Open Thread – NJ Editorial chides lawmakers on stupid antitax stance

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The Delaware Democratic Party's "all tax increases are evil" stance is stupid on its face. John Carney is an idiot to begin his term by removing a discussion of common sense tax reform from the mix of possibilities, instead focusing 100% of his energies on cutting services. We need to put something together to help push Rep. John Kowalko's common sense tax recommendations, it is nice to see the NJ waking up to that fact:
I’m Out

I’m Out

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It's been a fun ride, one that started with me just looking to learn more about this state that I had just moved to, but seemed so politically insular. I learned alot along the way, some history but especially how easy it was to push some local political buttons. Even better, I made alot of friends that I would not have otherwise, including people who wanted to talk about better integrity from governments that didn't seem interested in that. There's more of those folks than you might imagine -- in government and out -- and they've helped me to be able to provide sunshine on issues that just got whispered about. Some of those folks are commenters and most are lurkers and I want all of you to know that I still share your interests and will still be looking for smarter decisions and better accountability -- perhaps now on a broader playing field.
A Moment of Your Time

A Moment of Your Time

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Since I went underground before Thanksgiving, I wasn’t even going to write this post, but three very close friends said I should. Last November my Dad became extremely ill. His…

Delaware’s Blockchain Initiative is a thing

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Blockchain sounds substantial. Just by saying it, you know it is not some flimsy bullshit. It contains the words "chain" and "block" so it is some heavy duty shit. Turns out, Delaware is way ahead of everyone in getting away from stupid old slow paper records for corporate legal and financial filings, and we are going to build on our lead in 2017.. apparently...You know...it's computers, what could possibly go worng?

Delaware named top “state to watch” for pot legalization in 2017

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"Weed News" figures Delaware is among the most likely to legalize marijuana in 2017. I don't see it, but my ear isn't exactly tuned to cannabis issues. I mean it seems obvious to me that the "war on drugs" and criminalization of pot use is racially and economically unjust in the extreme, but other that that (not partaking myself) I'm agnostic the question of legalization.
How John Carney Can Jump-Start His Term, Reinvigorate Democrats, and Win a Special Election–All With One Move.

How John Carney Can Jump-Start His Term, Reinvigorate Democrats, and Win a Special Election–All With One Move.

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So, we're facing a Special Election for State Senate. The candidates, D Stephanie Hansen and R John Marino, have been chosen by their respective parties.  The election has been necessitated due to incumbent Bethany Hall Long's winning of the Lieutenant Governor spot.  She takes office later in January.  The date for the Special Election has not been set, and it's not clear whether  outgoing Gov. Markell or incoming Gov. Carney will set the date. Barring an unexpected flip, the winner of this seat will determine which Party controls the Senate.  The Republicans are motivated as they can end umpteen years of Democratic control of the State Senate. They will have no problem motivating their voters. The Democrats?  If you are a Democratic voter and aren't necessarily plugged into the party structure, what will impel you to come out to vote?  I know that some of the usual suspects on the blog are minimizing this concern, I think it's real and I think it's a major problem for the special.  Why should D's come out to support the D candidate other than out of some sense of duty? Unless...now hang with me for a minute. 
Announcing the 2016 MVPs (Most Valuable to the Progressive Cause in Delaware)!

Announcing the 2016 MVPs (Most Valuable to the Progressive Cause in Delaware)!

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2016 marks the conclusion of the public life of State Senator Karen Peterson.  Karen Peterson has been the single most effective progressive official in Delaware throughout her career.  She has been invaluable in pushing progressive causes--everything from open government to gun safety to equal rights for all.  Not just pushing for progress, but achieving it. Over and over again.  She is smart, tough and politically savvy.  Oh, and relentless.  Come to think of it, forget about words like 'progressive' or ''liberal'.  To me, she defines what it once meant and still should mean to be a Democrat.  Standing up for what is right and just and standing up for people who don't have the power to purchase politicians with campaign contributions.  As I look for ways to have an impact moving forward, I'll try to take the lessons that Karen taught us and put them into action.  She is, after all, the Most Valuable Progressive I have known during my time in politics in Delaware. A role model for all of us. Starting now. OK, kids, time for the annual countdown of this year's MVP's.....