Thanks to Mayor Mitch Landrieu and the New Orleans City Council for the smoking ban in Casinos and Bars in the City that has recently taken effect. The state of Louisiana should follow the City's lead and do the same thing. The state Senate actually voted to ban smoking in Casinos in 2009 only to be rejected by the legislature. This writer in June 2009 wrote a commentary concerning the Senate vote.
We now find that according to a Times Picayune article of 4/28, Jan Moller, head of Louisiana Budget Project reported smoking related health care service cost the state $700 million annualy. And lung doctor Stephen Kantrow with LSU in New Orleans reported, cigarette related diseases cost the state $800 million.
That is a high price to pay for smoking related health problems and should be a no brainer for the state legislature to pass a state wide smoking ban in casinos and other places where people are in a closed environment and so close to each other while smoking is taken place.
If Moller and Kantrow's numbers are even close to being correct just think of the total cost for all 50 states. Smoking should be banned statewide in all public places to reduce the health hazards of second hand smoke and the tremendous health care cost that follows. Prevention is still the best way of doing that.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
A Times Picayune Editorial: Six Years Late and A Lack Of Credibility
The Times Picayune editorial titled, "Will Louisiana's Leaders Please Stand UP" dated 4/26/15 has finally seen the light of Louisiana's fiscal problems even though they have been ongoing since Bobby Jindal became governor. In fact the editorial board has praised Jindal in the past for cutting the budget with out giving any thought to the consequence of those cuts.
The editorial pointed out that Jindal and the legislature's leaders are letting the conservative Americans For Tax Reform decide how Louisiana is allowed to raise revenues. REALLY !!!!!. Did the Times Picayune just find that out? I wonder if they know David Vitter, who is running for governor signed that same pledge as did many other republicans in Louisiana.
The Times Picayune now realize Louisiana has a revenue problem caused by the massive tax give away to business as "PolitiDose" has been reporting for years. And guess what? The editorial says business should be paying its fair share of taxes. And if that sounds familiar its because you read it here first in PolitiDose. The editorial is looking for leaders in the legislature to stand up and do the right thing but don't hold your breath. The republican controlled legislature will do no such thing. Precedent tells us that both on the state and national level, republican ideology is toxic for government's fiscal matters.
It is worthwhile repeating that when former governor Kathleen Blanco left office the Louisiana unemployment rate was 3.8%. The latest unemployment rate released for the state was over 6%. Trickle down economics of massive tax breaks for business is not a job creator or revenue producer. And coupled with budget cuts it becomes suicide for Louisiana's fiscal health.
Where has the editorial board of the Times Picayune been during all those years of silence? They even asked the question, "who will fight for us?" Well, surely it has not been the Times Picayune in a timely manner.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The editorial pointed out that Jindal and the legislature's leaders are letting the conservative Americans For Tax Reform decide how Louisiana is allowed to raise revenues. REALLY !!!!!. Did the Times Picayune just find that out? I wonder if they know David Vitter, who is running for governor signed that same pledge as did many other republicans in Louisiana.
The Times Picayune now realize Louisiana has a revenue problem caused by the massive tax give away to business as "PolitiDose" has been reporting for years. And guess what? The editorial says business should be paying its fair share of taxes. And if that sounds familiar its because you read it here first in PolitiDose. The editorial is looking for leaders in the legislature to stand up and do the right thing but don't hold your breath. The republican controlled legislature will do no such thing. Precedent tells us that both on the state and national level, republican ideology is toxic for government's fiscal matters.
It is worthwhile repeating that when former governor Kathleen Blanco left office the Louisiana unemployment rate was 3.8%. The latest unemployment rate released for the state was over 6%. Trickle down economics of massive tax breaks for business is not a job creator or revenue producer. And coupled with budget cuts it becomes suicide for Louisiana's fiscal health.
Where has the editorial board of the Times Picayune been during all those years of silence? They even asked the question, "who will fight for us?" Well, surely it has not been the Times Picayune in a timely manner.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Monday, April 27, 2015
Hillary Clintons Campaign Has Upset The Conservative News Media
The conservative news media is in a tizzy because Hillary is taking her campaign on the road and directly to the people and not through the major news media like the republicans are doing. They are angry because several republican candidates have already put their foot in their mouth with silly false statements on national TV.
Erick Erickson, the new right wing conservative columnist for the Times Picayune in an article of 4/19 is trying a new tactic by declaring that Hillary is "yesterday's candidate" and complains her campaign is tightly scripted. His article is full of "madam yesterday" remarks which is intended to influence the public that a Hillary candidate is old school.
Erick is really afraid because Hillary has learned a lot during the time she served as first lady, U.S. Senator from New York and Secretary of State. She is qualified to be a Presidential candidate as much and perhaps more so than any republican candidate in the field. He also realizes that Hillary, being a democrat will talk about policy and what she will do if elected President.
It is the republican candidates who are the "yesterday candidates." They are all still preaching the failed ideology of trickle down economics, deficit spending, massive increases in the national debt and job killing policies, and of course their main staple, personal attacks because they can not compete in an open arena on the issues. So Erick is really describing the republicans when he talks about Hillary being the "yesterday candidate."
Precedent is the best way to judge what party advances the country and its people forward and history records it is democratic administrations that do so on a consistent basis. And when it comes to protecting our home land and national security, democratic administrations also have a better record in doing so. Mr. Erickson knows all of that, but like his conservative friends, false information is a major part of their ideology. And that really says it all.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Erick Erickson, the new right wing conservative columnist for the Times Picayune in an article of 4/19 is trying a new tactic by declaring that Hillary is "yesterday's candidate" and complains her campaign is tightly scripted. His article is full of "madam yesterday" remarks which is intended to influence the public that a Hillary candidate is old school.
Erick is really afraid because Hillary has learned a lot during the time she served as first lady, U.S. Senator from New York and Secretary of State. She is qualified to be a Presidential candidate as much and perhaps more so than any republican candidate in the field. He also realizes that Hillary, being a democrat will talk about policy and what she will do if elected President.
It is the republican candidates who are the "yesterday candidates." They are all still preaching the failed ideology of trickle down economics, deficit spending, massive increases in the national debt and job killing policies, and of course their main staple, personal attacks because they can not compete in an open arena on the issues. So Erick is really describing the republicans when he talks about Hillary being the "yesterday candidate."
Precedent is the best way to judge what party advances the country and its people forward and history records it is democratic administrations that do so on a consistent basis. And when it comes to protecting our home land and national security, democratic administrations also have a better record in doing so. Mr. Erickson knows all of that, but like his conservative friends, false information is a major part of their ideology. And that really says it all.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Sunday, April 26, 2015
The U.S. Senate Confirms Loretta Lynch As The Next U.S. Attorney General
By a vote of 55-44 the Senate finally said yes to Loretta Lynch's nomination. The democrats once again supplied the majority vote in the chamber controlled by the republican party. Ten republicans joined 44 democrats in voting yes, while 44 republicans voted no including Louisiana's two senators David Vitter and Bill Cassidy.
Ted Cruz was on the campaign trail and did not vote but told his audience he would have voted no. News media sources reported those republicans who voted no admitted Ms. Lynch was well qualified for the position but voted no because she supported the President's executive orders. A typical excuse and a hypocritical one at that since they supported President Bush's executive orders when he was President and he used that authority much more frequent than President Obama has.
The vote was one more example how a conservative ideology stands in the way of the republican party even though they control both houses of congress. Presidents have been using executive authority for many, many years and if members of congress are sincere in their belief that those actions have to be diminished, congress is the body to have an open debate on the subject matter in a civil manner.
Holding up votes on legislation and other important matters is not the way to have the debate. If the buck stops on the President's desk, an honest debate should start and stop on the desk of congress.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Ted Cruz was on the campaign trail and did not vote but told his audience he would have voted no. News media sources reported those republicans who voted no admitted Ms. Lynch was well qualified for the position but voted no because she supported the President's executive orders. A typical excuse and a hypocritical one at that since they supported President Bush's executive orders when he was President and he used that authority much more frequent than President Obama has.
The vote was one more example how a conservative ideology stands in the way of the republican party even though they control both houses of congress. Presidents have been using executive authority for many, many years and if members of congress are sincere in their belief that those actions have to be diminished, congress is the body to have an open debate on the subject matter in a civil manner.
Holding up votes on legislation and other important matters is not the way to have the debate. If the buck stops on the President's desk, an honest debate should start and stop on the desk of congress.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Thursday, April 23, 2015
President Obama Continues To Lead With Political Understanding In Dealing With The Republican Controlled Congress
The U.S. House voted to repeal the federal estate tax 240-179. The bill will benefit only 1% of the wealthiest Americans. The present tax structure for estates covers up to $5 million for individuals and $10 million for a couple and are exempt from taxes up to that level. That means well over 99% of Americans, including virtually all small business and family farms do not pay any estate tax.
The repeal of this tax is one more example of the conservative ideology that favors the 1%, shifts a greater share of the tax burden to working Americans and is unnecessary, especially with the economy still in recovery. The Office of Management and Budget said the elimination of the tax would add $269 billion to the federal budget deficit over a decade.
Louisiana representative Steve Scalise in the U.S. House pushed the bill forward and showed who he really represents, the 1%. Like the republic party in general, they believe in deficit spending to bankrupt the federal treasury and dislike the fact that the President has cut the deficit more than 60% since he took office. This writer believes democrats in the U.S. Senate will not allow this tax give away to become law and the President said he would veto if the bill comes to his desk.
Like the XL pipeline bill, republidans do not have the votes to over ride a Presidential veto of the estate tax bill. So the President is still challenging the republicans to be responsible elected officials in moving the country and its people forward. But republicans have no concept of political understanding. Their conservative ideology is still guided by their desire to see the President fail.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The repeal of this tax is one more example of the conservative ideology that favors the 1%, shifts a greater share of the tax burden to working Americans and is unnecessary, especially with the economy still in recovery. The Office of Management and Budget said the elimination of the tax would add $269 billion to the federal budget deficit over a decade.
Louisiana representative Steve Scalise in the U.S. House pushed the bill forward and showed who he really represents, the 1%. Like the republic party in general, they believe in deficit spending to bankrupt the federal treasury and dislike the fact that the President has cut the deficit more than 60% since he took office. This writer believes democrats in the U.S. Senate will not allow this tax give away to become law and the President said he would veto if the bill comes to his desk.
Like the XL pipeline bill, republidans do not have the votes to over ride a Presidential veto of the estate tax bill. So the President is still challenging the republicans to be responsible elected officials in moving the country and its people forward. But republicans have no concept of political understanding. Their conservative ideology is still guided by their desire to see the President fail.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
"PolitiDose" Leads The Way As Times Picayune Editorials and Points of View Articles Follows.
It was here in "PolitiDose" that led the way to understanding how Louisiana's fiscal problems with the state budget under governor Jindal became so irresponsible and it began in this writer's political commentary several years ago. The Times Picayune's reflection section of 4/19/15 in articles by JR Ball, Managing Editor for the TP in Baton Rouge and Robert Mann, teacher at LSU wrote two good articles about the subject matter, but are years late.
Mann in his article understands Louisiana has a revenue problem because of tax breaks and or credits to the business community in several different forms and that many business firms in Louisiana do not even pay state taxes. In other words, corporate welfare for those who do not need it.
Mann also mentions how Jindal has offered hundreds of millions of dollars to industry to lure them to the state and they come because they were granted various forms of corporate welfare. He also pointed out Louisiana has many natural advantages that would attract business to the state including abundant natural resources, the Mississippi River and proximity to the Gulf. That is exactly what was pointed out in "PolitiDose" many times over in the past.
Mr. Ball's article on the legislstors problem in dealing with the projected $1.6 billion budget deficit and Jindal's control over them is nothing new. It started when Jindal took office and the republican controlled legislature has rubber stamped the governor's irresponsible actions. Mr. Ball says we have learned nothing from all of this and that is exactly what Jindal and the legislators are doing to solve a problem they created.
In other words, the key to a better future is understanding the mistakes of the past. That can also be found in past commentary here in "PolitiDose". Elected officials still have not learned what the Sumerians said they were taught almost 6000 years ago. Stay tuned, "PolitiDose" will continue to lead with the real story.
Note: Even talk radio in New Orleans are beginning to understand what is taking place in state budget matters. Like the printed media they are a few years late but their newly found knowledge is welcomed.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Mann in his article understands Louisiana has a revenue problem because of tax breaks and or credits to the business community in several different forms and that many business firms in Louisiana do not even pay state taxes. In other words, corporate welfare for those who do not need it.
Mann also mentions how Jindal has offered hundreds of millions of dollars to industry to lure them to the state and they come because they were granted various forms of corporate welfare. He also pointed out Louisiana has many natural advantages that would attract business to the state including abundant natural resources, the Mississippi River and proximity to the Gulf. That is exactly what was pointed out in "PolitiDose" many times over in the past.
Mr. Ball's article on the legislstors problem in dealing with the projected $1.6 billion budget deficit and Jindal's control over them is nothing new. It started when Jindal took office and the republican controlled legislature has rubber stamped the governor's irresponsible actions. Mr. Ball says we have learned nothing from all of this and that is exactly what Jindal and the legislators are doing to solve a problem they created.
In other words, the key to a better future is understanding the mistakes of the past. That can also be found in past commentary here in "PolitiDose". Elected officials still have not learned what the Sumerians said they were taught almost 6000 years ago. Stay tuned, "PolitiDose" will continue to lead with the real story.
Note: Even talk radio in New Orleans are beginning to understand what is taking place in state budget matters. Like the printed media they are a few years late but their newly found knowledge is welcomed.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Friday, April 17, 2015
Point Of View Commentary And Other Times Picyune Article Way Off The Mark
Dan Real, the Senior V.P. of Harrah's New Orleans wrote a Point of View commentary in the Times Picayune of 4/12/15 concerning the smoking ban ordinance and used the usual BS excuses that businesses are know to do to escape any kind of regulations. Mr. Real pats himself and Harrahs on the back and trys to tell the people how much the Casino has meant to the City, State and the people financially.
It is the usual crud with a subtle threat that the smoking ban will cost Harrahs and there fore the state and City needed revenue. As a compromise Real offers a physical separation of the gaming floor to isolate smoking from non smoking areas. Any one who has been in a Casino should get a good laugh out of that one. If Mr. Real is so concerned with his workers and the people's health why has Harrahs not done that on their own? After all, they have been in operation over 15 years. The answer is simple, Casino's will not do any thing on their own to change the status quo.
The Mayor and City Council has to hang tough and make no concessions to the smoking ban ordinance. It's worth while repeating that smokers also go to movie houses, churches and other indoor events where smoking is not allowed and they are there a few hours and they survive. They can do the same at Harrahs.
Erick Erickson, the new right wing conservative writing opinion for the Times Picayune in a article dated 4/12/15 does not like people who's orientation may be different than his to ban together and oppose the so called "Religious Freedom" legislation that has cropped up among a number of states. However he is for conservatives to ban together and oppose the right of some and even says he himself will regulary comment on the subject matter.
Some how the subject of abortion creeps into his article but fails to mention it was a conservative led Supreme Court that approved of abortion in Roe V. Wade over 30 years ago. It is obvious that Erick feels people can use "Freedom of Religion" to discriminate when they want to. Like most conservatives in his position he does not understand the difference between the constitution, man made laws and religious laws and as a result joins his fellow conservatives in trying to divide the country with ideology.
Erick says Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy is set to impose gay marriage, one of the issues conservatives use often to divide the country. He should remember what Pope Francis said in a speech carried by the Times Picayune of 9/20/13 when the Pope said. "The Roman Catholic Church had grown obsessed with preaching about abortion, gay marriage and contraception and that he has chosen not to speak of these issues despite recriminations from some critics." The Pope went on to say, "Who am I to judge concerning the sexual orientation of some one." And he also said, "The proclamation of the saving love of God comes before moral and religious imperatives."
This writer finds value in the Pope's message.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
It is the usual crud with a subtle threat that the smoking ban will cost Harrahs and there fore the state and City needed revenue. As a compromise Real offers a physical separation of the gaming floor to isolate smoking from non smoking areas. Any one who has been in a Casino should get a good laugh out of that one. If Mr. Real is so concerned with his workers and the people's health why has Harrahs not done that on their own? After all, they have been in operation over 15 years. The answer is simple, Casino's will not do any thing on their own to change the status quo.
The Mayor and City Council has to hang tough and make no concessions to the smoking ban ordinance. It's worth while repeating that smokers also go to movie houses, churches and other indoor events where smoking is not allowed and they are there a few hours and they survive. They can do the same at Harrahs.
Erick Erickson, the new right wing conservative writing opinion for the Times Picayune in a article dated 4/12/15 does not like people who's orientation may be different than his to ban together and oppose the so called "Religious Freedom" legislation that has cropped up among a number of states. However he is for conservatives to ban together and oppose the right of some and even says he himself will regulary comment on the subject matter.
Some how the subject of abortion creeps into his article but fails to mention it was a conservative led Supreme Court that approved of abortion in Roe V. Wade over 30 years ago. It is obvious that Erick feels people can use "Freedom of Religion" to discriminate when they want to. Like most conservatives in his position he does not understand the difference between the constitution, man made laws and religious laws and as a result joins his fellow conservatives in trying to divide the country with ideology.
Erick says Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy is set to impose gay marriage, one of the issues conservatives use often to divide the country. He should remember what Pope Francis said in a speech carried by the Times Picayune of 9/20/13 when the Pope said. "The Roman Catholic Church had grown obsessed with preaching about abortion, gay marriage and contraception and that he has chosen not to speak of these issues despite recriminations from some critics." The Pope went on to say, "Who am I to judge concerning the sexual orientation of some one." And he also said, "The proclamation of the saving love of God comes before moral and religious imperatives."
This writer finds value in the Pope's message.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Gary Chouest And Al Gonsoulin: Another Mouthpiece For BP And The Oil Industry
Chouest, President and CEO of Edison Chouest Offshore and Gonsoulin, Chairman and CEO of PHI Inc., took out a full page letter ad in the Times Picayune of 4/12/15 titled, "An important message to our community." Both gentlemen have followed in the foot steps of so many Louisiana elected officials that have taken sides with BP over the Macondo well blow out and massive oil spill.
The authors are miffed because some claims are still coming in for damages despite the Billions already paid out by BP. They also remind the reader the contribution BP has and continues to make to Louisiana and its workers, and are silent on what Louisiana has to offer BP and the industry in general. Its like the state and its people should be thankful BP is here and move away from the damage caused by their negligent acts.
The fact remains that the court will assess the final damage just like they approved the money BP put up to pay claims made by property owners, business and others that were harmed. BP has the means to defend themselves in a court of law and that is what they have been doing. Those who work in the industry should allow this sad story to play out instead of trying to influence the people to think the final settlement will drive BP and the industry out of Louisiana. They are here to stay because Louisiana has something they want badly. And they could have avoided all of this by operating safely.
According to the latest reports, the people and property affected by the Exxon Valdez oil spill are still experiencing problems and that spill occured over 20 years ago. The courts and everyone concerned with the BP spill should keep that in mind. What else should be kept in mind is the fact that BP and its lawers had their day in court and the court found BP negligent.
This commentary swritten by Joe Lorio
The authors are miffed because some claims are still coming in for damages despite the Billions already paid out by BP. They also remind the reader the contribution BP has and continues to make to Louisiana and its workers, and are silent on what Louisiana has to offer BP and the industry in general. Its like the state and its people should be thankful BP is here and move away from the damage caused by their negligent acts.
The fact remains that the court will assess the final damage just like they approved the money BP put up to pay claims made by property owners, business and others that were harmed. BP has the means to defend themselves in a court of law and that is what they have been doing. Those who work in the industry should allow this sad story to play out instead of trying to influence the people to think the final settlement will drive BP and the industry out of Louisiana. They are here to stay because Louisiana has something they want badly. And they could have avoided all of this by operating safely.
According to the latest reports, the people and property affected by the Exxon Valdez oil spill are still experiencing problems and that spill occured over 20 years ago. The courts and everyone concerned with the BP spill should keep that in mind. What else should be kept in mind is the fact that BP and its lawers had their day in court and the court found BP negligent.
This commentary swritten by Joe Lorio
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
The Latest Fiscal Analysis For The State of Louisiana By The Times Picayune
Julia O'Donoghue's news article in the Times Picayune of 4/12/15 titled, "How the State fell so far into the hole" is a very long commentary that spans three governors, Mike Foster, Kathleen Blanco and Bobby Jindal. Many reasons are given why the state is facing a $1.6 billion budget deficit and how the state has arrived there but the bottom line as to how the state got itself in this position is simple and the story could have been much shorter.
The story does confirm what this writer has been saying. Louisiana has a revenue problem because of tax cuts, the $8 billion in business tax breaks, the film tax credits, other business tax credits and a lack of corporate tax revenue. When coupled with Jindal's use of one time money to plug budget deficits for recurring expenses that whole package is fiscally irresponsible.
Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush were President for 16 years. Both cut taxes that favored the wealthy and business using the ideology of trickle down economics. Neither President balanced a single federal budget during that 16 year period and gave the country and its people 16 years of deficit spending. They proclaimed those tax cuts were going to allow for economic growth, a boom in jobs and a balanced budget. They did neither.
Bill Clinton raised taxes on those making over 200,000 a year and the corporate tax rate, balanced the budget with surpluses, presided over a record economy and increase in personal income and created more jobs in 8 years than Reagan and Bush did in 16 years.
Bobby Jindal pulled a Reagan-Bush, blew the $800 million surplus left by former governor Kathleen Blanco and repeated the Reagan-Bush failure on the state level and to boot O'Donoghue"s article tells us that of the largest 87 companies in Louisiana that filed taxes in 2012 only 22 paid corporate income taxes. Less than half of those companies, 42 to be exact paid franchise taxes. Also in the story is the fact that Louisiana has attracted a lot of new business activity to the state but government has not seen a corresponding boon in corporate tax collections.
The conservative ideology of the republican party has been a complete failure on fiscal responsibility and also a lesson in contradiction. They believe people on food stamps don't want to work, so why should business who are receiving corporate welfare in the form of tax breaks work to create more jobs, expand and provide more revenue for the state. They don't as indicated by those few that end up paying corporate income taxes. The tax savings actually end up in larger salary and bonus money for their CEO's and executives.
Understanding the failures of the past is still the key to a better future. That is why for conservatives, the future is like the past. And the big problem is the people are the ones to pay the price for a failed ideology. Will the Louisiana legislators be willing to stand up and be counted in this legislative session and lay the ground work for fiscal responsibility for the future? They certainly have the opportunity and authority to do so. In fact, they should have recognized the problem early on that trickle down economics is a fairy tale and has a history to prove it.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The story does confirm what this writer has been saying. Louisiana has a revenue problem because of tax cuts, the $8 billion in business tax breaks, the film tax credits, other business tax credits and a lack of corporate tax revenue. When coupled with Jindal's use of one time money to plug budget deficits for recurring expenses that whole package is fiscally irresponsible.
Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush were President for 16 years. Both cut taxes that favored the wealthy and business using the ideology of trickle down economics. Neither President balanced a single federal budget during that 16 year period and gave the country and its people 16 years of deficit spending. They proclaimed those tax cuts were going to allow for economic growth, a boom in jobs and a balanced budget. They did neither.
Bill Clinton raised taxes on those making over 200,000 a year and the corporate tax rate, balanced the budget with surpluses, presided over a record economy and increase in personal income and created more jobs in 8 years than Reagan and Bush did in 16 years.
Bobby Jindal pulled a Reagan-Bush, blew the $800 million surplus left by former governor Kathleen Blanco and repeated the Reagan-Bush failure on the state level and to boot O'Donoghue"s article tells us that of the largest 87 companies in Louisiana that filed taxes in 2012 only 22 paid corporate income taxes. Less than half of those companies, 42 to be exact paid franchise taxes. Also in the story is the fact that Louisiana has attracted a lot of new business activity to the state but government has not seen a corresponding boon in corporate tax collections.
The conservative ideology of the republican party has been a complete failure on fiscal responsibility and also a lesson in contradiction. They believe people on food stamps don't want to work, so why should business who are receiving corporate welfare in the form of tax breaks work to create more jobs, expand and provide more revenue for the state. They don't as indicated by those few that end up paying corporate income taxes. The tax savings actually end up in larger salary and bonus money for their CEO's and executives.
Understanding the failures of the past is still the key to a better future. That is why for conservatives, the future is like the past. And the big problem is the people are the ones to pay the price for a failed ideology. Will the Louisiana legislators be willing to stand up and be counted in this legislative session and lay the ground work for fiscal responsibility for the future? They certainly have the opportunity and authority to do so. In fact, they should have recognized the problem early on that trickle down economics is a fairy tale and has a history to prove it.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Friday, April 10, 2015
Part IV Algiers: State Representative Jeff Arnold Wants To Create A New City On The West Bank
Jeff Arnold who represents Algiers in the state legislature filed House bill 235 which would allow Algiers to become incorporated into a city within the City of New Orleans. The new city would be led by a mayor-council form of government, all according to a Times Picayune article of 4/8/15 by staff writer Andrea Shaw.
This latest Arnold proposal differs from the one he alluded too in a Times Picayune article of 1/23/15where Arnold wanted Algiers and other cities on the west bank of Jefferson to secede from Orleans and Jefferson Parish to form a new parish on the west bank. That TP article was the subject of a three part series published here in "PolitiDose."
If the proposed changes are adopted the governor would appoint the new city' officials until the next general municipal election . In the latest article Arnold complains about a lack of service from the City of New Orleans, especially police service. Yet he states the new city would retain the service of the N.O. Sewarage and Water Board, the public school system and the Sheriff's and district attorney's offices. And one can bet other services Arnold complains about will still be carried out by the City of New Orleans for the new city.
In the first article of 1/23 Arnold stressed he would not run for public office in the new parish but in the latest article says he mignt return to public office some day. One can make a sure bet that if the governor appoints the new officers of the new city they will be political ally's who have been in politics. So when the first election rolls around by the people one can believe it will be the political connected who run and rake in campaign contributions.
This writer is not opposed to Algiers becoming it own incorporated city within the City of New Orleans with its own elected officials but it should be done with a plan and input from its citizens first. This writer has a suspicious mind when it comes to the subject matter when driven not by the public but an elected official.
Every city in the Metro area on both sides of the Mississippi River have its problems of providing adequet services to the people they serve. And it is basically a matter of revenue short fall caused by an unfair tax system that doles out billions of dollars in tax breaks and loopholes to special interest groups and business. There is also lost sales tax revenue to the city and state because of internet sales. In a Times Picayune article of 5/8/13 according to congressional estimates Louisiana could gain approximately $808 million a year in sales tax revenue from products sold by all online merchants to Louisiana residents. Has Mr. Arnold come up with a plan to address just those two areas of revenue short fall?
A fair taxing system where everyone pays his fair share of all taxes and where business are not given special treatment and tax breaks, taxes could probably be lowered for everyone. Business exemptions should not go beyond the normal expense to run a business such as depreciation and etc. Business should have to stand on its own two feet to compete. That is what everyone else has to do. A sound tax system that is fair will increase state and city revenues and work to everyones advantage.
Revenue is what it will take to run a new city called Algiers and as of this writing no one knows how much. A new incorporated city may require much more revenue than any one can possible project until after the fact and then where will the people be. An exploratory commission to figure everything out would be the way to go if the people of Algiers want to pursue a new city concept. That should be the first step.
This writer still believes "Federal City" is the reason for Arnold's proposal and not the lack of city services. Hopefully Mayor Landrieu and other elected officials who represent New Orleans and Algiers will oppose and block this ill timed legislation that lacks the fundamental of thought process.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
This latest Arnold proposal differs from the one he alluded too in a Times Picayune article of 1/23/15where Arnold wanted Algiers and other cities on the west bank of Jefferson to secede from Orleans and Jefferson Parish to form a new parish on the west bank. That TP article was the subject of a three part series published here in "PolitiDose."
If the proposed changes are adopted the governor would appoint the new city' officials until the next general municipal election . In the latest article Arnold complains about a lack of service from the City of New Orleans, especially police service. Yet he states the new city would retain the service of the N.O. Sewarage and Water Board, the public school system and the Sheriff's and district attorney's offices. And one can bet other services Arnold complains about will still be carried out by the City of New Orleans for the new city.
In the first article of 1/23 Arnold stressed he would not run for public office in the new parish but in the latest article says he mignt return to public office some day. One can make a sure bet that if the governor appoints the new officers of the new city they will be political ally's who have been in politics. So when the first election rolls around by the people one can believe it will be the political connected who run and rake in campaign contributions.
This writer is not opposed to Algiers becoming it own incorporated city within the City of New Orleans with its own elected officials but it should be done with a plan and input from its citizens first. This writer has a suspicious mind when it comes to the subject matter when driven not by the public but an elected official.
Every city in the Metro area on both sides of the Mississippi River have its problems of providing adequet services to the people they serve. And it is basically a matter of revenue short fall caused by an unfair tax system that doles out billions of dollars in tax breaks and loopholes to special interest groups and business. There is also lost sales tax revenue to the city and state because of internet sales. In a Times Picayune article of 5/8/13 according to congressional estimates Louisiana could gain approximately $808 million a year in sales tax revenue from products sold by all online merchants to Louisiana residents. Has Mr. Arnold come up with a plan to address just those two areas of revenue short fall?
A fair taxing system where everyone pays his fair share of all taxes and where business are not given special treatment and tax breaks, taxes could probably be lowered for everyone. Business exemptions should not go beyond the normal expense to run a business such as depreciation and etc. Business should have to stand on its own two feet to compete. That is what everyone else has to do. A sound tax system that is fair will increase state and city revenues and work to everyones advantage.
Revenue is what it will take to run a new city called Algiers and as of this writing no one knows how much. A new incorporated city may require much more revenue than any one can possible project until after the fact and then where will the people be. An exploratory commission to figure everything out would be the way to go if the people of Algiers want to pursue a new city concept. That should be the first step.
This writer still believes "Federal City" is the reason for Arnold's proposal and not the lack of city services. Hopefully Mayor Landrieu and other elected officials who represent New Orleans and Algiers will oppose and block this ill timed legislation that lacks the fundamental of thought process.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Framework For An Agreement With Iran
The U.S., its allies and Russia completed a framework of agreement with Iran concerning its nuclear program. The framework will now be put in a written draft to cover the subject matter by the end of June. The final written agreement when approved will be submitted to congress for approval.
So far the chicken hawk republicans in congress, Israel's Prime Minister Natanyahu and some democrats are opposed to the framework and Natanyahu and the 47 senate republicans who wrote a letter to Iran would like to see the framework die. They prefer another war in the middle east as they have no alternative to the framework of understanding.
North Korea and Iran advanced their nuclear programs during the previous administration and North Korea actually tested their very first nuclear weapon on the watch of President George W. Bush. Bush's policy on Iran's nuclear program was zero because he had the U.S. bogged down in an unnecessary war and occupation of Iraq over WMD that did not exist.
The present talks with Iran started over 6 months ago and Iran agreed to halt most of its program during that time and they did comply. In fact international nuclear inspectors have inspected and run through their nuclear facilities. The U.S. and its allies now know more about Iran's nuclear program than they know about the nuclear programs of Israel, India and Pakistan and those three countries have stock piles of nuclear weapons and have possessed them for many years.
In this writers judgement the President's policies have been the right ones. Since he announced U.S. ground troops would not be deployed in a direct combat role in Iraq and the middle east several of those countries are now fighting the ground war in Iraq with U. S. and allies air support and have taken back territory it had lost previously. And now Saudi Arabia and others have joined the fight against ISIL and some rebel groups in Yemen. This writer does not think that would have taken place had the President not put the middle east on notice that it is their war to fight and win.
Most nuclear experts agree that the framework is a good one and that despite all the negative talk Iran did indeed make deep consessions in the framework of agreement. Natanyahu said years ago Iran was only 6 months away from making their first nuclear bomb and yet they do not possess any. He and Israel have been wrong and do not want any progress in the middle east on any terms but their own. They are a threat to America's interest and a threat to the middle east peace process.
Regardless what happens with the framework of agreement with Iran it will not end the nuclear issues in the middle east or elsewhere. At some point some other country will say: Well lets see, those who possess nuclear weapons say, no one else can have them but us. In other words they can threaten my country and try to intimidate, so for protection my country will pursue nuclear weapons. If any one thinks that sounds silly why do you think India and Pakistan has those nuclear weapons? And as I wrote several years ago in "PolitiDose" if some one ever uses nuclear weapons in the middle east or that part of the world you can bet it will be Israel, Pakistan or India who launches the first strike.
If all parties to the agreement framework sign onto the written agreement then the U.S. senate should vote to ratify the agreement. This writer trust that the President will not sign onto a faulty agreement. I think his record proves that.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
So far the chicken hawk republicans in congress, Israel's Prime Minister Natanyahu and some democrats are opposed to the framework and Natanyahu and the 47 senate republicans who wrote a letter to Iran would like to see the framework die. They prefer another war in the middle east as they have no alternative to the framework of understanding.
North Korea and Iran advanced their nuclear programs during the previous administration and North Korea actually tested their very first nuclear weapon on the watch of President George W. Bush. Bush's policy on Iran's nuclear program was zero because he had the U.S. bogged down in an unnecessary war and occupation of Iraq over WMD that did not exist.
The present talks with Iran started over 6 months ago and Iran agreed to halt most of its program during that time and they did comply. In fact international nuclear inspectors have inspected and run through their nuclear facilities. The U.S. and its allies now know more about Iran's nuclear program than they know about the nuclear programs of Israel, India and Pakistan and those three countries have stock piles of nuclear weapons and have possessed them for many years.
In this writers judgement the President's policies have been the right ones. Since he announced U.S. ground troops would not be deployed in a direct combat role in Iraq and the middle east several of those countries are now fighting the ground war in Iraq with U. S. and allies air support and have taken back territory it had lost previously. And now Saudi Arabia and others have joined the fight against ISIL and some rebel groups in Yemen. This writer does not think that would have taken place had the President not put the middle east on notice that it is their war to fight and win.
Most nuclear experts agree that the framework is a good one and that despite all the negative talk Iran did indeed make deep consessions in the framework of agreement. Natanyahu said years ago Iran was only 6 months away from making their first nuclear bomb and yet they do not possess any. He and Israel have been wrong and do not want any progress in the middle east on any terms but their own. They are a threat to America's interest and a threat to the middle east peace process.
Regardless what happens with the framework of agreement with Iran it will not end the nuclear issues in the middle east or elsewhere. At some point some other country will say: Well lets see, those who possess nuclear weapons say, no one else can have them but us. In other words they can threaten my country and try to intimidate, so for protection my country will pursue nuclear weapons. If any one thinks that sounds silly why do you think India and Pakistan has those nuclear weapons? And as I wrote several years ago in "PolitiDose" if some one ever uses nuclear weapons in the middle east or that part of the world you can bet it will be Israel, Pakistan or India who launches the first strike.
If all parties to the agreement framework sign onto the written agreement then the U.S. senate should vote to ratify the agreement. This writer trust that the President will not sign onto a faulty agreement. I think his record proves that.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Monday, April 6, 2015
President Obama Has Been Consistent In Dealing With The Republicans In Congress
The republican controlled House and Senate passed approval of the XL Pipeline over a month ago which the President said he would veto and he kept his word and did so. Mitch McConnel, senate majority leader said the senate would vote to overide the President's veto the following week (that was three weeks ago) and as of this date the senate has yet to vote to overide.
Early this month the President blocked a resolution passed by both houses of congress to overturn new union friendly federal regulations issued by the President's administration. The republicans knew the President's position but still voted for the resolution. Both issues continue the republican party's attemp to satisy their business base and are hardly related to the more pressing issues facing the country and its people.
When coupled with their record and rhetoric concerning the Iran negotiations it is evident six plus years into the Obama administration the republicans still lack any sense of commitment to support the President's position on anything. The President has used his veto authority infrequently since he was elecgted but he has used it wisely and has always let the republicans know on what issues he would do so.
The President was elected twice by the people in the United States of America and won both times by not only the electoral vote but also the popular vote. Members of congress represent only a state and districts within that state and their votes are not on a national scale. The republicans have a history of wanting to run the country nationally even when they lose elections. They need to grow up, serve the country and support the duly elected President.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Early this month the President blocked a resolution passed by both houses of congress to overturn new union friendly federal regulations issued by the President's administration. The republicans knew the President's position but still voted for the resolution. Both issues continue the republican party's attemp to satisy their business base and are hardly related to the more pressing issues facing the country and its people.
When coupled with their record and rhetoric concerning the Iran negotiations it is evident six plus years into the Obama administration the republicans still lack any sense of commitment to support the President's position on anything. The President has used his veto authority infrequently since he was elecgted but he has used it wisely and has always let the republicans know on what issues he would do so.
The President was elected twice by the people in the United States of America and won both times by not only the electoral vote but also the popular vote. Members of congress represent only a state and districts within that state and their votes are not on a national scale. The republicans have a history of wanting to run the country nationally even when they lose elections. They need to grow up, serve the country and support the duly elected President.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Religious Freedom: This Writer Has Always Possessed That Freedom
Our forebearers who produced what we now call The United States of America had the wisdom to guarantee its people the separation of church and state. That wisdom has escaped many of our elected officials today who use religion to divide both our country and its people.
This writer has always had and will always have the Freedom of Religion: To pray any time of the day or night at any place because most prayer are done silently, even in church except when the congregation prays together: To respect other people's religion: To attend church services as I deem necessary. To respect the people's right to choose how they live: To respect Christians and non Christians, after all Christianity is only 2000 years old, makkind is much older.
I have the Freedom of Religion: To make my own judgements concerning those who feel they have the right to impose their moral code on some one else: To reject those who use freedom of religion as an excuse to discriminate: To understand how the misuse of freedom of religion is used in the middle east to kill innocent men, women and children in the name of God and I totally reject that: To understand that freedom of religion is personal between an individual and his God.
I also have the Freedom of Religion: To possess freedom of thought: To understand the answer to every problem is not found in religion: I also have the Freedom of Religion to be humble and compassionate, after all, that is what makes Freedom of Religion work.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Louisiana's Film Tax Credit: Another Source Of Loss State Revenue To Business.
Economist Loren Scott in a study for the Louisiana Department Of Economic Development concerning the film tax credit reported the following that appeared in the Times Picayune of 3/25. (1) In 2014 Louisiana spent $222 million in film tax credits and earned back only $51 million or about 23 cents on every dollar spent. That does not represent a fair return of the tax payers money in this writers judgement.
The film tax credit has been in effect since 2002 and was introduced in the state legislature by then state law maker Steve Scalise. Now 13 years later Scalise says he is open to change in the program to insure tax payers dollars are maximized. Yeah right, 13 years after the fact.
Scott estimated the film industry brought in as much as $1 billion in sales and $728 million in household earnings in 2014 supporting as many as 12,100 direct and indirect jobs. He then says the numbers may be skewed because those estimates were based on certified Louisiana spending numbers that include the multi million dollar payments made to well known actors, writers, directors and producers. That those numbers are heroic assumptions that these monies will actually be spent in Louisiana since these individuals are typically not Louisiana residents.
The only reason the film tax credit is in the news is the state faces a $1.6 billion budget deficit for fiscal year that begins July 1 and looking for ways to find the money to balance the budget. Reducing the tax credit is one way to put more tax income in the states treasury.
Louisiana's elected officials have been looking out for business interest instead of the tax payers interest and are willing to reduce state income in doing so and then cut higher education and health care to balance the state budget. The average monthly state unemployment in 2002, the year the film tax credit was established was 5.9%. In February of 2015 the unemployment rate in Louisiana was 6.2%. In other words the unemployment rate is rising in Louisiana while the film industry enjoy more tax breaks and the state has less revenue.
Does anyone really believe Jindal, Scalise and the republican controlled legislature is looking out for the tax payers money and state revenue when the state receives only 23 cents for every dollar given in film tax credits? Those actors, writers, directors and producers who Scott alluded too that are collectors of multi million dollar payments are laughing all the way to the bank and out side of Louisiana to boot.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Special Note: California, the state the movie industry left to come to Louisiana, recently passed Texas as the No. 1 producer of job creation
The film tax credit has been in effect since 2002 and was introduced in the state legislature by then state law maker Steve Scalise. Now 13 years later Scalise says he is open to change in the program to insure tax payers dollars are maximized. Yeah right, 13 years after the fact.
Scott estimated the film industry brought in as much as $1 billion in sales and $728 million in household earnings in 2014 supporting as many as 12,100 direct and indirect jobs. He then says the numbers may be skewed because those estimates were based on certified Louisiana spending numbers that include the multi million dollar payments made to well known actors, writers, directors and producers. That those numbers are heroic assumptions that these monies will actually be spent in Louisiana since these individuals are typically not Louisiana residents.
The only reason the film tax credit is in the news is the state faces a $1.6 billion budget deficit for fiscal year that begins July 1 and looking for ways to find the money to balance the budget. Reducing the tax credit is one way to put more tax income in the states treasury.
Louisiana's elected officials have been looking out for business interest instead of the tax payers interest and are willing to reduce state income in doing so and then cut higher education and health care to balance the state budget. The average monthly state unemployment in 2002, the year the film tax credit was established was 5.9%. In February of 2015 the unemployment rate in Louisiana was 6.2%. In other words the unemployment rate is rising in Louisiana while the film industry enjoy more tax breaks and the state has less revenue.
Does anyone really believe Jindal, Scalise and the republican controlled legislature is looking out for the tax payers money and state revenue when the state receives only 23 cents for every dollar given in film tax credits? Those actors, writers, directors and producers who Scott alluded too that are collectors of multi million dollar payments are laughing all the way to the bank and out side of Louisiana to boot.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Special Note: California, the state the movie industry left to come to Louisiana, recently passed Texas as the No. 1 producer of job creation
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Another Economist Confirms What "PolitiDose" Spoke About Years Ago
Economist Paul Krugman in an editorial of 3/28 in the Times Picayune reported how job creation in the economy has come back from the great republican recession of 2008. He also reported how the republican rhetoric of tax breaks for the wealthy to create jobs is a trickle down fairy tale. (Not in those words)
Krugman does not use the word elite, a word this writer has used to describe conservatism, but goes on to say, "when good news arrives about the budget, the economy or the ACA which is reducing the uninsured numbers while costing much less" it must be denied by republicans. Their ideology utterly depends on the proposition that conservatives and only they, possess the secret key to prosperity. That is the same as thinking they are elite.
The article points out how big business would never admit that govrnment policies can create jobs because that would devalue one of their favorite arguments. The fact shows that democratic administration policies over the years has proved big business wrong concerning job creation. The latest being President Obama's economic policies, job creation, lower unemployment and reducing the deficit.
In line with Mr. Krugman's article, the National Association of Business Economics forecast more hiring, lower unemployment, low inflation and more growth in consumer spending in 2015. They also perdict more investment by business in both equipment and intellectual property.
The key to understanding what has taken place since the great recession is democratic policy. And it happened despite the many obstacles thrown up by the republican party. "PolitiDose" is proud to have played a part in telling this story early on.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Note: Comment by the Nationsl Association of Business Economics quoted above was published in the New Orleans Advocate of 3/31.
Krugman does not use the word elite, a word this writer has used to describe conservatism, but goes on to say, "when good news arrives about the budget, the economy or the ACA which is reducing the uninsured numbers while costing much less" it must be denied by republicans. Their ideology utterly depends on the proposition that conservatives and only they, possess the secret key to prosperity. That is the same as thinking they are elite.
The article points out how big business would never admit that govrnment policies can create jobs because that would devalue one of their favorite arguments. The fact shows that democratic administration policies over the years has proved big business wrong concerning job creation. The latest being President Obama's economic policies, job creation, lower unemployment and reducing the deficit.
In line with Mr. Krugman's article, the National Association of Business Economics forecast more hiring, lower unemployment, low inflation and more growth in consumer spending in 2015. They also perdict more investment by business in both equipment and intellectual property.
The key to understanding what has taken place since the great recession is democratic policy. And it happened despite the many obstacles thrown up by the republican party. "PolitiDose" is proud to have played a part in telling this story early on.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Note: Comment by the Nationsl Association of Business Economics quoted above was published in the New Orleans Advocate of 3/31.
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