Curmudgeon's Corner
cur-mud-geon: anyone who hates hypocrisy and pretense and has the temerity to say so; anyone with the habit of pointing out unpleasant facts in an engaging and humorous manner
'We The People' Have Spoken
The seeming impossible has occurred with the clean sweep of the governor’s mansion, the assembly and the senate in Wisconsin. The voters also decided that there would be five Republicans and three Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives; and they decided that they wanted Ron Johnson in the U.S. Senate instead of Russ Feingold.
India Here We Come...
Economy class to India would probably run a bit less than what we are about to pony up so that President Obama and entourage can see the Festival of Lights.
The Tobacco Conundrum
The tobacco conundrum continues because of and in spite of government intervention. On the one hand, government has done its best to outlaw the smoking of cigarettes in virtually any public environment indoor, and in some outdoor, locations. On the other hand, government subsidizes the growth of tobacco.
When Ceilings Become Floors
Ceilings become floors when governmental bodies impose maximum property tax levies. Ceilings become floors when ‘qualified economic offers’ are made law for educators. The QEOs have been eliminated, at least for now, but the maximum levy limits are alive and well.
County Exec for Washington County?
A new group called Citizens for Elected Executive (click here) has been formed in Washington County. Its goal is to educate and agitate for the creation of an elected County Executive position in Washington County.
Walker Too Pushy Before Being Sworn In?
Governor-Elect Scott Walker appears to be off to a fast start given his requests for slowdowns or the outright stopping of various projects, initiatives, etc. until he has been sworn into office. That has not been received too well by some and has been received very well by others.
Term Limit Poster Child?
Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) walked out of his ethics hearing this morning since he didn’t have counsel. He has, of course, had ample time to engage another attorney but chose not to do so; probably thinking his buddies on the Adjudicatory Committee would give him a “Get Out of Jail Free” card. That didn’t happen, even after he reminded them that he represented fifty years of congressional leadership.
Safe Air Travel? At What Price?
I do not travel so much as I used to and I’m grateful for that. I have, however, been following the growing concern over airport security and the tactics employed by the TSA to thwart would-be trouble-makers.
Handel's Messiah
If you enjoy moving music especially suited to this season, you are invited to attend one of two performances of Handel’s Messiah that will be offered on Friday, December 3rd and Sunday, December 5th. A free will offering can be made if you feel so inclined.
Health Care Costs For Taxpayers
The cost of health care has been talked about for years as we all have watched the premium rates for health insurance climb higher and higher. Much of the discussion has centered on insurance companies since they are the entities that increase the premiums and collect money from those who have the policies. Some of the discussion has centered on entities within the health care system that build new hospitals in the backyards of other systems’ existing hospitals. Very little discussion has dealt with employers that have “solved" the problem of rising health care costs which, along with utilization, is the driver for increased insurance premiums.
Thanksgiving 2010
Thanksgiving is the time when we take a deep breath, and recognize that the holiday season is upon us, with Christmas just a month away and the New Year fast on its heels. As I have gained in years, I realize that time doesn’t move any faster, but it certainly seems this is the case.
There Oughta Be A Law
“There oughta be a law” is an old, old statement used every once in a while by many of us. It is usually employed when we think we see something that has escaped the watchful eye of lawmakers (and that is increasingly difficult to find as those people are prolific when it comes to creating new laws).
