Where is this Country Going?
Wednesday, January 29th, 2003First Off: YES, it’s raining.
Second: How can I live in a state that votes down a resolution like Measure 28. With a 45/55 loss, among several other things, the state of Oregon has to now shorten to school year (they already have the shortest in the Union), reduce the State Police force by 50 officers and let 100+ prisoners out of the state jail. So more kids on the street, more criminals on the street and less police officers.. hmm? wonder what the headlines in 2003 will look like. Cost of the 0.5% tax increase: for a $20k income, just $17/year. For a $50k income, $145/year. For above that, definitely more – don’t know how much – but as someone who is in a higher bracket, I’m ok with it because it’s what’s right to do for the future. Opposition positioning: the state of Oregon should learn to spend the state’s money. Totally agree but they need to understand that IT TAKES TIME. Measure 28 only puts the tax increase in effect for 3 years so that budgets can be balanced, organized and recognized. I’m telling you, 17 days here and some people here are clearly wacked!
Third: State of the Union. The roadmap Bush set forward – not bad. More spending on the international AIDS crisis – great. Push towards research into alternative energy sources for cars (with no mandatory used settings) – still good. Public speaking skills – defintely improving. Overall, ummoved by the policies and procesedures the president set forth last night. Did he make a strong case that Iraq is in some wrong – yes. Was is strong enough to go to war – not in my opinion. But either way, things have been said, mandated and potentially the perverbial state has been put into the ground, so we’ll see what happens from here.
Funny Note: I found out the difference between “Dishwashing” and “Dishwasher” Soap monday night. Who would have thought that such a little machine could produce so many bubbles.
