E-Verify: Designed by a former Soviet bureaucrat
Background: A letter encouraged readers to contact their representatives and demand they implement the E-Verify system to stop illegal immigration. E-Verify is a government database that confirms whether an employee is authorized to be employed.
A recent letter encourages us to contact our elected officials and insist they adopt the federal E-Verify system for hiring workers. The stated goal of the system is to prevent illegal aliens from being employed. Unfortunately when we’re dealing with a government program, results rarely meet the goals.
Rather than take the necessary steps to reform immigration laws, Congress is attempting to push responsibility and cost for enforcing the laws to employers. State and local governments would call this an unfunded mandate.
In addition to sticking employers with the bill, E-Verify will harm innocent Americans and take us one step closer to Orwell’s vision. If E-Verify cannot confirm your eligibility, you get tagged as a "tentative non-confirmation". At that point, you have 8 days to report to the appropriate government office to get your papers reviewed. Failure to do so results in a new tag – "final non-confirmation" – and you are barred from working. Sounds like a former Soviet bureaucrat designed the system.
If you don’t think legal citizens and immigrants will get swept up in the search for illegal aliens, ask those who are hassled and prevented from boarding airplanes because their name wrongly appears on the government’s "No Fly List". These people are forced to jump through hoops to clear their name. So much for the bedrock principle of innocent until proven guilty.
Papers and government permission to work? In the land of the free?
[Letter to the Editor - The Farmington Press. Submitted 10/30/2009.]
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Audit the Fed - Rep. Gary Peters
Update: As of 11/3, I haven't heard back from my representative. I trust he's busy reading and analyzing all 1,900 pages of HR 3200, the Fannie Med bill.
Given your public statements supporting greater transparency in government, I would like to know why you are not a sponsor for HR 1207, the Audit the Fed proposal. The Federal Reserve acts secretively which is unacceptable in a free and democratic society. The American people have the right to know what the Fed is doing especially given the recent upheaval in the economy. I strongly urge you to sponsor and support this resolution.
[Online message to Representative Gary Peters. Sent 10/28/2009.]
Update: As of 11/3, I haven't heard back from my representative. I trust he's busy reading and analyzing all 1,900 pages of HR 3200, the Fannie Med bill.
Given your public statements supporting greater transparency in government, I would like to know why you are not a sponsor for HR 1207, the Audit the Fed proposal. The Federal Reserve acts secretively which is unacceptable in a free and democratic society. The American people have the right to know what the Fed is doing especially given the recent upheaval in the economy. I strongly urge you to sponsor and support this resolution.
[Online message to Representative Gary Peters. Sent 10/28/2009.]
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Pompous ignorant asses
Background: Representative George Cushingberry is the Appropriations Chairman in the Michigan House. Not too long ago, Jack Hoogendyk, a former state legislator and current rabble rouser (that's a good thing btw) encouraged citizens to contact Cushingberry about the state budget and his desire to raise taxes. Apparently George wasn't too happy to hear from citizens. He made the following rant:
"Don't call my office if you're not from my district. I ain't taking your calls. I don't have to. And you can't threaten me. I'm sick of you. And if I see you in person, I'll be trying to figure out if I find somebody to give me a case to sue you, because it's unfair for you to be so selfish in this society when you know we hurt. Doctors calling me up, telling me what they're going to do to me. That's the worst thing you can do to a boy from the projects!"
I usually save my letters for newspapers. But I couldn't pass this one up.
Your recent rant clearly shows the dangers of lifetime politicians. What a shame our system allows an ignorant, pompous ass such as yourself to feed at the public trough for decades.
No I’m not in your district (thank goodness) and you have probably stopped reading this by now but you are an elected official in the state legislature so your actions affect my family and me. I’m tired of economic illiterates who believe the solution to their overspending is higher taxes. You and your ilk have driven this state into the ground and you’ve taken too many hardworking families with you.
If you and the rest of the legislature had any sense of honor, you’d resign en masse and return to private life. Perhaps you’d be able to actually become a productive citizen by earning your keep. Given your lifetime in public office, you’d probably have to start off at minimum wage but rest assured, you’d soon learn some marketable skills and contribute in some small way to the overall wealth of society.
Until then, recognize Michigan has hit bottom and you need to stop digging. No new taxes.
[Letter to State Representative George Cushingberry. Sent 10/21/2009.]
Background: Representative George Cushingberry is the Appropriations Chairman in the Michigan House. Not too long ago, Jack Hoogendyk, a former state legislator and current rabble rouser (that's a good thing btw) encouraged citizens to contact Cushingberry about the state budget and his desire to raise taxes. Apparently George wasn't too happy to hear from citizens. He made the following rant:
"Don't call my office if you're not from my district. I ain't taking your calls. I don't have to. And you can't threaten me. I'm sick of you. And if I see you in person, I'll be trying to figure out if I find somebody to give me a case to sue you, because it's unfair for you to be so selfish in this society when you know we hurt. Doctors calling me up, telling me what they're going to do to me. That's the worst thing you can do to a boy from the projects!"
I usually save my letters for newspapers. But I couldn't pass this one up.
Your recent rant clearly shows the dangers of lifetime politicians. What a shame our system allows an ignorant, pompous ass such as yourself to feed at the public trough for decades.
No I’m not in your district (thank goodness) and you have probably stopped reading this by now but you are an elected official in the state legislature so your actions affect my family and me. I’m tired of economic illiterates who believe the solution to their overspending is higher taxes. You and your ilk have driven this state into the ground and you’ve taken too many hardworking families with you.
If you and the rest of the legislature had any sense of honor, you’d resign en masse and return to private life. Perhaps you’d be able to actually become a productive citizen by earning your keep. Given your lifetime in public office, you’d probably have to start off at minimum wage but rest assured, you’d soon learn some marketable skills and contribute in some small way to the overall wealth of society.
Until then, recognize Michigan has hit bottom and you need to stop digging. No new taxes.
[Letter to State Representative George Cushingberry. Sent 10/21/2009.]
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
You can't ignore these facts
Background: A letter in the Farmington Observer slams opposition to Obamacare. Just trying to make sure people know the facts about our government's ability to accurate forecast and manage costs.
Contrary to what supporters of Obamacare would have us believe, the real debate is not between reform and the status quo. Most reasonable people recognize the need for changes in the health care and insurance industries. Unfortunately, the debate in Washington is over how much more control government should have – a lot more or a whole lot more. Too many people are lining up with their favorite partisans, casting insults and parroting half-truths, and reducing the debate to a playground spat like two children yelling “You’re a liar.” “No, you are.”
Some claim insurance companies are trying to hijack the debate, while others accuse labor unions. For those clueless about how the incentives in Congress work, you can be certain both special interests will get what they want and taxpayers will be left holding the bag.
For those who choose to believe that President Obama and an army of bureaucrats will lower health care costs and save money, here’s a reminder on how well our government manages the bills. Social security has an unfunded liability of $17.5 trillion while Medicare is at $38 trillion. The federal debt is $11.8 trillion and this year’s deficit is estimated at $1.7 trillion.
In July 2009, the Senate Joint Economic Committee released a study comparing the original estimated costs of various Medicare programs with the actual cost. The findings should give pause to even the most ardent supporter of government-run health care.
In 1967, the House Ways and Means Committee predicted that the Medicare program would cost $12 billion in 1990. Actual spending in 1990 was $110 billion, nearly 10 times higher than the original estimate. In fact, every single addition to the base Medicare program has cost between 2 and 17 times the original estimates.
Those are the facts. Ignore them and you’re just lying to yourself.
[Letter to the Editor - Farmington Observer. Published 10/18/2009.]
Background: A letter in the Farmington Observer slams opposition to Obamacare. Just trying to make sure people know the facts about our government's ability to accurate forecast and manage costs.
Contrary to what supporters of Obamacare would have us believe, the real debate is not between reform and the status quo. Most reasonable people recognize the need for changes in the health care and insurance industries. Unfortunately, the debate in Washington is over how much more control government should have – a lot more or a whole lot more. Too many people are lining up with their favorite partisans, casting insults and parroting half-truths, and reducing the debate to a playground spat like two children yelling “You’re a liar.” “No, you are.”
Some claim insurance companies are trying to hijack the debate, while others accuse labor unions. For those clueless about how the incentives in Congress work, you can be certain both special interests will get what they want and taxpayers will be left holding the bag.
For those who choose to believe that President Obama and an army of bureaucrats will lower health care costs and save money, here’s a reminder on how well our government manages the bills. Social security has an unfunded liability of $17.5 trillion while Medicare is at $38 trillion. The federal debt is $11.8 trillion and this year’s deficit is estimated at $1.7 trillion.
In July 2009, the Senate Joint Economic Committee released a study comparing the original estimated costs of various Medicare programs with the actual cost. The findings should give pause to even the most ardent supporter of government-run health care.
In 1967, the House Ways and Means Committee predicted that the Medicare program would cost $12 billion in 1990. Actual spending in 1990 was $110 billion, nearly 10 times higher than the original estimate. In fact, every single addition to the base Medicare program has cost between 2 and 17 times the original estimates.
Those are the facts. Ignore them and you’re just lying to yourself.
[Letter to the Editor - Farmington Observer. Published 10/18/2009.]
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Lying to themselves
Background: Jack Lessenberry is a columnist for the Metro Times. According to Jack, there is no social ill or problem that cannot be solved by applying more government. What I find ironic is that he rails on Granholm and the Michigan Legislature (and Bush for 8 years) for being morons but he believes government can still solve everything. The problem, as defined by Milton Friedman (paraphrased), is not that we need good people in government to do the right thing but rather we need to change the incentives so that bad people do the right thing.
Like most of the crass voices in the health care debate, Jack Lessenberry joins in the fray as if it’s an argument on the playground - you’re a liar, no you’re a liar. In reality, the truth in the debate is not going to be found by the extremists on both sides screaming at each other.
None of the alleged lies is clear and bald-faced. When Obama claims you can keep your insurance with his plan, he’s basing this on the fact that the proposal doesn’t prohibit it. But just because the bill doesn’t outlaw private insurance, doesn’t mean the incentives won’t affect whether you keep your plan.
On the other side of the aisle, we hear about death panels and free care for illegal aliens. Both issues are based in a kernel of truth but have been exaggerated to stir up opposition.
So what is the truth? When it comes to politicians and bureaucrats successfully reforming health insurance, people should keep in mind their track record.
The Madoff scheme known as social security has an unfunded liability of $17.5 trillion. Medicare is at $38 trillion. The federal debt is $11.8 trillion and this year’s deficit is estimated at $1.7 trillion.
In spite of this, some people trust that Obama and an army of bureaucrats will lower health care costs and save money. These people are lying to themselves.
[Letter to the Editor - Metro Times. Submitted 09/28/2009.]
Background: Jack Lessenberry is a columnist for the Metro Times. According to Jack, there is no social ill or problem that cannot be solved by applying more government. What I find ironic is that he rails on Granholm and the Michigan Legislature (and Bush for 8 years) for being morons but he believes government can still solve everything. The problem, as defined by Milton Friedman (paraphrased), is not that we need good people in government to do the right thing but rather we need to change the incentives so that bad people do the right thing.
Like most of the crass voices in the health care debate, Jack Lessenberry joins in the fray as if it’s an argument on the playground - you’re a liar, no you’re a liar. In reality, the truth in the debate is not going to be found by the extremists on both sides screaming at each other.
None of the alleged lies is clear and bald-faced. When Obama claims you can keep your insurance with his plan, he’s basing this on the fact that the proposal doesn’t prohibit it. But just because the bill doesn’t outlaw private insurance, doesn’t mean the incentives won’t affect whether you keep your plan.
On the other side of the aisle, we hear about death panels and free care for illegal aliens. Both issues are based in a kernel of truth but have been exaggerated to stir up opposition.
So what is the truth? When it comes to politicians and bureaucrats successfully reforming health insurance, people should keep in mind their track record.
The Madoff scheme known as social security has an unfunded liability of $17.5 trillion. Medicare is at $38 trillion. The federal debt is $11.8 trillion and this year’s deficit is estimated at $1.7 trillion.
In spite of this, some people trust that Obama and an army of bureaucrats will lower health care costs and save money. These people are lying to themselves.
[Letter to the Editor - Metro Times. Submitted 09/28/2009.]
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Worse than a hypocrite
Background: My letter on Obama's speech to school children generated a response in the Observer from Todd Noonan. Mr. Noonan takes exception with my position. Quite understandable given that Mr. Noonan works for the Royal Oak School District and was an MEA Delegate. When the Democrat majority leader in the Michigan State House recognizes that benefits for public employees are very lucrative and unsustainable, you know your monopoly hold on education is under fire. DC vouchers are a threat, therefore the letter.
As a supporter of limited government and personal liberty, I find myself opposing many policies promoted by our elected officials and I express that opposition in letters to local and national newspapers. In my experience, a handful of people dismiss my views as cynical. However, most people I meet profess general agreement because they just want to be left alone by the busybodies in government and the progressives that support them.
My jaded view of politics comes from listening and watching. Politicians from both major parties are notorious for saying one thing while doing another. As the old joke goes, "How can you tell a politician is lying? His lips are moving."
Still, some people choose to take President Obama at his word. However, recent history tells us to compare those words with his actions.
Not too long ago, Obama said he had no desire to run GM. A short time later he orchestrated GM CEO Rick Wagoner’s firing and appointed a czar to oversee the auto industry. During the campaign, Obama chastised Republicans for running up huge deficits and vowed to be fiscally responsible. Then he proceeded to triple the deficit.
As mentioned in my previous letter, Obama says he believes in improving academic achievement yet he shut down a program proven to benefit students in Washington DC. I claimed hypocrisy, but another letter writer, Todd Noonan, says I’m wrong. His argument: Obama doesn’t believe vouchers are the solution to public education’s failures so why should he support the DC program. I stand corrected. On this issue, Obama is not a hypocrite.
Given Mr. Noonan’s robust lexicon, perhaps he can come up with an appropriate adjective that describes a man who ignores clear positive evidence and the pleas of parents and children trapped in the worst public school system in the country. What would be a proper description for a politician who performs such a disservice to children because his union benefactors demanded it? Hypocrite seems rather tame.
If not taking a politician at his word is the sign of a cynic, I am guilty as charged. I find it curious, however, that before we voted for "change", criticizing the president was not cynical but patriotic.
[Letter to the Editor - Farmington Observer. Published 09/24/2009.]
Background: My letter on Obama's speech to school children generated a response in the Observer from Todd Noonan. Mr. Noonan takes exception with my position. Quite understandable given that Mr. Noonan works for the Royal Oak School District and was an MEA Delegate. When the Democrat majority leader in the Michigan State House recognizes that benefits for public employees are very lucrative and unsustainable, you know your monopoly hold on education is under fire. DC vouchers are a threat, therefore the letter.
As a supporter of limited government and personal liberty, I find myself opposing many policies promoted by our elected officials and I express that opposition in letters to local and national newspapers. In my experience, a handful of people dismiss my views as cynical. However, most people I meet profess general agreement because they just want to be left alone by the busybodies in government and the progressives that support them.
My jaded view of politics comes from listening and watching. Politicians from both major parties are notorious for saying one thing while doing another. As the old joke goes, "How can you tell a politician is lying? His lips are moving."
Still, some people choose to take President Obama at his word. However, recent history tells us to compare those words with his actions.
Not too long ago, Obama said he had no desire to run GM. A short time later he orchestrated GM CEO Rick Wagoner’s firing and appointed a czar to oversee the auto industry. During the campaign, Obama chastised Republicans for running up huge deficits and vowed to be fiscally responsible. Then he proceeded to triple the deficit.
As mentioned in my previous letter, Obama says he believes in improving academic achievement yet he shut down a program proven to benefit students in Washington DC. I claimed hypocrisy, but another letter writer, Todd Noonan, says I’m wrong. His argument: Obama doesn’t believe vouchers are the solution to public education’s failures so why should he support the DC program. I stand corrected. On this issue, Obama is not a hypocrite.
Given Mr. Noonan’s robust lexicon, perhaps he can come up with an appropriate adjective that describes a man who ignores clear positive evidence and the pleas of parents and children trapped in the worst public school system in the country. What would be a proper description for a politician who performs such a disservice to children because his union benefactors demanded it? Hypocrite seems rather tame.
If not taking a politician at his word is the sign of a cynic, I am guilty as charged. I find it curious, however, that before we voted for "change", criticizing the president was not cynical but patriotic.
[Letter to the Editor - Farmington Observer. Published 09/24/2009.]
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The more things change. . .
Background: Last week, President Obama imposed punative duties on tires imported from China. This make poor economic sense but perfect political sense. The United Steelworkers wanted the duties and Obama owes labor unions for their support. This is a typical win-lose political decision. American consumers lose. Domestic tire workers win. Keep in mind, there are far more Americans buying tires than making them.
Once again a president has abandoned free trade principles to appease a powerful labor union. Early in his term, President George W. Bush imposed duties on imported steel. Last week, President Barack Obama imposed duties on tires from China. In both cases, each president was pressured by the United Steelworkers and claimed he was punishing foreign exporters for "unfair" trade practices. In reality, American consumers are punished by higher prices. Seems like the more things change, the more they stay the same.
[Letter to the Editor. The Detroit News. Published 09/28/2009.]
Background: Last week, President Obama imposed punative duties on tires imported from China. This make poor economic sense but perfect political sense. The United Steelworkers wanted the duties and Obama owes labor unions for their support. This is a typical win-lose political decision. American consumers lose. Domestic tire workers win. Keep in mind, there are far more Americans buying tires than making them.
Once again a president has abandoned free trade principles to appease a powerful labor union. Early in his term, President George W. Bush imposed duties on imported steel. Last week, President Barack Obama imposed duties on tires from China. In both cases, each president was pressured by the United Steelworkers and claimed he was punishing foreign exporters for "unfair" trade practices. In reality, American consumers are punished by higher prices. Seems like the more things change, the more they stay the same.
[Letter to the Editor. The Detroit News. Published 09/28/2009.]
Friday, September 11, 2009
One man's bickering is another man's debate
According to President Obama, disagreement with the government plan to take over the health insurance industry is nothing but "bickering". This characterization offends Americans who reject the notion that government is supposed to be our caretaker. Health industry reforms are necessary, but those reforms must embrace free market principles and put consumers in control. Government intervention is the cause of escalating costs, not a solution. Until Obama recognizes this fact, he can expect the debate to continue.
[Letter to the Editor - Detroit Free Press. Published 09/13/2009.]
According to President Obama, disagreement with the government plan to take over the health insurance industry is nothing but "bickering". This characterization offends Americans who reject the notion that government is supposed to be our caretaker. Health industry reforms are necessary, but those reforms must embrace free market principles and put consumers in control. Government intervention is the cause of escalating costs, not a solution. Until Obama recognizes this fact, he can expect the debate to continue.
[Letter to the Editor - Detroit Free Press. Published 09/13/2009.]
Monday, September 07, 2009
Actions not words
President Obama’s address to school children across the country generated plenty of misguided controversy. Most detractors were concerned with the Orwellian nature of the address, but that seems overblown. Personally I have enough trouble getting my kids to mow the lawn so I’m not too worried about them joining some Obama Youth Movement.
The real outrage should be focused on Obama’s hypocrisy. The president says he wants to encourage students to improve their academic achievement yet his actions tell another story. Earlier this year, Obama ended support for the private school choice program in Washington DC. According to the administration’s own education department, this program significantly raises academic achievement at one-quarter the cost of the district’s public schools.
In spite of the evidence, Obama condemned DC’s children to low academic achievement at the hands of a failed and pathetic public school system. The lesson students should learn from this speech won’t be found in any suggested teaching plan from a federal bureaucracy – actions speak louder than words.
[Letter to the Editor - Farmington Observer. Published 09/10/2009.]
President Obama’s address to school children across the country generated plenty of misguided controversy. Most detractors were concerned with the Orwellian nature of the address, but that seems overblown. Personally I have enough trouble getting my kids to mow the lawn so I’m not too worried about them joining some Obama Youth Movement.
The real outrage should be focused on Obama’s hypocrisy. The president says he wants to encourage students to improve their academic achievement yet his actions tell another story. Earlier this year, Obama ended support for the private school choice program in Washington DC. According to the administration’s own education department, this program significantly raises academic achievement at one-quarter the cost of the district’s public schools.
In spite of the evidence, Obama condemned DC’s children to low academic achievement at the hands of a failed and pathetic public school system. The lesson students should learn from this speech won’t be found in any suggested teaching plan from a federal bureaucracy – actions speak louder than words.
[Letter to the Editor - Farmington Observer. Published 09/10/2009.]
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Parental control
Background: Emergency financial manager Robert Bobb wants the mayor to take control of Detroit Public Schools. While Bobb appears to be doing a good job cleaning up the financial mess and Bing appears to be a capable mayor, this is a bad idea. First, Bing has a bigger mess to cleanup than Bobb and will not be able to focus on DPS. Second, whose to say the next mayor isn't another Kwame Kilpatrick? Give parents control over their children's education. That's the long term solution.
Robert Bobb’s call for turning control over the Detroit Public Schools to the mayor is wrong and misguided. Mayor Dave Bing needs to focus on fixing a government entity even more dysfunctional than the school system. The only long term solution to save the children of Detroit from failed schools is competition through choice. Give parents the power, not another politician, by encouraging change through charter schools, tuition tax credits, and vouchers. Besides, when Bing is gone, what is the possibility he is replaced by a politician who fits the mold of a Kilpatrick or a Conyers?
[Letter to the Editor - The Detroit News. Published 09/04/2009.]
Background: Emergency financial manager Robert Bobb wants the mayor to take control of Detroit Public Schools. While Bobb appears to be doing a good job cleaning up the financial mess and Bing appears to be a capable mayor, this is a bad idea. First, Bing has a bigger mess to cleanup than Bobb and will not be able to focus on DPS. Second, whose to say the next mayor isn't another Kwame Kilpatrick? Give parents control over their children's education. That's the long term solution.
Robert Bobb’s call for turning control over the Detroit Public Schools to the mayor is wrong and misguided. Mayor Dave Bing needs to focus on fixing a government entity even more dysfunctional than the school system. The only long term solution to save the children of Detroit from failed schools is competition through choice. Give parents the power, not another politician, by encouraging change through charter schools, tuition tax credits, and vouchers. Besides, when Bing is gone, what is the possibility he is replaced by a politician who fits the mold of a Kilpatrick or a Conyers?
[Letter to the Editor - The Detroit News. Published 09/04/2009.]
Monday, August 24, 2009
Would hate to see failure
Representative Gary Peters and other elected officials claim the “cash for clunkers” program has been a success. At a cost of $3 billion, the federal government destroyed at least $2 billion of wealth by scrapping working vehicles.
At the same time, used car prices will increase because the supply decreased. This hurts low-income families who are more likely to purchase used rather than new. In addition, charities which rely on used car donations to help the poor were hurt as those vehicles were diverted to the scrap heap. Also, consumers who rely on used car parts to keep their vehicles running were hurt for the same reason.
Supporters claim the program helped autoworkers by generating new car sales and they're right. Like most redistribution programs, there are winners. Unfortunately, it comes at other people’s expense.
If a program that destroys wealth and hurts lower-income families is considered a success, I sure would hate to see what qualifies as a failure.
[Letter to the Editor - Farmington Observer. Submitted 08/24/2009.]
Representative Gary Peters and other elected officials claim the “cash for clunkers” program has been a success. At a cost of $3 billion, the federal government destroyed at least $2 billion of wealth by scrapping working vehicles.
At the same time, used car prices will increase because the supply decreased. This hurts low-income families who are more likely to purchase used rather than new. In addition, charities which rely on used car donations to help the poor were hurt as those vehicles were diverted to the scrap heap. Also, consumers who rely on used car parts to keep their vehicles running were hurt for the same reason.
Supporters claim the program helped autoworkers by generating new car sales and they're right. Like most redistribution programs, there are winners. Unfortunately, it comes at other people’s expense.
If a program that destroys wealth and hurts lower-income families is considered a success, I sure would hate to see what qualifies as a failure.
[Letter to the Editor - Farmington Observer. Submitted 08/24/2009.]
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Sounds pretty fishy
Background: Second letter on Obamacare.
Supporters of President Obama’s scheme to expand the government’s control over our health care claim it must be adopted to battle rising costs. Stop and think about that for a moment. Obamacare proponents say the government is going to transform health care by slashing waste and improving efficiency.
This would be the same government responsible for our $11.7 trillion debt which includes $1.2 trillion from this year alone. This same government has allowed Social Security and Medicare to balloon with an unfunded liability over $100 trillion.
Perhaps dealing with trillions of dollars is too much for Obamacare supporters too grasp. So let’s look at smaller examples of wasted dollars and blown budgets.
In 1985, the federal government estimated the Boston “Big Dig” highway project would cost $2.6 billion. The final cost was $14.6 billion. In 1989, the feds estimated Denver International Airport would cost $1.7 billion. Final cost was $4.8 billion. Even Obama offered up the U.S. Postal Service as an example of how poorly the government runs things.
To think the government will slash waste and improve efficiency seems pretty fishy to me.
[Letter to the Editor - Farmington Observer. Published 08/20/2009.]
Background: Second letter on Obamacare.
Supporters of President Obama’s scheme to expand the government’s control over our health care claim it must be adopted to battle rising costs. Stop and think about that for a moment. Obamacare proponents say the government is going to transform health care by slashing waste and improving efficiency.
This would be the same government responsible for our $11.7 trillion debt which includes $1.2 trillion from this year alone. This same government has allowed Social Security and Medicare to balloon with an unfunded liability over $100 trillion.
Perhaps dealing with trillions of dollars is too much for Obamacare supporters too grasp. So let’s look at smaller examples of wasted dollars and blown budgets.
In 1985, the federal government estimated the Boston “Big Dig” highway project would cost $2.6 billion. The final cost was $14.6 billion. In 1989, the feds estimated Denver International Airport would cost $1.7 billion. Final cost was $4.8 billion. Even Obama offered up the U.S. Postal Service as an example of how poorly the government runs things.
To think the government will slash waste and improve efficiency seems pretty fishy to me.
[Letter to the Editor - Farmington Observer. Published 08/20/2009.]
Lesson not learned
At the end of 2007, Governor Jennifer Granholm said "the most important thing I learned (this year) is I’m not ever going to raise taxes again." She must have forgotten that when she proposed increasing taxes again last week. Given the steady decline in Michigan’s economy, there have been plenty of lessons not learned by this governor.
[Letter to the Editor - The Detroit News. Submitted 08/16/2009.]
At the end of 2007, Governor Jennifer Granholm said "the most important thing I learned (this year) is I’m not ever going to raise taxes again." She must have forgotten that when she proposed increasing taxes again last week. Given the steady decline in Michigan’s economy, there have been plenty of lessons not learned by this governor.
[Letter to the Editor - The Detroit News. Submitted 08/16/2009.]
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Obamacare Busters
Background: I anticipate writing a few letters on Obamacare and revealing the myths, lies, and propaganda.
In the debate on the massive government healthcare rationing plan, some obnoxious and ludicrous statements are getting parroted.
One of the most misleading claims a crisis exists because 50 million Americans lack insurance coverage. The truth behind this number reveals no crisis.
According to the Census Bureau, an average of 46 million Americans lack insurance coverage on any given day during the year. Of those 46 million, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates 20 to 30 million go without coverage for an entire year.
Of this number, the CBO says that 15 percent are eligible for coverage under existing government programs bringing the number down further. According to an economic study from Stanford University, one-quarter to three-quarters of those people can afford insurance but chose to spend their money on other products and services. This means 4 to 19 million Americans do not have insurance and cannot easily get it.
So 94 to 99 percent of us have or can get health insurance. Contrast this with President Obama’s proposed plan which he says would cover about 97 percent of Americans.
Leave it to our elected representatives to falsely cry “crisis” and then propose to spend a trillion dollars (for starters) to get us to where we are right now.
[Letter to the Editor - Farmington Observer. Published 08/13/2009.]
Background: I anticipate writing a few letters on Obamacare and revealing the myths, lies, and propaganda.
In the debate on the massive government healthcare rationing plan, some obnoxious and ludicrous statements are getting parroted.
One of the most misleading claims a crisis exists because 50 million Americans lack insurance coverage. The truth behind this number reveals no crisis.
According to the Census Bureau, an average of 46 million Americans lack insurance coverage on any given day during the year. Of those 46 million, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates 20 to 30 million go without coverage for an entire year.
Of this number, the CBO says that 15 percent are eligible for coverage under existing government programs bringing the number down further. According to an economic study from Stanford University, one-quarter to three-quarters of those people can afford insurance but chose to spend their money on other products and services. This means 4 to 19 million Americans do not have insurance and cannot easily get it.
So 94 to 99 percent of us have or can get health insurance. Contrast this with President Obama’s proposed plan which he says would cover about 97 percent of Americans.
Leave it to our elected representatives to falsely cry “crisis” and then propose to spend a trillion dollars (for starters) to get us to where we are right now.
[Letter to the Editor - Farmington Observer. Published 08/13/2009.]
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Documentaries?
Background: The Detroit News reports that Michael Moore's last film may be his last "documentary". Moore makes propaganda, not documentaries.
Michael Moore can’t get out of the documentary film business because he’s never been in it. Moore makes propaganda films, not documentaries.
[Letter to the Editor - The Detroit News. Submitted 08/02/2009.]
Background: The Detroit News reports that Michael Moore's last film may be his last "documentary". Moore makes propaganda, not documentaries.
Michael Moore can’t get out of the documentary film business because he’s never been in it. Moore makes propaganda films, not documentaries.
[Letter to the Editor - The Detroit News. Submitted 08/02/2009.]
Monday, July 27, 2009
The right kind of pandering
Background: A letter in the Farmington Observer slammed Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox for submitting a brief to the Supreme Court in support of gun rights for a pending case involving Chicago's unconstitutional and onerous gun control laws. I have a different opinion on Cox's actions.
Congratulations to Attorney General Mike Cox for seeking to secure the rights of Michigan citizens to bear arms by weighing in on the Chicago gun control lawsuit. Anyone following the efforts to overturn government infringements on our inherent right to protect ourselves understands this requires a vigorous defense wherever that infringement occurs.
Even with last year’s Supreme Court ruling that correctly asserted an individual right to keep and bear arms, the fight is far from over. When a clear and undeniable right is protected by a razor thin 5-4 margin, we cannot rest.
As a state that allows citizens to protect themselves with concealed carry laws, any ruling on the Second Amendment directly affects the taxpayers of this state. If more elected officials pandered to their constituents by protecting their rights, this country would be a more prosperous and freer place.
[Letter to the Editor - Farmington Observer. Published 08/06/2009.]
Background: A letter in the Farmington Observer slammed Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox for submitting a brief to the Supreme Court in support of gun rights for a pending case involving Chicago's unconstitutional and onerous gun control laws. I have a different opinion on Cox's actions.
Congratulations to Attorney General Mike Cox for seeking to secure the rights of Michigan citizens to bear arms by weighing in on the Chicago gun control lawsuit. Anyone following the efforts to overturn government infringements on our inherent right to protect ourselves understands this requires a vigorous defense wherever that infringement occurs.
Even with last year’s Supreme Court ruling that correctly asserted an individual right to keep and bear arms, the fight is far from over. When a clear and undeniable right is protected by a razor thin 5-4 margin, we cannot rest.
As a state that allows citizens to protect themselves with concealed carry laws, any ruling on the Second Amendment directly affects the taxpayers of this state. If more elected officials pandered to their constituents by protecting their rights, this country would be a more prosperous and freer place.
[Letter to the Editor - Farmington Observer. Published 08/06/2009.]
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
George W. Obama or Barack Bush?
Background: The Observer has published a number of letters with writers going back and forth about the current administration and the one before it. Each tries to slam one and praise the other. I see no difference.
Four months into a new presidential term and I’m not sure who the president is – George W. Obama or Barack Bush. Based on the debates in letters to the editor, you’d think there’s a clear distinction between the new boss and the old boss. There’s not. Democrats and Republicans operate from the same principles – power, money and control.
I will admit one distinction between the current and previous president. Obama caters to labor unions and environmentalists while Bush favored neo-cons and evangelicals. I guess that’s great if you’re part of one of those special interest groups. On the other hand if you’re just a regular American who likes to keep what he earns and live his life with minimal interference from nannies and busybodies, tough luck.
[Letter to the Editor - Farmington Observer. Published 07/09/2009.]
Background: The Observer has published a number of letters with writers going back and forth about the current administration and the one before it. Each tries to slam one and praise the other. I see no difference.
Four months into a new presidential term and I’m not sure who the president is – George W. Obama or Barack Bush. Based on the debates in letters to the editor, you’d think there’s a clear distinction between the new boss and the old boss. There’s not. Democrats and Republicans operate from the same principles – power, money and control.
I will admit one distinction between the current and previous president. Obama caters to labor unions and environmentalists while Bush favored neo-cons and evangelicals. I guess that’s great if you’re part of one of those special interest groups. On the other hand if you’re just a regular American who likes to keep what he earns and live his life with minimal interference from nannies and busybodies, tough luck.
[Letter to the Editor - Farmington Observer. Published 07/09/2009.]
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Told You So
Background: Ten years ago, the Farmington City Council purchased the Civic Theatre and promised it would pay its own way and no tax dollars would be used to cover costs. This past month, the council forgave a loan in the amount of $118,924. When first discussed long ago, I wrote this letter:
While the antics of many of our elected officials have provided us with hours of laughter, the city of Farmington has decided to formalize the relationship between entertainment and government. The purchase of the Civic Theatre will turn city taxpayers into speculative business investors.
Given the trend toward 20-screen megaplexes, the investment seems risky. To alleviate citizen concern, city leaders assure us taxpayer money will not be used to operate the theater. Perhaps, but the initial purchase and remodeling of the theater will use tax dollars. And if the Civic fails to generate enough income to pay operating expenses, how will the costs be covered? Will the city council skip payments to employees and suppliers or will they renege on their promise and dip into the city coffers? If the council is certain of the Civic’s success, maybe they wouldn’t mind personally covering potential shortfalls?
Here's today's letter:
Ten years ago, members of the Farmington City Council approved the purchase of the Civic Theatre turning city taxpayers into speculative business investors. Council members promised citizens that tax dollars would not be used and the theater was a good investment. The city council reneged on that promise when it wrote off $118,924.
Council members were so sure this was a good investment because they violated one of the seven principles of sound government espoused by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy: Nobody spends somebody else’s money as carefully as he spends his own. If council members were so sure of the Civic’s success, they should have invested their own money.
Taxpayers would be wise to remember this when politicians claim they need to spend our money on their “good” investments.
[Letter to the Editor - Farmington Observer. Published 06/25/2009.]
Background: Ten years ago, the Farmington City Council purchased the Civic Theatre and promised it would pay its own way and no tax dollars would be used to cover costs. This past month, the council forgave a loan in the amount of $118,924. When first discussed long ago, I wrote this letter:
While the antics of many of our elected officials have provided us with hours of laughter, the city of Farmington has decided to formalize the relationship between entertainment and government. The purchase of the Civic Theatre will turn city taxpayers into speculative business investors.
Given the trend toward 20-screen megaplexes, the investment seems risky. To alleviate citizen concern, city leaders assure us taxpayer money will not be used to operate the theater. Perhaps, but the initial purchase and remodeling of the theater will use tax dollars. And if the Civic fails to generate enough income to pay operating expenses, how will the costs be covered? Will the city council skip payments to employees and suppliers or will they renege on their promise and dip into the city coffers? If the council is certain of the Civic’s success, maybe they wouldn’t mind personally covering potential shortfalls?
Here's today's letter:
Ten years ago, members of the Farmington City Council approved the purchase of the Civic Theatre turning city taxpayers into speculative business investors. Council members promised citizens that tax dollars would not be used and the theater was a good investment. The city council reneged on that promise when it wrote off $118,924.
Council members were so sure this was a good investment because they violated one of the seven principles of sound government espoused by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy: Nobody spends somebody else’s money as carefully as he spends his own. If council members were so sure of the Civic’s success, they should have invested their own money.
Taxpayers would be wise to remember this when politicians claim they need to spend our money on their “good” investments.
[Letter to the Editor - Farmington Observer. Published 06/25/2009.]
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Strike Back
Background: Detroit teachers are threatening to strike if they don't get their way for the next contract. DPS emergency manager needs to be prepared and act decisively.
Robert Bobb needs to be prepared if the teachers strike. On Day 1 of the strike, fire all the teachers. In advance, prepare for a nationwide marketing campaign that seeks to draw teachers to Detroit with an innovative contract that focuses on merit pay and performance. Allow fired teachers to apply for new positions. Re-hire the good ones. Plan for a school year that runs from January 2 through August 30.
Reforming Detroit schools need bold action that focuses on the needs of the kids. Bobb is cleaning house in the administrative offices. A strike would be his opportunity to do the same from an instructional point.
[Online Comment - The Detroit News. Posted 04/30/2009.]
Background: Detroit teachers are threatening to strike if they don't get their way for the next contract. DPS emergency manager needs to be prepared and act decisively.
Robert Bobb needs to be prepared if the teachers strike. On Day 1 of the strike, fire all the teachers. In advance, prepare for a nationwide marketing campaign that seeks to draw teachers to Detroit with an innovative contract that focuses on merit pay and performance. Allow fired teachers to apply for new positions. Re-hire the good ones. Plan for a school year that runs from January 2 through August 30.
Reforming Detroit schools need bold action that focuses on the needs of the kids. Bobb is cleaning house in the administrative offices. A strike would be his opportunity to do the same from an instructional point.
[Online Comment - The Detroit News. Posted 04/30/2009.]
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Jail Time
The only time DPS administrators and legislators such as Rep. Bettie Scott who enable them to repeatedly fail the children of Detroit deserve is jail time for child neglect. While Robert Bobb appears to be making positive strides toward fixing the financial catastrophe more is needed. Reforms such as school choice and tuition tax credits will inject needed competition into Michigan's education system and provide students of failing institutions some hope for a quality education.
[Online comment - The Detroit News. Posted 04/23/2009.]
The only time DPS administrators and legislators such as Rep. Bettie Scott who enable them to repeatedly fail the children of Detroit deserve is jail time for child neglect. While Robert Bobb appears to be making positive strides toward fixing the financial catastrophe more is needed. Reforms such as school choice and tuition tax credits will inject needed competition into Michigan's education system and provide students of failing institutions some hope for a quality education.
[Online comment - The Detroit News. Posted 04/23/2009.]
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Escape from Detroit
Background: The Detroit News Reader Debate question for the April 25th edition asks about high speed rail: Should the federal government fund high-speed trains from Chicago to Detroit and other Midwestern cities?
Politicians need to stop wasting time and money on expensive, high profile, low value projects such as high speed rail. Passenger rail service is a declining industry and taxpayers have lost billions of dollars poured into Amtrak. The only benefit with a Detroit-based high speed rail system is that the unemployed whose homes have been foreclosed and cars repossessed can escape the state quicker.
[Letter to the Editor - The Detroit News. Submitted 04/18/2009.]
Background: The Detroit News Reader Debate question for the April 25th edition asks about high speed rail: Should the federal government fund high-speed trains from Chicago to Detroit and other Midwestern cities?
Politicians need to stop wasting time and money on expensive, high profile, low value projects such as high speed rail. Passenger rail service is a declining industry and taxpayers have lost billions of dollars poured into Amtrak. The only benefit with a Detroit-based high speed rail system is that the unemployed whose homes have been foreclosed and cars repossessed can escape the state quicker.
[Letter to the Editor - The Detroit News. Submitted 04/18/2009.]
Friday, April 03, 2009
How embarrassing
Background: The Detroit News reports that Detroit City Council President Monica Conyers got her ex-con brother a job with the city. The brother was eventually fired for absenteeism. Conyers response - he isn't my brother. However, they do have the same parents.
Reggie Esters must be happy to hear that Monica Conyers denies that he is her brother. When you're an ex-con with a violent felony record and you manage to get fired by the City of Detroit, your reputation is tarnished for sure. But to be known as Monica Conyers' brother? That’s embarrassing.
[Letter to the Editor - The Detroit News. Published 04/08/2009.]
Background: The Detroit News reports that Detroit City Council President Monica Conyers got her ex-con brother a job with the city. The brother was eventually fired for absenteeism. Conyers response - he isn't my brother. However, they do have the same parents.
Reggie Esters must be happy to hear that Monica Conyers denies that he is her brother. When you're an ex-con with a violent felony record and you manage to get fired by the City of Detroit, your reputation is tarnished for sure. But to be known as Monica Conyers' brother? That’s embarrassing.
[Letter to the Editor - The Detroit News. Published 04/08/2009.]
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Do as I say. . .
Background: Longtime community organizer and auto industry neophyte, President Obama is taking over GM.
During Rick Wagoner’s tenure, General Motors lost $82 billion. The man responsible for his firing, President Barack Obama, is projected to oversee $3,200 billion in U.S. budget deficits over the next two years. Apparently Obama’s slogans of change and hope have been replaced by "Do as I say, not as I do".
[Letter to the Editor - Detroit Free Press. Published 04/05/2009.]
Background: Longtime community organizer and auto industry neophyte, President Obama is taking over GM.
During Rick Wagoner’s tenure, General Motors lost $82 billion. The man responsible for his firing, President Barack Obama, is projected to oversee $3,200 billion in U.S. budget deficits over the next two years. Apparently Obama’s slogans of change and hope have been replaced by "Do as I say, not as I do".
[Letter to the Editor - Detroit Free Press. Published 04/05/2009.]
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Be sure to blame the right Americans
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton correctly claims Americans shoulder some responsibility for Mexico’s drug violence. However, she blamed the wrong Americans. Legislators who refuse to decriminalize drugs allow the existence of a lawless black market. Rather than waste limited military and law enforcement resources on a losing battle, Congress could save billions of dollars, save thousands of lives and restore liberty to countless Americans by recognizing drug abuse is a health problem rather than a criminal one.
[Letter to the Editor - USA Today. Submitted 03/26/2009.]
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton correctly claims Americans shoulder some responsibility for Mexico’s drug violence. However, she blamed the wrong Americans. Legislators who refuse to decriminalize drugs allow the existence of a lawless black market. Rather than waste limited military and law enforcement resources on a losing battle, Congress could save billions of dollars, save thousands of lives and restore liberty to countless Americans by recognizing drug abuse is a health problem rather than a criminal one.
[Letter to the Editor - USA Today. Submitted 03/26/2009.]
Amazing how competition works
The Detroit Federation of Teachers is reconsidering its opposition to charter schools because they are worried about competition from the Michigan Education Association. Amazing how a little competition can change long-held attitudes and practices that don’t work. Kind of like how charter schools force traditional public schools to re-evaluate.
[Letter to the Editor - The Detroit News. Published 03/29/2009.]
The Detroit Federation of Teachers is reconsidering its opposition to charter schools because they are worried about competition from the Michigan Education Association. Amazing how a little competition can change long-held attitudes and practices that don’t work. Kind of like how charter schools force traditional public schools to re-evaluate.
[Letter to the Editor - The Detroit News. Published 03/29/2009.]
Thursday, March 12, 2009
The joke is the City Council
Background: Some Detroit City Council members are upset that Jay Leno is holding his free performance at the Palace of Auburn Hills instead of in Detroit.
Jay Leno is no fool. If he performed in Detroit his jokes would have to compete with the City Council. And we all know there's no bigger joke than that.
[Letter to the Editor - Detroit Free Press. Submitted 03/12/2009.]
Background: Some Detroit City Council members are upset that Jay Leno is holding his free performance at the Palace of Auburn Hills instead of in Detroit.
Jay Leno is no fool. If he performed in Detroit his jokes would have to compete with the City Council. And we all know there's no bigger joke than that.
[Letter to the Editor - Detroit Free Press. Submitted 03/12/2009.]
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
In his first official address to Congress, President Obama promised to eliminate waste by ending "education programs that don’t work." Detroit Public School board members, administrators, and union officials better hope he breaks this promise.
[Letter to the Editor - The Detroit News. Published 03/02/2009.]
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
No-brainer
According to Governor Granholm, taking a bailout from the federal government is a no-brainer. Given the lack of intelligence displayed in crafting Michigan’s tax and economic policies for the past 6 years, a no-brainer fits right in.
[Letter to the Editor - The Detroit News. Submitted 02/24/2009.]
According to Governor Granholm, taking a bailout from the federal government is a no-brainer. Given the lack of intelligence displayed in crafting Michigan’s tax and economic policies for the past 6 years, a no-brainer fits right in.
[Letter to the Editor - The Detroit News. Submitted 02/24/2009.]
Friday, February 20, 2009
Power corrupts
Background: Power corrupts. Even men (and women) with integrity. The temptation is great when you have control over vast sums of money and the lives of others. That is why we are supposed to have a government of limited power. In Federalist 51, James Madison summed it up aptly:
"The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place. It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government. But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary."
The "culture of corruption" that contributed to ousting the Republicans and currently plagues the Obama administration has nothing to do with political party. As Lord Acton pointed out, "Power corrupts."
The Founding Fathers knew this and set up a government of limited power but the federal government abandoned these limits long ago. Today, politicians scheme on how to spend an extra trillion dollars while special interests flock to DC, stroke their egos, and beg for cash. This power is addictive; tempting even the most ethical of men. Unfortunately, Charles Rangel and Roland Buriss are not exceptions to the rule.
[Letter to the Editor - Detroit Free Press. Submitted 02/20/2009.]
Background: Power corrupts. Even men (and women) with integrity. The temptation is great when you have control over vast sums of money and the lives of others. That is why we are supposed to have a government of limited power. In Federalist 51, James Madison summed it up aptly:
"The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place. It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government. But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary."
The "culture of corruption" that contributed to ousting the Republicans and currently plagues the Obama administration has nothing to do with political party. As Lord Acton pointed out, "Power corrupts."
The Founding Fathers knew this and set up a government of limited power but the federal government abandoned these limits long ago. Today, politicians scheme on how to spend an extra trillion dollars while special interests flock to DC, stroke their egos, and beg for cash. This power is addictive; tempting even the most ethical of men. Unfortunately, Charles Rangel and Roland Buriss are not exceptions to the rule.
[Letter to the Editor - Detroit Free Press. Submitted 02/20/2009.]
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Blown away
Background: Governor Granholm is promoting wind energy as a solution to Michigan's woes. Another politician who allows ideology to trump economics.
Given Michigan’s economic nosedive, perhaps Governor Granholm’s obsession with unaffordable wind power is driven by a concern for her legacy. After all, she did promise we’d be "blown away".
[Letter to the Editor - The Detroit News. Published 02/12/2009.]
Background: Governor Granholm is promoting wind energy as a solution to Michigan's woes. Another politician who allows ideology to trump economics.
Given Michigan’s economic nosedive, perhaps Governor Granholm’s obsession with unaffordable wind power is driven by a concern for her legacy. After all, she did promise we’d be "blown away".
[Letter to the Editor - The Detroit News. Published 02/12/2009.]
Saturday, January 31, 2009
The most ethical administration
Background: Doesn't every president make this claim? President Obama appoints two high profile people to his administration and neither pays their taxes. Nice.
Hopefully the IRS has learned from Timothy Geithner and Tom Daschle how to reduce the budget for tax collection. Simply ask President Obama to appoint more people to his administration.
[Letter to the Editor - The Detroit News. Submitted 01/31/2009.]
Background: Doesn't every president make this claim? President Obama appoints two high profile people to his administration and neither pays their taxes. Nice.
Hopefully the IRS has learned from Timothy Geithner and Tom Daschle how to reduce the budget for tax collection. Simply ask President Obama to appoint more people to his administration.
[Letter to the Editor - The Detroit News. Submitted 01/31/2009.]
Thursday, January 29, 2009
A better class of public servant
Recently, the Farmington City Council honored former U.S. Representative Joe Knollenberg for his contributions to the community. I’ve always wondered why we honor politicians and call their work "public service". In 2008, the salary for a U.S. representative was nearly $170,000 per year and according to the congressional calendar, the legislature was in session for only 120 days.
The average yearly wage in the United States is below $50,000 and we work about 240 days each year. Apparently "public service" means earning more than three times the average American and working half as much.
To add insult to injury, Knollenberg was honored for securing money for such items as the Shiawassee Park switchback and the traffic light in front of Harrison High School. The federal government takes our money, skims their percentage off the top, gives our public "servants" the opportunity to "secure" it for us, and then returns it for local projects. Apparently it doesn’t take much to be honored around here.
To paraphrase the Joker from The Dark Knight, this town deserves a better class of public servant.
[Letter to the Editor - The Farmington Observer. Published 02/05/2009.]
Recently, the Farmington City Council honored former U.S. Representative Joe Knollenberg for his contributions to the community. I’ve always wondered why we honor politicians and call their work "public service". In 2008, the salary for a U.S. representative was nearly $170,000 per year and according to the congressional calendar, the legislature was in session for only 120 days.
The average yearly wage in the United States is below $50,000 and we work about 240 days each year. Apparently "public service" means earning more than three times the average American and working half as much.
To add insult to injury, Knollenberg was honored for securing money for such items as the Shiawassee Park switchback and the traffic light in front of Harrison High School. The federal government takes our money, skims their percentage off the top, gives our public "servants" the opportunity to "secure" it for us, and then returns it for local projects. Apparently it doesn’t take much to be honored around here.
To paraphrase the Joker from The Dark Knight, this town deserves a better class of public servant.
[Letter to the Editor - The Farmington Observer. Published 02/05/2009.]
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