Uh oh...
I have consistently withheld judgment on our newly elected governor since I believe any Democrat who understands that tax increases are the last thing our State needs demonstrates at least a basic understanding of economics. But a recent Tribune article concerns me greatly. The article had this to say about Governor Schweitzer and tax increases:
Schweitzer, a Democrat, also left open the possibility of higher taxes to pay for more school funding next year — although he said he still wants to hold the line on any tax increases.That's funny, because I thought ruling out tax increases is exactly what he's done.
I have never ruled (tax increases) out," he said when asked if more money might be needed for schools next year. "What the future holds, the future holds ... We'll do the responsible thing."
For example, in a January 21, 2005, article in the Missoulian, Governor Schweitzer was quoted as saying: "We will grow this state's economy, and we will do it without raising taxes." As the Missoulian's Chuck Johnson put it, "Schweitzer's pledge rules out any tax increases for any additional money." [Emphasis mine]
Or how about this April 17, 2005, article in the Billings Gazette:
He has his detractors and he acknowledges some are fellow Democrats unhappy with his refusal to support the kind of tax increases they have been unable to pass during the decade of Republican dominance.It concerns me that our 'straight talking' governor might be more Clintonesque than we think.
Tough, Schweitzer said. "There will be no new increases in taxes."
5 comments:
"Aw shucks! It can't be all that bad.
Aren't Max, Conrad and Denny back
there to look after us?"
Charlie the Montana Tuna.
Sorry Charlie.
Just like you voted for Bush, Max, Conrad and
Denny voted for the most reactionary re-write of
the federal bankruptcy code in American history.
And the president you voted for, signed it
April 20.
Which means it will become law six months from
enactment, right around Halloween time.
So anybody filing for bankruptcy would be well advised
to do so before Max, Conrad and Denny pick up their
trick or treats from the D.C. lobbyists.
Sorry Charlie.
Nearly 95 percent of those who declare personal bankruptcy
are swamped by job loss, family breakup, medical problems
or some combination.
For about half, it's the health-care costs that do them in.
(Alcohol- and drug-rehab expenses account for only 2 percent
of defaulted expenses.)
About 10 percent have the pleasure of getting cancer and going
bankrupt at the same time.
So what! Who cares? Don't you know that the credit card lobby is
now bigger then oil and gas in the Congress,
Which means the bankruptcy law was lwritten by the credit-card
industry, the same folks whose siren-song targeting of high-risk
borrowers caused much of the bankruptcy problem in the first place.
First Congress puts a half trillion in budget deficits a year on the
plastic for our grandchildren to pay off. Then it sells out the average
American to predatory lenders, who have the run of the place.
And if you think credit-card companies will now reduce their interest
rates or late fees, well, not even the supporters have claimed as much.
They insist the point of the bill is to restore the stigma of bankruptcy.
That's just what a seriously ill, jobless or abandoned person needs—more
stigma.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7528519/site/newsweek/
Wow. Did I write a post about bankruptcy without even knowing it?
I can tell you this, though. I have been on the receiving end of a bankruptcy petition and it's no fun. Think about this, anonymous. You do your job, whatever it is. You do, say, two weeks' work.
Then, on payday, you get a notice telling you that you don't get your wage because your employer doesn't have enough to pay his or her bills. And that's the end of it. You're done. That time and effort is gone.
I think we need to depart from the notion of the 'noble poor.' Sure, there are many deserving of our help. But maybe if those who get in a bind through their own actions were left off of the dole, we'd have more money to help those struggling through no fault of their own.
What do you think of that?
I think credit is too easy to get.
So, everything should be cash on the barrelhead?
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