino. Let Bangor make the mistakes. On that point, there is no deviation between reality and a governor’s veto.
Maritime traffic flows through Calais. If the Bangor Racino causes it to swell with well-healed folks with money to lose, the Tribes can tap that traffic and produce sustainable economic growth. But the slot landscape is changing a lot faster than many would have expected.
In June, Nevada authorize gamblers to play slot machines, video poker, blackjack and other games on hand-held wireless devices from public spaces in casinos. People can now sit by the pool, and lose their money while they get a tan – can Bangor compete with that?
The wave of the future is broadband internet gambling – people in the Maritimes don’t need to go to either Bangor or Calais to connect their computer to legal Internet sites. It is noted that, under a 1961 anti-racketeering law, Internet gambling is illegal in the United States; however, in a global economy, such laws are effectively unenforceable against foreign operators.
The current worldwide market for gambling on mobile devices – about $2 billion – is, according to a recent report by a United Kingdom research firm, Juniper Research, still relatively modest. However, it is expected to reach $19 billion by 2009. If the United States eases restrictions on Internet gambling, that number will be higher, and the bottom will fall out of Racino profits.
Here political and local realities coincide. We should make no investment which is not sustainable. A racino, absent a broadband internet component, cannot succeed. Next week: 2005 precedes 2006..
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