Filled with some of the greatest universities on planet earth and lovely tourist spots (to say nothing of successful sports teams), Massachusetts can be a pretty smart place. But that can be a double edge sword too. For all its prowess on the progressive march, it can be a corrupt and brutish sort of place. Turning itself into a one-party state (Democrat) doesn't help.
I don't think it's as bad as Quebec (in terms of moonbattery) but it's all in the same boat I reckon.
The most recent battle in that great, historical state is the issue of A) inefficient EBT cards management costing taxpayers hundreds of millions and B) the recent revelation that the legislature voted to automatically increase the gas tax every year linked to the CPI.
Regardless of political stripes, I can't fathom how anyone with a democratic bone can believe this is a wise decision.
For starters, apparently, Massachusetts doesn't need the added revenues I heard on the radio the other day. It's actually doing nicely. Proponents merely want to use the excess money as a "rainy day" fund - usually code to siphon or redirect it to pensions or unions or whatever cronies need to be greased.
The other issues is what happens in times of deflation when CPI decreases? Will the tax follow in concert? I think we know the answer to that one. "Fuck you, it's our money now."
Equally, if not more, important is what kind of an effect does stuff like this do to politics? Shouldn't such issues be up for discussion in the legislature since life tends to not be static? Shouldn't politicians be in their respective chambers, houses, etc. arguing, writing, and debating for policy on a year to year basis? Making something automatic gives them one less thing to do and that's not a good thing for a healthy democracy.
Those "extremist" Republicans are democratically mobilizing to "tank the gas tax."
****
New Jersey is another state that likes to tinker with the 'for the children' ideal.
On my drive to Florida I stopped off in Jersey to gas up. As I got out of the car I read a sign that said something to the effect of "Attendants must pump gas. NJ Law."
I actually laughed out loud as the guy came to pump gas into my car. "Is this serious?" I said. "Yes, sir. You can't pump at the gas here." So I had to stand there waiting like a shnook.
Jesus fucking Christ.
It's all about preventing injuries I guess.
Wouldn't want 'gas fights' to get out of control.
****
Will discuss Florida/Disney soon.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Mysterious and anonymous comments as well as those laced with cyanide and ad hominen attacks will be deleted. Thank you for your attention, chumps.