Life marches on in the First State. Except for Delaware Politics, which in the last week (from Friday April 17 to Friday April 24) has had two posts, both concerning that week’s release of Coastal Sussex. Well, I guess it is representative of the problem facing the Republican Party: no new ideas means no new posts.
Nancy and Mike are right: community newspapers like Hockessin Community News are the future.
Nancy reports on the coming layoffs of NCCo paramedics as a result of the budget crisis. CR over at Copeland’s blog, Resolute Determination, celebrates the layoffs. Yes, nothing says “Let’s celebrate” like recession driven pink slips. The new motto of the Republican Party: Viva La Recession!
Wanna catch up Red Clay news? Check out Mike Matthews’ live blog of the latest board meeting and the School Board Candidates Forum, Kilroy’s thoughts on the meeting and a coming dilemma concerning the special education waiver, to which one of his commenters has a good answer. He also stamps out rumors started on his blog. He also has video of the Candidate’s Forum. Oh yes, and you can also follow FixRedClay, where our own Pandora got her start in blogging.
Now, a question that rears its ugly head often when discussing budget deficits and increased funding for education is should we raise taxes to close the gap? Steve over at Delaware Libertarian publishes a March 2008 UD poll on the issue, and yes, as you can guess, no one wants taxes raised. Well, not “no one,” as you can see from the report, but substantial majorities are against it. And that is not surprising, since I don’t want my taxes raised either. But I also want services provided, yet education, like emergency paramedics, like police protection. Taxes are the price we pay for civilization. So while I always want to cut inefficient, unnecessary, wasteful or redundant programs first, I am not opposed to raising taxes. Like one thoughtful New Jersey Republican Freeholder said amid last week’s teabagging, (and I am paraphrasing) “Everyone is against taxes, but if you take one service away, they will come for you.” Indeed. Here’s hoping no one dies unnecessarily because a paramedic got laid off.
Redwaterlily marks Earth Day.
Brian Shields asks if Libertarians can affect the outcomes of Sussex County elections, while Kavips says embracing Libertarianism is basically the only salvation for the Republican Party. I agree. The Republican Party as we know it, a coalition of the libertarians, the anti-tax rich, false fiscal conservatives, neocon militants, know nothings, and the radical religious right, is dead. By all rights, we should see four minor parties emerge in the coming years, or at least see the bolstering of the Libertarian and Constitution Parties with swelled ranks.
Republican Charlie Copeland has fun with Republican John Atkins here and here.
Next time you Markell staffers are drinking at a bar, because look to see if there are any strange looking blogger types in the vicinity. And remember, this is a small state.
CR is right: Michael Migliore lost the election and he shouldn’t be standing with the public officials at a public forum. It would be like John McCain demanding to stand next to President Obama at the podium during the State of the Union.
Dana Pico deletes two comments from his blog. Outrage ensues throughout the blogosphere with cries of horrible censorship… oh wait. They only do that when we do it.
Kavips shows us how clean our air is. Cough.
Oh, and I was wrong about Delaware Politics. Our dear friend RSmitty had a post about legalizing sexting before the two Coastal Sussex posts. I was unaware it was illegal.
Till next week, this has been Around the Horn.