Telling the truth

After sitting on the sideline for quite some time, I at last have something to say. I was impressed by State Senator Jim Roby's candid and honest remark during the campaign that it costs to maintain the level of services we expect from the government and unless we want less services, and a reduced quality of life, he could not promise to cut spending and he could not promise not to raise taxes.Good for him! At last we have a candidate who is not pandering to the public with campaign rhetoric which everyone knows is just that.

Like everyone else I hate Government waste but does anyone honestly believe that it is continued intentionally? This waste is in the eyes of the beholder or by the constituency which does not support that particular program.

How about state construction contracts which require the successful bidder to pay union scale, even it they are a non union shop. The regulations are not this explicit but the net effect is to make State Construction more expensive than it needs to be. The contractors dislike this requirement in that it increases their payroll, the unions support this in that it makes union contractors competitive for State Contracts.

How about unemployment? When someone is unemployed getting a weekly benefit check, now for 99 weeks, is a safety net which helps them survive ( barely) but does this extended benefit encourage them to stay unemployed just a little longer?  If you look to Europe where extended benefits have been reduced. Funny thing, those looking for work seem to find work in less time now. I want to assist those looking for work but don't want to assist them any longer than it takes to find a job, not necessarily the best job but any job.

Pick the area of Government where you see waste. Is it possible that someone else sees it as a necessary, needed and appropriate use of government funds?

I think it is time that everyone change what we expect the government to do. It's time for a Pyridine shift. Individuals and business need to expect less from Government. Government has to stop attempting to please various vocal constituencies and start to examine it's rightful roles.

JFK on his election had a noble statement which sounded good, too bad no one accepted the challenge:

"Ask not what Your Country can do for you, Ask what you can do for Your Country."

It rang true in 1961 and it rings true with a little more urgency in 2010.