A Reluctant YES on the Rescue Bill
Too often the taxpayers are put on the hook in this country to clean up the mistakes of others. This time, the excesses of Wall Street have plunged finances into a hole and Congress is considering unprecedented and uncertain action to clean up the mess. As usual, that means the taxpayers likely will pay.
The question is if Congress does not pass a rescue plan for Wall Street, can the economy weather the hit without severe circumstances?
Some have argued that the situation we now face is the beginning of a self-correcting period. Holding tight without supporting a massive $700-billion rescue plan or bailout plan will cause pain but ultimately benefit the country. Others argue not addressing the problem on a grand scale will bring on recession and perhaps worse.
Think like a philosopher and write like a farmer
Fox and Hounds contributor Joe Mathews is currently attending a conference in Switzerland on direct democracy, and is sending special reports on his experiences in Europe and how they contrast with California.
Think like a philosopher and write like a farmer – That’s the motto of the In-House Drafting Committee, one of the most interesting government offices I’ve come across. The committee handles the official translation of all legislation — including initiatives and referenda — in Switzerland. It’s a crucial role in a country with three major national languages — German, French and Italian. They do not have a light hand–they do serious editing for clarity and for constitutionality. The office has an interesting collection of people: historians, political scientists, linguists and two– count ’em, two — theologians. (They’re considered particularly good on questions of ethics, morality and the original meaning of texts).
Dysfunction Junction
I attended a debate between two candidates running for the Assembly. My assemblyman has been termed out and it is an open seat. The debate was well attended and took place at a local school. Being that I live in a small town, over the years I have come to know both candidates. They are both good people. Both hold local offices, are well respected in the community and viewed as successful public officials.
The debate was civilized and was more an exchange of ideas than a debate or clash of different positions or philosophies. The focus of the debate was on children, including education. I have two daughters in public school, one of whom is autistic – and with a daughter in special education, I have witnessed both the best and worst that our public school system has to offer.
Interestingly, a lot of the questions raised at the debate by the audience focused on how the Legislature works (or doesn’t work) in Sacramento and the adverse implications for our children. Both candidates claimed that they would work hard to solve the State’s budget crisis. Both promised to “reach across the aisle” and work in a bipartisan fashion. Both cited the Nicole Parra banishment and promised that our children would come first and they would have no problem voting against the leadership of their respective political party.