One would think that the State of California

[Pete (Premo)]

Let California go bankrupt. Let their bond rating suck. Let them feel the heat for a few years. Do not screw people in Wyoming and Maine because Medi Cal wants to cover every illegal alien who can make it over the border with full medical, or give away welfare benefits wholesale.

It is riduculous this is even an issue.

Maybe they could auction off the stars on the walk of fame to get some revenue?

[Pete (Premo)]

Originally Posted by SamSpade

Agreed. For over two hundred years, states have posited that they have a distinct identity and function as stand-alone entities. We look to the government for common defense, but generally, each state can function on its own. It's why we have the tenth amendment. It's understood that states are individual governments.

And I believe this goes all the way down to cities and municipalities. Unless the federal government wants to build a highway through your yard, it's up to your town, your city, your county and your state to manage its own funds. If it can't pay for them, then it doesn't get to do those things.

Completely right BUT the constant and subtle, or not so subtle encroachment by the federal government over the years has usurped the states sovereignty and responsibility.

Now the federal government collects the bulk of the tax revenue from corporations and individuals then meters it back out to the states as it sees fit, or in the case of true politics; He who has the most power in congress gets the bigger share......cough Murtha.....

In my world it should be the opposite. The bulk of my taxes should be paid to may county and/or state, with the smaller share being paid to the federal government. My local representatives are FAR more accessible to be held accountable for their fiscal obligations than some jerk in congress. It is easier to vote out a county commissioner than it is a US Senator. Further the needs and wants of ST. Mary's county or Maryland are much better known by local governments than what some congressman can trade for in an office in the capitol over a glass of scotch.

[Mike (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Pete

Why...WHY!....WHY can't people see this is NOT the direction to go?

The simple truth is because the number of voters that benefit from this excess out number the folks that are funding it. This is why the Socialists fight so hard to keep the illegals in the country and voting. Though for the life of me, I'll never be able to understand how or why illegals are even able to vote in our elections.

Obama is redistributing the wealth to those who truly deserve it in his mind (you know, the non-contributors in our society.) You can't fault him. It is a campaign promise he delivers on daily it seems.
Pretty much the only one.

[Larry Gude (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Pete

Let California go bankrupt. Let their bond rating suck. Let them feel the heat for a few years.

That is simply the ONLY way they will ever face their problems and deal with them; if they HAVE to.

That was the case with Bush and TARP I and his auto bail out.

That is the case now with Obama and the disasters he is authoring.

The problem is when both major parties take the position that some things can't be expected to face their problems and deal with them, then the case can be made for pretty much everything.

Look at credit cards; The individual has ALL the power in the world to NOT get into credit card trouble. Yet, we are dealing with people who CHOSE to get into trouble as though it was imposed on them.

[chernmax (Premo)]

Want to bet Maryland is heading in the same direction as California. Let's dissect this from our state comptroller.

Stimulus Money is a Stop-Gap, Not a Solution
MARYLAND - 2/18/2009

By Pete Hurrey

EDITOR’S NOTE: On Wednesday, Feb. 4, Maryland’s Comptroller invited 5 media and news organizations to join him for an informal look at the state’s economic situation and to discuss what needs to be accomplished in order to move Maryland through the difficult economy. TBN was the sole news organization invited from Southern Maryland to attend that meeting. During the meeting, everything from ethnic diversity to delinquent child support payment was discussed with open candor. What follows is the third of three planned articles about the information provided.
Peter Franchot has modeled his tenure as Maryland State Comptroller after Maryland icon, Louis Goldstein and is determined to see Maryland survive these disastrous economic times. His position on the forthcoming stimulus money for Maryland is that the state needs to correct the way it looks at budgets and providing services to its citizens.

“People have to remember that this money, while helpful in the short term, is a one-time influx of capital that will not be replaced,” (which means if the state accepts the money we must continue to fund these programs at tax payer expense) said Franchot during an informal meeting with select media outlets at his offices in Annapolis on Feb. 4. “We need to take a very hard look at the way we spend our money and the services we provide.”

Franchot spoke passionately about the need for Maryland to form a blue ribbon panel with the sole purpose of studying every facet of Maryland’s revenues and expenditures to provide answers to the state, which like so many other states across the country, are on the brink of insolvency.

“We need to put the top government, economic and business minds to work on this problem and correct the way we operate,” said Franchot.

The Comptroller admitted that he is a democrat and as such leans toward a larger role for government, but with the current economic situation, both the right and the left side of the aisle are beginning to think more alike on spending, taxes and the way Maryland’s government operates.

The Comptroller has already begun the process of reducing costs within his department while stepping up efforts to increase tax revenues by more diligent collection efforts.

“We still have many tax programs that will help those that need it most,” explained Franchot. “There are many earned income tax credits available to more people than ever before.”

The State has managed to maintain many tax credit programs including some that provide checks to people who most need help. “Our offices around the state will still help prepare tax returns for free,” said Franchot.

No matter the outcome of the coming stimulus package and the initial impact on Maryland and its citizens, Franchot is determined to keep Maryland afloat and to providing help and assistance to as many people as possible for the long term benefit of the state.