Our creator gave humans the unique natural right of free will. From this and other genetic qualities we formed natural groups, (eg.family units), that adopted moral codes to achieve a structured society based upon social mores, traditions, and laws. Among commonly accepted moral codes is one that cites compassion and charity to others. This meant sharing goods and services with others in a free market capitalistic manner.This is an acceptable pattern to help each other, be responsible, achieve respect, and feel better about yourself; downstream qualities that we all admire.
Social justice is an amorphous term that characterizes the application of justice on a social scale. The justice term suggests an equal application of the laws of men and the laws of nature to a society that adopts such thinking across a scale that is predefined and meets the criteria of said society. Such a scale could include ethnicity, race, status, economic class, or other factors as practiced in that society.The Federalist Papers Article 7 take note of this concept in acknowledging contracts as authority:
"Laws in violation of private contracts, as they amount to aggressions on the rights of those States whose citizens are injured by them, may be considered as another probable source of hostility. We are not authorized to expect that a more liberal or more equitable spirit would preside over the legislations of the individual States hereafter, if unrestrained by any additional checks, than we have heretofore seen in too many instances disgracing their several codes. We have observed the disposition to retaliation excited in Connecticut in consequence of the enormities perpetrated by the Legislature of Rhode Island; and we reasonably infer that, in similar cases, under other circumstances, a war, not of PARCHMENT, but of the sword, would chastise such atrocious breaches of moral obligation and social justice."
On a larger scale, a socially just world could include human rights and equality for all. We can also recognize how our Judeo Christian society seeks to redress all ills of humanity under this thinking.The freedoms of the United States is a gift that we offer to all as a "shining city upon the hill as a beacon for freedom" which evolved from the first governor of pilgrim settled Massachusetts when he said thanks to God for "the city upon the hill". Our country's exceptionalism is a gift from the creator and serves to demonstrate the model that is sought by all human kind.
We now watch the Connecticut legislature continue to cope with the budget conflicts that arise over the interpretations of what social services should be provided at what cost. Under the umbrella of social justice we struggle with the definition of a "safety net" to be funded by government and selectively chosen by elected officials who "know best". Where voluntary charity was the source of such assistance we now allow elected officials to confiscate our wealth in the form of taxes and direct it to causes, special interests, and subsidies of their choosing. "Spreading the wealth around" becomes the overall agenda for those who would plunder our private property earnings to seek a world that they deem correct. Charity in their way of thinking is inadequate and they do not get to make their targeted choices. Government should not be practicing utopian social engineering and experimenting upon people. Taking my money and using it to benefit irresponsible behaviors and limiting my freedom of choice for a prejudiced "greater good" is not "justice that arose from the people" (John Rawls). Eminent Domain had worthy origins but now falls into this category of confiscation and suspicious insider application. We have a society in Connecticut where almost half the population is free from taxes while the other half pays. This is an imbalance of "social responsibility" and may soon create a ruling, free of tax, class that confiscates even more from those left who earn.Utopia has been a failure in all cases where applied.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
BCS, American Idol, and Connecticut Referendum: Truth in Voting
The Bowl Championship Series (BCS) is a system used by the College Bowl owners to determine which teams should play in which college bowl. Before BCS the Rose Bowl was considered at one time to be the final determination of which team is the national champion.Under old rules the sports writers, coaches , and others made this decision using real data and secretive subjectivity to categorize teams and make the matchups. BCS added a "computer algorithm" to add more logic (and mystery) to this process to legitimize the outcomes. With "sports junkie" activity now in Congress and preferences expressed by the President himself, it seems that a congesssional inquiry may reveal how much "truth" there is in all this and why a "bracketology based" extensive playoff season is needed.
While sports fans debate the merits of all this, one can only imagine how this may affect the grades of players in college who are supposed to be studying. With a prolonged season they may never go to class. It is also questionable if the existing system or any improvements would satisfy the most rabid fans, but nobody asked them. Sports elites make all the rules and apply their "black box" formula to choose the champion. No voice for fans who pay for all this and add to the enjoyment of watching the game.
American Idol is a very popular variety show and entertains millions of viewers worldwide. Ambitious, dreamy contestants come from all over and go through a series of selection filters in the audition process months before the airing of the live TV program.This practice eliminates many "artists" from the list before the shows multi night airings with procedures designed to bring the best short list to the TV program.Over a few weeks these finalists are weened weekly until the final show when the winner is selected.
The process, as depicted, allows viewers to vote with their cell phones by calling a unique number for each contestant to express their choice. The purist may question how each vote or cell call is treated when multiple calls from the same cell or phone number are made.It is also bewildering how the computer/phone handling system may track such a large volume and tabulate the results without losing a call (vote), to say nothing of suspicions regarding the audit trail of this complex. The true skeptic wonders where the fraud begins and ends. There are ways to block calls made from the same cell or phone number after the first call placing the the single allocated vote. THere are firms that can certify the accuracy and integrity of such a system to assure the most suspicious, like myself.
But , hey, this is show biz and entertainment. Not one man one vote.Not a democracy.
A Voter Referendum process for Connecticut would allow the voting public to "up or down" a proposed law or change to an existing law as is common practice in many states.Voter registration lists are used to authenticate only those allowed to vote. The process is clearly defined, accurate and can be tracked to insure integrity.One man, one vote, for all. We don't need to invent or purchase anything to make this happen.
There is no better way to get the input of all to determine the will of the people and their wishes to make Connecticut a better place to live. No elites, no filters, no questions of integrity, all data and information is transparent and is considered by all to make the decision.We don't need elites to decide what we need and dictate that through arrogant laws.
In the 2009 legislative session when a Voter Referendum bill was proposed, no public hearing was held and the bill died. This 2010 session has seen extensive discretionary debate over Sunday sales of liquor that could have been applied towards this important topic.
Hey, you could call your legislator and tell him what you want. Will he listen?
For additional comments on this topic please view my blog history;
1. April 1, 2009, Who Speaks for Connecticut?
2. March 21, 2009, Voice of Anonymity
3. March 24, 2009, Term is Up!
While sports fans debate the merits of all this, one can only imagine how this may affect the grades of players in college who are supposed to be studying. With a prolonged season they may never go to class. It is also questionable if the existing system or any improvements would satisfy the most rabid fans, but nobody asked them. Sports elites make all the rules and apply their "black box" formula to choose the champion. No voice for fans who pay for all this and add to the enjoyment of watching the game.
American Idol is a very popular variety show and entertains millions of viewers worldwide. Ambitious, dreamy contestants come from all over and go through a series of selection filters in the audition process months before the airing of the live TV program.This practice eliminates many "artists" from the list before the shows multi night airings with procedures designed to bring the best short list to the TV program.Over a few weeks these finalists are weened weekly until the final show when the winner is selected.
The process, as depicted, allows viewers to vote with their cell phones by calling a unique number for each contestant to express their choice. The purist may question how each vote or cell call is treated when multiple calls from the same cell or phone number are made.It is also bewildering how the computer/phone handling system may track such a large volume and tabulate the results without losing a call (vote), to say nothing of suspicions regarding the audit trail of this complex. The true skeptic wonders where the fraud begins and ends. There are ways to block calls made from the same cell or phone number after the first call placing the the single allocated vote. THere are firms that can certify the accuracy and integrity of such a system to assure the most suspicious, like myself.
But , hey, this is show biz and entertainment. Not one man one vote.Not a democracy.
A Voter Referendum process for Connecticut would allow the voting public to "up or down" a proposed law or change to an existing law as is common practice in many states.Voter registration lists are used to authenticate only those allowed to vote. The process is clearly defined, accurate and can be tracked to insure integrity.One man, one vote, for all. We don't need to invent or purchase anything to make this happen.
There is no better way to get the input of all to determine the will of the people and their wishes to make Connecticut a better place to live. No elites, no filters, no questions of integrity, all data and information is transparent and is considered by all to make the decision.We don't need elites to decide what we need and dictate that through arrogant laws.
In the 2009 legislative session when a Voter Referendum bill was proposed, no public hearing was held and the bill died. This 2010 session has seen extensive discretionary debate over Sunday sales of liquor that could have been applied towards this important topic.
Hey, you could call your legislator and tell him what you want. Will he listen?
For additional comments on this topic please view my blog history;
1. April 1, 2009, Who Speaks for Connecticut?
2. March 21, 2009, Voice of Anonymity
3. March 24, 2009, Term is Up!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Avatar, Legion, Book of Eli, and Connecticut State Budget
What exactly do these 3 current movies have in common with the Connecticut State budget you might ask. They are educational in the sense that they each describe events in a society where there is civil disruption because of the failure of the government in power to address the needs of its civilian members. Without thoughtful, fair, and respectful discourse the consequences of revolution, destruction, moral decay, and the deaths of innocents are realized. The salvation of natural man grounded in his moral values is reborn to take ownership and responsibility under the watchful creator. The planet is not destroyed, nature endures regardless of what men do. But man is given another chance to reconstitute the civil society that has collapsed under the weight of the tyrannical governing elite whose values condescend the common man. Inherent in the free will of man gifted by the creator and endowed to man alone is the ability to be a force of good or destruction. Free will is a natural state and a natural right of men. Freedom also is a natural self evident state and relies upon responsible self reliance and a peaceful, law abiding, co-existence among all men. Governing requires the acknowledgement of those natural states and operates to provision the capacity for men to exercise those natural gifts. Man is equipped to be moral, responsible, loving, and supportive of others. Government only needs to help channel these qualities and not substitute for them.
Respect and emphasis for freedom is essential to the well being of society. When there is a body or group that wishes for government to be the leader, provider, and solution to all problems, there is a natural breakdown. No man is fit to be master and no one deserves to be a slave as stated by Abraham Lincoln is relevant.When a ruling body mandates and assumes the power to impose a one size fits all solution, the natural social contract is broken. Irresponsible solutions, favoritism, and exceptions are likely to emerge that only serve to be divisive and disrespectful of the rights of others. Failure and revolution are bound to occur.
The 3 movies come to the fore front of our attention at an auspicious time. Perhaps Hollywood had a premonition that that in the dead of winter as we begin 2K10 we needed a reminder of what is required to keep a functioning society together.It has been stated in many ways that democracy is always on the edge, but it is the best way to channel the free will of man to a common good and serve the needs of all men , equally.
We can only hope that our legislature gets the message and produces a budget that we all can embrace. Some programs that do not foster freedom, self reliance, or rule of law should be limited or eliminated. So called "nanny laws" are not necessary and only serve to satisfy some favored agenda of its sponsors. They are not worth the loss of freedom. Social engineering and social justice laws that do not work or have a reasonable expectation of failing a statewide referendum, if it were allowed, should be avoided. Special interests are not the expectations of the majority of voters and would not likely meet a statewide threshold. Elected officials who vote their preferences are not doing their job.Listen to the voters.
In these times we can ill afford reprogramming without universal consent until we can be assured of a more stable economy. Getting people back to work is the most important item on the agenda. Our Calvinistic free market capitalism heritage fostered hard work, ethical and moral behavior, self reliance, and the performance of good deeds in helping others.Our heritage, our laws, and our societal values have proved their worth over our history and should be revisited, now.
Respect and emphasis for freedom is essential to the well being of society. When there is a body or group that wishes for government to be the leader, provider, and solution to all problems, there is a natural breakdown. No man is fit to be master and no one deserves to be a slave as stated by Abraham Lincoln is relevant.When a ruling body mandates and assumes the power to impose a one size fits all solution, the natural social contract is broken. Irresponsible solutions, favoritism, and exceptions are likely to emerge that only serve to be divisive and disrespectful of the rights of others. Failure and revolution are bound to occur.
The 3 movies come to the fore front of our attention at an auspicious time. Perhaps Hollywood had a premonition that that in the dead of winter as we begin 2K10 we needed a reminder of what is required to keep a functioning society together.It has been stated in many ways that democracy is always on the edge, but it is the best way to channel the free will of man to a common good and serve the needs of all men , equally.
We can only hope that our legislature gets the message and produces a budget that we all can embrace. Some programs that do not foster freedom, self reliance, or rule of law should be limited or eliminated. So called "nanny laws" are not necessary and only serve to satisfy some favored agenda of its sponsors. They are not worth the loss of freedom. Social engineering and social justice laws that do not work or have a reasonable expectation of failing a statewide referendum, if it were allowed, should be avoided. Special interests are not the expectations of the majority of voters and would not likely meet a statewide threshold. Elected officials who vote their preferences are not doing their job.Listen to the voters.
In these times we can ill afford reprogramming without universal consent until we can be assured of a more stable economy. Getting people back to work is the most important item on the agenda. Our Calvinistic free market capitalism heritage fostered hard work, ethical and moral behavior, self reliance, and the performance of good deeds in helping others.Our heritage, our laws, and our societal values have proved their worth over our history and should be revisited, now.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Question the Candidates, Vote by their Answers
In the upcoming election saga you may want to take the time to pose a series of questions that require simple yes or no answers from the candidates.Open ended questions are never really answered and if you leave any opening for discussion or interpretation you basically play into the hands of those gifted to be glib or non-committal in their response. Do yourself and others justice with a single direct question that merely requires a simple yes or no.
If you are really clever you may construct some series that demonstrates inconsistency or illogical thinking on the part of the candidate. A contradiction can easily occur to an earlier response if there is doubt on the part of the candidate or he can't remember what he said only minutes ago. Or, on a more positive note, you can see just how far a candidate may go on an issue or what may be considered negotiable by the candidate as a compromise with others is needed. Once in office the deal making becomes more obscure and lost in the party politics but at least you can see how they may respond to a particular issue that is dear to you.
You are not asking them to defend a position, because you want to know now their promise, their committment, and how they will vote. You are in cpntrol of the question and they must convince you to vote for them.
Below are some of my favorites that represent crusades I have written about on this blog site.
1. Would you sponsor or support legislation to establish term limits for elected and appointed officials?
2. Would you sponsor or support a direct referendum option for Connecticut to allow its citizens a democratic approach to initiate or change legislation via a direct voter initiative?
3. Would you sponsor or support legislation to amend the State of Connecticut Constitution to redefine the so called "budget cap" wording to fix the misunderstandings now in contention?
4. Would you sponsor or support legislation to provide the State's accounting information as a Freedom of Information service to the public? Such a service must offer the State's check register to identify payee, date, amount, and purchase order reference that also correlates to the originating agency. Trust me, this is a treasure trove!
5. Would you sponsor or support legislation to eliminate or cap the overtime "excess" that is often applied to the last 3 years of employment for calculation of pension?
Be bold and go forth where politicians fear to tread!
If you are really clever you may construct some series that demonstrates inconsistency or illogical thinking on the part of the candidate. A contradiction can easily occur to an earlier response if there is doubt on the part of the candidate or he can't remember what he said only minutes ago. Or, on a more positive note, you can see just how far a candidate may go on an issue or what may be considered negotiable by the candidate as a compromise with others is needed. Once in office the deal making becomes more obscure and lost in the party politics but at least you can see how they may respond to a particular issue that is dear to you.
You are not asking them to defend a position, because you want to know now their promise, their committment, and how they will vote. You are in cpntrol of the question and they must convince you to vote for them.
Below are some of my favorites that represent crusades I have written about on this blog site.
1. Would you sponsor or support legislation to establish term limits for elected and appointed officials?
2. Would you sponsor or support a direct referendum option for Connecticut to allow its citizens a democratic approach to initiate or change legislation via a direct voter initiative?
3. Would you sponsor or support legislation to amend the State of Connecticut Constitution to redefine the so called "budget cap" wording to fix the misunderstandings now in contention?
4. Would you sponsor or support legislation to provide the State's accounting information as a Freedom of Information service to the public? Such a service must offer the State's check register to identify payee, date, amount, and purchase order reference that also correlates to the originating agency. Trust me, this is a treasure trove!
5. Would you sponsor or support legislation to eliminate or cap the overtime "excess" that is often applied to the last 3 years of employment for calculation of pension?
Be bold and go forth where politicians fear to tread!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Natural Philosophy, Reason, and the Connecticut Budget
In the earliest documentation of western civilization we had the Greeks describing what we now call "natural philosophy". Early writings describe nature as the basis for all acts and a civil society rooted in the so called nature of mankind.
As we passed through the emergence of Christianity, the Enlightenment, and the Age of Reason to our more modern thinking and philosophy we accomplished a number of major breakthroughs:
1. Moral Codes- Aristotle, Ten Commandments, Chivalry, Golden Rule, self evident rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
2.Higher mathematics as the language of the universe, God, truth, and foundation for reason
3. Extensive scientific discoveries based upon the scientific method
4. Documented and proven laws of nature that are universal and epistemic to our moral society
5.Breakdown of philosophy into disctinct disciplines like political philosophy, ethics, morality, free will
With many examples we can witness the interpretations and outcomes in our contemporary society in the form of secularism, diversity, and moral relativism. We see many times how our society increasingly pursues a social justice goal at the expense of individual rights and undermines the freedoms that we recognize from our definition of a civil society as articulated in the Declaration of Independance, and supported by our Constitution and Bill of Rights. The debates over Eminent Domain , for example, are about just such conflicts over what constitutes the "common good".
The so called culture wars debate the relativism of many topics, but often overlook the foundations of our country and its grounding in moral codes, individualism, and capitalism.This baseline allows us a civil discourse, but balance among these influences is dependant upon their relationship to each other. Capitalism is greed, but socialism does't work and never achieves the economic growth that raises the standard of living for all. The "reason" and rationale that we can apply today comes from advancements made largely because of capitalism combined with a benificent social responsibility of motivated individuals.We should know by now how to be inclusive and respectful of all citizens.
As the entitlements grow to a larger base you have to wonder when the scale tips and more people are receiving from those that are giving. With a majority vote the receiving population outweighs the productive population who works to support everyone else, Utopia? Capitalism collapses and our society is at odds with overall security in jeopardy. As Hobbes described in his "Leviathan" we then need a superman, a messiah to promise protection when we agree to relinqush all authority to him. This is the tyranny that haunts the planet and plagues the populations.
As Connecticut considers its budget dilemma the political elite seem to be in denial of the situation and rely upon the special interests and other fantasies to make the decisions. With a lame duck governor and candidates who are likely to remain silent of solutions until the last moments of preelection, if they say anything at all, we are stuck with the Democratic controlled legislature.
Reflecting upon what hasa been stated so far in this blog it would seem reasonable to to:
1. Categorize state general funded programs in the context of Regulation and Protection,Public Safety, Social Services, Public Health, Education
2. Individualize the programs to understand what is defined and what is included. A "safety net" is social justice at work and can include many enlightened factors, but a basic package for basic needs, as justification is warrentred, may be all that can be accomplised, now.
3. When the "what" of the program is defined by mathematics and a scientific method, the "how" the program is executed becomes the next interest.The appropriate mix of providers, contracts, direct state employee involvement, and performance metrics becomes the focal point. Measurements are key to an optimal portfolio for delivery that is cost effective.
4. Government administration assessment provides an opportunity to review the strengths, weaknesses and conflicts of interest tha create fiefdoms, accountability issues, and self serving governance.The "how" a program is executed review should also include this assessment which can address:
* Union contracts and their real contributions to desired program outcomes
* Consolidations to minimize overhead, but more importantly, maximize collaboration and delivery coordination at minimal cost
* Sharing of infrastructure or utility like approaches to address common needs
Why do we have so much government and so many private non profits serving overlapped needs and clients with overlapped budgets, staff, and programs?
As a concerned Connecticut citizen, I hope this helps and perhaps inspires a more thoughtful approach to our fiscal crisis.
As we passed through the emergence of Christianity, the Enlightenment, and the Age of Reason to our more modern thinking and philosophy we accomplished a number of major breakthroughs:
1. Moral Codes- Aristotle, Ten Commandments, Chivalry, Golden Rule, self evident rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
2.Higher mathematics as the language of the universe, God, truth, and foundation for reason
3. Extensive scientific discoveries based upon the scientific method
4. Documented and proven laws of nature that are universal and epistemic to our moral society
5.Breakdown of philosophy into disctinct disciplines like political philosophy, ethics, morality, free will
With many examples we can witness the interpretations and outcomes in our contemporary society in the form of secularism, diversity, and moral relativism. We see many times how our society increasingly pursues a social justice goal at the expense of individual rights and undermines the freedoms that we recognize from our definition of a civil society as articulated in the Declaration of Independance, and supported by our Constitution and Bill of Rights. The debates over Eminent Domain , for example, are about just such conflicts over what constitutes the "common good".
The so called culture wars debate the relativism of many topics, but often overlook the foundations of our country and its grounding in moral codes, individualism, and capitalism.This baseline allows us a civil discourse, but balance among these influences is dependant upon their relationship to each other. Capitalism is greed, but socialism does't work and never achieves the economic growth that raises the standard of living for all. The "reason" and rationale that we can apply today comes from advancements made largely because of capitalism combined with a benificent social responsibility of motivated individuals.We should know by now how to be inclusive and respectful of all citizens.
As the entitlements grow to a larger base you have to wonder when the scale tips and more people are receiving from those that are giving. With a majority vote the receiving population outweighs the productive population who works to support everyone else, Utopia? Capitalism collapses and our society is at odds with overall security in jeopardy. As Hobbes described in his "Leviathan" we then need a superman, a messiah to promise protection when we agree to relinqush all authority to him. This is the tyranny that haunts the planet and plagues the populations.
As Connecticut considers its budget dilemma the political elite seem to be in denial of the situation and rely upon the special interests and other fantasies to make the decisions. With a lame duck governor and candidates who are likely to remain silent of solutions until the last moments of preelection, if they say anything at all, we are stuck with the Democratic controlled legislature.
Reflecting upon what hasa been stated so far in this blog it would seem reasonable to to:
1. Categorize state general funded programs in the context of Regulation and Protection,Public Safety, Social Services, Public Health, Education
2. Individualize the programs to understand what is defined and what is included. A "safety net" is social justice at work and can include many enlightened factors, but a basic package for basic needs, as justification is warrentred, may be all that can be accomplised, now.
3. When the "what" of the program is defined by mathematics and a scientific method, the "how" the program is executed becomes the next interest.The appropriate mix of providers, contracts, direct state employee involvement, and performance metrics becomes the focal point. Measurements are key to an optimal portfolio for delivery that is cost effective.
4. Government administration assessment provides an opportunity to review the strengths, weaknesses and conflicts of interest tha create fiefdoms, accountability issues, and self serving governance.The "how" a program is executed review should also include this assessment which can address:
* Union contracts and their real contributions to desired program outcomes
* Consolidations to minimize overhead, but more importantly, maximize collaboration and delivery coordination at minimal cost
* Sharing of infrastructure or utility like approaches to address common needs
Why do we have so much government and so many private non profits serving overlapped needs and clients with overlapped budgets, staff, and programs?
As a concerned Connecticut citizen, I hope this helps and perhaps inspires a more thoughtful approach to our fiscal crisis.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
If Connecticut Earmarks Could Speak!
If Connecticut's earmarks could speak, what would they tell us as voters? The Connecticut legislature speaks when they propose bond money awards to towns for various undertakings that include such recent actions as:
1. New tennis courts in Seymour and Middlebury
2. Walkway along a stream in Watertown
The governor chairs the bond commission and therefore controls the agenda with the monies and items to be considered. Garnering the governor's favor is necessary, but there may be other hurdles if we could only understand the language used by the legislative speak, "earmarkise"? From the awards presented above you might ask:
1. How much did my town get in the last 10 years?
2. Compared to all towns, how did the formulation work: equitable per population by town, equitable by net worth, income tax,local property tax weighting, or what??Is there even any index?
3. What is the target per town over 10 years, assuming equitability?
Another series of questions may help justify why the state should pay for some items of dubious value, or, more importantly,those likely to be used only by a favored group. Does everyone play tennis?
Elected legislators use this bonding largess to impress the local electorate of how much care and what they have accomplished on their behalf as measured in dollars.This compassion may also come from the party leadership of the legislature for a job well done in keeping silent as the leadership exercises its agenda without the need for individual legislator contribution: keeping silent has a cost. Comparisons by towns may show an equitable distribution or not, but that is not the point. Each town can see what they get and be thankful to their elected benefactor. We may even put up a sign to memorialize their action.
If earmarks spoke more loudly we may be able to see of the monies awarded to towns:
1. Was any particular bill passed through the purchase of legislative votes by bonded projects?
2. What special interest group benefitted?
3. Can we trace awarded monies to any campaign financing mischief?
4. Are there any contractors favored locally or statewide?
5. What are the long term costs for maintenance, usage, staffing, insurance,..etc for these projects initially funded by the state?
6. How does this project's priority merit funding when the town has other priorities?
7. Has the legislator synched his sponsored project to those of the locally elected official who is closer to the town's real interests?
This potential corruption is silent because nobody really pays, the State does this for free. But, if the earmark had a louder, understandable voice we may find some surprises.The sunshine laws (freedom of information) offer a realistic approach.
1. New tennis courts in Seymour and Middlebury
2. Walkway along a stream in Watertown
The governor chairs the bond commission and therefore controls the agenda with the monies and items to be considered. Garnering the governor's favor is necessary, but there may be other hurdles if we could only understand the language used by the legislative speak, "earmarkise"? From the awards presented above you might ask:
1. How much did my town get in the last 10 years?
2. Compared to all towns, how did the formulation work: equitable per population by town, equitable by net worth, income tax,local property tax weighting, or what??Is there even any index?
3. What is the target per town over 10 years, assuming equitability?
Another series of questions may help justify why the state should pay for some items of dubious value, or, more importantly,those likely to be used only by a favored group. Does everyone play tennis?
Elected legislators use this bonding largess to impress the local electorate of how much care and what they have accomplished on their behalf as measured in dollars.This compassion may also come from the party leadership of the legislature for a job well done in keeping silent as the leadership exercises its agenda without the need for individual legislator contribution: keeping silent has a cost. Comparisons by towns may show an equitable distribution or not, but that is not the point. Each town can see what they get and be thankful to their elected benefactor. We may even put up a sign to memorialize their action.
If earmarks spoke more loudly we may be able to see of the monies awarded to towns:
1. Was any particular bill passed through the purchase of legislative votes by bonded projects?
2. What special interest group benefitted?
3. Can we trace awarded monies to any campaign financing mischief?
4. Are there any contractors favored locally or statewide?
5. What are the long term costs for maintenance, usage, staffing, insurance,..etc for these projects initially funded by the state?
6. How does this project's priority merit funding when the town has other priorities?
7. Has the legislator synched his sponsored project to those of the locally elected official who is closer to the town's real interests?
This potential corruption is silent because nobody really pays, the State does this for free. But, if the earmark had a louder, understandable voice we may find some surprises.The sunshine laws (freedom of information) offer a realistic approach.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Appeals and Petitions
In the November 2008 Connecticut election the voters authorized a Constitutional amendment proposed by the legislature to allow 17 year olds to vote in State primaries if they turn 18 by the next election, November 2, 2010. This means that all 17 year olds should register NOW to vote.This will enable you to vote in (one or more depending upon party rules} primaries to be held in 2010. You can then also vote in the general election.
In the mean time, to exercise your new found freedom to vote why not become politically active by starting a petition to change the State's Constitution? My one day school wide (400 kids) civil sit down boycott of the high school cafeteria eliminated the daily repetitional use of raisins and peanut butter from the federal foods program. We did not have choice of menu as is the case today and a daily dose over an extended period of culinary creations for the same price was just too much to bear. Who would have known you could make so many things from these two ingrediants? One day and one detention later the menu was fixed.To this day I often wonder if I suffered long term effects and whatever happened to all those raisins and peanut butter? My mother would say the hungry children in China got the surplus.
In this petition you can cite the need for laws that you think are worthy with such examples as:
1. Choice of online education option for courses you need or would like to take and get credit in your local district.
2. The ability to play a sport or join an after school group in another district because your school does not have such a program.
3. The ability to take a course elsewhere for credit assuming transportation is available and scheduling permits.
4. More vacation. shorter days, no homework,... NO NO NO!!!!!!!!
Your petition would cite the need for a voter initiative in Connecticut for citizens to have direct democracy. Proposing legislation for consideration under guidelines to insure its legality and its up or down vote in a statewide referendum allows all voters to participate in government.The roots of our country started in Connecticut with the first Constitution (read the history) and this voter referendum puts the power in the hands of the people, directly.
Grab your history teacher, student activists, school newspaper and others to get this going. The petition needs authenticated signatures which can be accomplished with the local town registrar of voters. The target date is Ground Hog Day. Will he see the shining city of light on the hill as so described by Ronald Regan where the rest of the world looks to our beacon of hope for definition of freedom or will he see the darkness and shadow of the Berlin Wall that kept freedom out and the people in to be ruled under tyrants?
In the mean time, to exercise your new found freedom to vote why not become politically active by starting a petition to change the State's Constitution? My one day school wide (400 kids) civil sit down boycott of the high school cafeteria eliminated the daily repetitional use of raisins and peanut butter from the federal foods program. We did not have choice of menu as is the case today and a daily dose over an extended period of culinary creations for the same price was just too much to bear. Who would have known you could make so many things from these two ingrediants? One day and one detention later the menu was fixed.To this day I often wonder if I suffered long term effects and whatever happened to all those raisins and peanut butter? My mother would say the hungry children in China got the surplus.
In this petition you can cite the need for laws that you think are worthy with such examples as:
1. Choice of online education option for courses you need or would like to take and get credit in your local district.
2. The ability to play a sport or join an after school group in another district because your school does not have such a program.
3. The ability to take a course elsewhere for credit assuming transportation is available and scheduling permits.
4. More vacation. shorter days, no homework,... NO NO NO!!!!!!!!
Your petition would cite the need for a voter initiative in Connecticut for citizens to have direct democracy. Proposing legislation for consideration under guidelines to insure its legality and its up or down vote in a statewide referendum allows all voters to participate in government.The roots of our country started in Connecticut with the first Constitution (read the history) and this voter referendum puts the power in the hands of the people, directly.
Grab your history teacher, student activists, school newspaper and others to get this going. The petition needs authenticated signatures which can be accomplished with the local town registrar of voters. The target date is Ground Hog Day. Will he see the shining city of light on the hill as so described by Ronald Regan where the rest of the world looks to our beacon of hope for definition of freedom or will he see the darkness and shadow of the Berlin Wall that kept freedom out and the people in to be ruled under tyrants?
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