Let’s be honest with our kids — the world we live in is not the apocalyptic nightmare some would have you believe. The truth is we are lucky to be living in the least violent, most abundant, healthy, wealthy, peaceful time in human history. There are plenty of reasons to be optimistic.
When some poor Vermonter asks his legislator, “Can’t you cut something from that budget?” he or she gets this question for an answer: “what should we cut?” The lack of transparency makes it hard to come up with specific, comprehensive, transformative cuts.
On Memorial Day we might ask ourselves what does it mean that we can live when there are so many that can’t? How do I witness to the reality that somebody else made my life possible? What is my responsibility? These questions have a religious quality whether or not we are “religious.”
Regrettably, a Gallup poll revealed that only 28 percent of Americans knew the true meaning of Memorial Day, and 40 percent confused it with Veterans Day. So, what is the meaning of Memorial Day?
This year we learn the property tax rate will increase by a penny ($1.51 from $1.50 per $100 of assessed value for homesteads, and $1.59 as opposed to $1.58 for non-residential properties). This is necessary to fund an additional $70.5 million in new spending this year.
The SBOE recognizes the success of any independent school as a threat to its public-school fiefdom. This so-called “review” of an independent school already in full IRS conformance, is a case in point.
Then Rep. Helm asked how many pounds of plastic there were in the oceans and where that number could be verified. Again, Rep. McCullough had to admit he had no idea, and couldn’t verify anything.
A year ago the Supreme Court ruled that public sector labor unions could not require nonmembers to pay agency fees of usually around 80 percent of full union dues. Here are some recent developments, as the unions try to keep their members from departing.
If we don’t consent to individuals choosing their path and, perhaps, failing from time to time while learning in the process, we will not succeed as a society.
If the state has to power to make a decision as small as “paper or plastic” for you and can engage law enforcement personnel and resources to enforce that decision, what power does it not have? This is not limited government, it is limitless government.
The protesters, chanting and unfurling a banner, were quickly gaveled down by Speaker of the House Mitzi Johnson, who called for order to be returned to the House. More shouts and disruption ensued and the speaker, showing incredible restraint, again gaveled the House to order. This is not peaceful assembly.
Elsewhere I have fondly remembered John for his personal qualities and service, but here I’d like to share the message he gave in 2006 to Vermonters.