The President has been a steady voice on his foreign policy concerning ISIL. No U.S. combat troops on the ground in Iraq in combat operations. Iraq and those middle east nations who are threatened will be expected to defend their own land with their own boots on the ground.
But lately, some republicans and many in the news media are trying to convince the people that American troops in a combat role will be necessary. The drum beat has started just like the run up to war in Iraq in 2003 over WMD that did not exist.
General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said before Congress recently that if the President's strategy fails he would recommend to the President to put American combat troops on the ground in a combat role. The news media ran with the story as if combat troops on the ground was given. Then former defense secretary Robert Gates said U.S. combat troops on the ground would be needed.
There are a lot of misguided people who would love to see the President make the same mistake Bush did. They are chapped because Obama has been steadfast in his desire to keep the country out of perpetual wars in the middle east. They will also criticize the President when he keeps his word and withdraws our troopsfrom Afghanistan at the end of the year as he announced.
Isil is no threat to the national security of the United States and neither was Saddam Sussein and Iraq. The war proved that. As Commander In Chief, the President has the authority and right to reject or accept the advise of his military advisers. President Kennedy during the 1962 Cuban missile crisis rejected the Joint Chiefs wanting nothing short of an invasion of Cuba. Kennedy had other plans that worked and Cuba has not been a problem for the U.S. since then.
At last we have a President who has the courage to tell Iraq and others who feel a threat by Isil to stand up and fight for their country. America should not get cought up fighting religious wars in the middle east with its troops on the ground. This writer hopes the President continues his position and tune out those voices who love to send other people's children off to unnecessary wars.
This commentary written by John Lucia
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Saturday, September 20, 2014
The Transfer Of Wealth From The Middle Class To The Wealthy Is Confirmed Once Again
"PolitiDose" has been in the forefront of the above subject matter since its inception, even before the Huffington Post which was the subject of one of my commentary dated 4/22/2010 titled, "Arianna and The Huffington Post: Looks Like A Copy Cat Job." The transfer of wealth has been so glaring and so easy to understand one need not know the stats.
Now comes a story out of the Associated Press by Josh Boak concerning Standard and Poor's study report and the findings are as follows: The widening gap between the wealthiest Americans and everyone else has slowed the U.S. economy's recovery from the Great Recession. Because consumer spending fuels about 70% of the economy, weak pay growth typically slows economic growth. Between 1979-2012 the top 1% has thrived. Their incomes averaged $1.26 million in 2012, up from $466,302.00 in 1979 according to IRS data. During that same time median household income increased a few thousand dollars.
It should be noted that period of time covered the Reagan, Bush 41, Clinton and Bush 43 administrations. And everyone knows during that time when Reagan and Bush 43 tried trickle down economic tax cuts while the Clinton administration raised taxes on those making over $200,000.00 a year, the country and its people did the best under Clinton in all phases that one can think of.
When President Obama leaves office his record will be compared for his years. There will be no doubt that his record on the economy, jobs, reducing the federal deficit and median household income will out perform President George W. Bush and his administration. That will say a lot considering the immense problems Obama inherited from Bush on just about everything.
When readers of "PolitiDose" continue to read about the subject matter elsewhere, remember, you read it all here first in "PolitiDose", your daily dose of political commentary.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Now comes a story out of the Associated Press by Josh Boak concerning Standard and Poor's study report and the findings are as follows: The widening gap between the wealthiest Americans and everyone else has slowed the U.S. economy's recovery from the Great Recession. Because consumer spending fuels about 70% of the economy, weak pay growth typically slows economic growth. Between 1979-2012 the top 1% has thrived. Their incomes averaged $1.26 million in 2012, up from $466,302.00 in 1979 according to IRS data. During that same time median household income increased a few thousand dollars.
It should be noted that period of time covered the Reagan, Bush 41, Clinton and Bush 43 administrations. And everyone knows during that time when Reagan and Bush 43 tried trickle down economic tax cuts while the Clinton administration raised taxes on those making over $200,000.00 a year, the country and its people did the best under Clinton in all phases that one can think of.
When President Obama leaves office his record will be compared for his years. There will be no doubt that his record on the economy, jobs, reducing the federal deficit and median household income will out perform President George W. Bush and his administration. That will say a lot considering the immense problems Obama inherited from Bush on just about everything.
When readers of "PolitiDose" continue to read about the subject matter elsewhere, remember, you read it all here first in "PolitiDose", your daily dose of political commentary.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Cleveland Browns 26, New Orleans Saints 24
The New Orleans Saints were defeated for the second time on Sunday in almost the same fashion as the previous Sunday in Atlanta. The Browns offense was able to move the ball on the Saint's defense when it counted the most and the Saints were sent home 0-2.
This writer saw very little progress in the Saint's defensive performance from the first game even though defensive coordinator Rob Ryan was quoted as saying in the Times Picayune of Saturday, "I guarantee we'll be better." And TP writers Larry Holder and Jim Duncan's comments before and after the Browns game were silly at best. Part of Holder's headline in Sunday mornings paper read, "0-2, don't even think about it." Duncan said Cleveland has had just 3 winning seasons since 1989 like that would be a factor in the Saints favor.
Then on Monday Holder trys to inform his readers that since 1990 23 teams made the play offs after starting 0-2. Is that some kind of prediction for the Saints Larry? Before the regular season started Saints fans were told that the team had regained that "swagger" they displayed the year they won the Super Bowl. That "swagger" has not been visible to this writer on offense or defense.
Two of the Times Picayune seven sports writers took the "PolitiDose" challenge and picked the Browns to beat the Saints. Marcus Carmouche picked the Browns 27-23 very close to the actual score. Terrance Harris picked the Browns 24-17. The other five went with the line and picked the Saints. I compliment Marcus and Terrance for their call and decision to break with the line on the game.
The Saints loss to the Browns was their 6 in the last 9 regular season games. Drew Brees did not earn his big salary increase last year nor has he earned it so far this year. Ditto Coach Payton. As I see it the Saints lost their continuity during the 2012 season when they had to play without their head coach because of Payton's irresponsible act of allowing bounty gate to happen. The situation was made worse by the dumb decision to split the head coaching responsibility between two assistant coaches allowing each to coach 8 games. Does any one really believe continuity can exist under such conditions?
I wrote several past commentary questioning the Saints future under Payton and Brees and I see no reason to change at the present time.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
This writer saw very little progress in the Saint's defensive performance from the first game even though defensive coordinator Rob Ryan was quoted as saying in the Times Picayune of Saturday, "I guarantee we'll be better." And TP writers Larry Holder and Jim Duncan's comments before and after the Browns game were silly at best. Part of Holder's headline in Sunday mornings paper read, "0-2, don't even think about it." Duncan said Cleveland has had just 3 winning seasons since 1989 like that would be a factor in the Saints favor.
Then on Monday Holder trys to inform his readers that since 1990 23 teams made the play offs after starting 0-2. Is that some kind of prediction for the Saints Larry? Before the regular season started Saints fans were told that the team had regained that "swagger" they displayed the year they won the Super Bowl. That "swagger" has not been visible to this writer on offense or defense.
Two of the Times Picayune seven sports writers took the "PolitiDose" challenge and picked the Browns to beat the Saints. Marcus Carmouche picked the Browns 27-23 very close to the actual score. Terrance Harris picked the Browns 24-17. The other five went with the line and picked the Saints. I compliment Marcus and Terrance for their call and decision to break with the line on the game.
The Saints loss to the Browns was their 6 in the last 9 regular season games. Drew Brees did not earn his big salary increase last year nor has he earned it so far this year. Ditto Coach Payton. As I see it the Saints lost their continuity during the 2012 season when they had to play without their head coach because of Payton's irresponsible act of allowing bounty gate to happen. The situation was made worse by the dumb decision to split the head coaching responsibility between two assistant coaches allowing each to coach 8 games. Does any one really believe continuity can exist under such conditions?
I wrote several past commentary questioning the Saints future under Payton and Brees and I see no reason to change at the present time.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Columnist E.J. Dionne: A Journalist For All America
The Times Picayune of 9/15/14 carried an editorial by journalist Dionne titled, "Debate on Obama's ISIL Strategy Should Come After Midterms" was a refreshing and well thought out commentary concerning the subject matter. Dionne is well aware of our political past and the facts he writes about. It is a much welcomed relief from the rantings of Cal Thomas, George Will, Charles Krauthammer and local conservative journalists who's commentary are always placing blame laced with personal attacks and always critical of President Obama and or his positions.
Dionne has understanding how our political system works best, especially during war times. He remembers a time when our elected officials were civil in their debates and deliberations and when the interest of the nation was first and foremost in addressing problems. His editorial is all about that and his judgement about the political decisions that have to be made by congress concerning the ISIL matter. Personal attacks, ideology and blame are no where to be found in Dionne's editorial.
Mr. Dionne is a serious journalist who brings needed stability to the news media in troubled times and his readers receive the benefit of his positive and progressive editorials. Too bad we have so few journalists who can express their views in a civil tone on the real issues facing the nation and its people. And too bad the Times Picayune does not carry more of Dionne's work.
This commentary written by John Lucia
Dionne has understanding how our political system works best, especially during war times. He remembers a time when our elected officials were civil in their debates and deliberations and when the interest of the nation was first and foremost in addressing problems. His editorial is all about that and his judgement about the political decisions that have to be made by congress concerning the ISIL matter. Personal attacks, ideology and blame are no where to be found in Dionne's editorial.
Mr. Dionne is a serious journalist who brings needed stability to the news media in troubled times and his readers receive the benefit of his positive and progressive editorials. Too bad we have so few journalists who can express their views in a civil tone on the real issues facing the nation and its people. And too bad the Times Picayune does not carry more of Dionne's work.
This commentary written by John Lucia
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Is It Really A Health Care Bill That The U.S. House Passed?
I think not. Louisiana's republican representative in the U.S. House Bill Cassidy in an effort to put up or shut up concerning the Affordable Care Act introduced a bill before the House that would allow small businesses and their employees less minimum coverage than provided by the ACA by choosing health plans that do not provide that minimum coverage required. The measure passed 247-167.
This proposal as pointed out in Bruce Alpert's article in the Times Picayune of 9/12/14 according to the White House H.R. Bill 3522 would roll back the progress made because of the ACA and would allow insurers to deploy practices such as charging businesses more when a worker has a pre-existing condition or when it has more workers who are women than men. The bill would allow insurers to go back to capping the amount of care that enrollees receive or to exceeding coverage of proven preventive care.
In other words Cassidy's and the republicans would like to return to the status quo in health care that was in effect prior to the passage of the ACA. Cassidy and the republicans continue to show they have no health care plan for the uninsured and continue to waste time on a proposal that will never become law because the White House said the President would use his veto power. Steve Scalise, the little boy whip of the U.S. House gave his usual comments about the bill and once again showed his ignorance.
If Cassidy and Scalise want to impress the Louisiana voters let them take up, debate and vote on the Minimum wage, immigration reform and a host of other bills they have been sitting on that would actually move the country and its people forward. They should stop punishing the people and the country because the voters rejected their party's ideology twice. We know republicans do not like the democratic process when they loose elections. Its really past time they get a life.
This commentary written by John Lucia
This proposal as pointed out in Bruce Alpert's article in the Times Picayune of 9/12/14 according to the White House H.R. Bill 3522 would roll back the progress made because of the ACA and would allow insurers to deploy practices such as charging businesses more when a worker has a pre-existing condition or when it has more workers who are women than men. The bill would allow insurers to go back to capping the amount of care that enrollees receive or to exceeding coverage of proven preventive care.
In other words Cassidy's and the republicans would like to return to the status quo in health care that was in effect prior to the passage of the ACA. Cassidy and the republicans continue to show they have no health care plan for the uninsured and continue to waste time on a proposal that will never become law because the White House said the President would use his veto power. Steve Scalise, the little boy whip of the U.S. House gave his usual comments about the bill and once again showed his ignorance.
If Cassidy and Scalise want to impress the Louisiana voters let them take up, debate and vote on the Minimum wage, immigration reform and a host of other bills they have been sitting on that would actually move the country and its people forward. They should stop punishing the people and the country because the voters rejected their party's ideology twice. We know republicans do not like the democratic process when they loose elections. Its really past time they get a life.
This commentary written by John Lucia
Thursday, September 11, 2014
A Presidential Decision On ISIS
President Obama's address to the nation Wednesday night concerning ISIS explained to the American People what his administration plans to do. The details were lacking but we know ISIS will no longer have a safe place in Syria or Iraq. The President has also kept his promise of no U.S. ground combat troops fighting in Iraq and that the Iraqi military will have to stand up and defend their country with the help of air support from the United States.
The President adopted the right course of action when he and his military advisers took the time required to develop a workable plan to deal with ISIS and to bring our allies inside and outside of the middle east along. It is not how quick you act but the quality of your judgement and your actions.
Fighting ISIS and terror is not conventional warfare. Terrorists melt in and out as they choose to do. In the middle east they are part of secular groups as well as religious groups and have the support of both. The middle east is the oldest part of the world and is where civilization began over 5 thousand years ago in what is now southern Iraq. Warfare has yet to settle their differences 5 thousand years later.
Those negative voices who have been calling for American combat troops to return to Iraq for combat operations have yet to learn any thing. The President has the courage and wisdom to correct the mistakes of the past. How many people remember that the surge that Bush ordered was supposed to buy time so that Iraq could come up with a government that represented all factions? That never happened and we are witnessing the results today. A united Iraq by Iraqi's is the only way to save Iraq.
The President's strategy and policy for fighting Al Queda has been a success and I believe he will also have success in the quest against ISIS. I believe the President's decision should be supported and his judgement that it is the people in the middle east themselves who have the responsibility to make and keep their own country safe. The last three sentence of a commentary I wrote on 12/26/07 titled, "About Face In The Iraq War" was as follows: Iraq will look nothing like Bush saw in his dream. But lucky for Bush, he wont have to deal with the mess he created much longer. Unfortunately, the next President will bear the burden of his reckless behavior.
Of course we know the next President was and is Barrack Obama and the negative voices out there are still trying to justify the war in Iraq over WMD that did not exist. The country needs to support the President's decision.
This commentary written by John Lucia
The President adopted the right course of action when he and his military advisers took the time required to develop a workable plan to deal with ISIS and to bring our allies inside and outside of the middle east along. It is not how quick you act but the quality of your judgement and your actions.
Fighting ISIS and terror is not conventional warfare. Terrorists melt in and out as they choose to do. In the middle east they are part of secular groups as well as religious groups and have the support of both. The middle east is the oldest part of the world and is where civilization began over 5 thousand years ago in what is now southern Iraq. Warfare has yet to settle their differences 5 thousand years later.
Those negative voices who have been calling for American combat troops to return to Iraq for combat operations have yet to learn any thing. The President has the courage and wisdom to correct the mistakes of the past. How many people remember that the surge that Bush ordered was supposed to buy time so that Iraq could come up with a government that represented all factions? That never happened and we are witnessing the results today. A united Iraq by Iraqi's is the only way to save Iraq.
The President's strategy and policy for fighting Al Queda has been a success and I believe he will also have success in the quest against ISIS. I believe the President's decision should be supported and his judgement that it is the people in the middle east themselves who have the responsibility to make and keep their own country safe. The last three sentence of a commentary I wrote on 12/26/07 titled, "About Face In The Iraq War" was as follows: Iraq will look nothing like Bush saw in his dream. But lucky for Bush, he wont have to deal with the mess he created much longer. Unfortunately, the next President will bear the burden of his reckless behavior.
Of course we know the next President was and is Barrack Obama and the negative voices out there are still trying to justify the war in Iraq over WMD that did not exist. The country needs to support the President's decision.
This commentary written by John Lucia
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
The Ray Price/Ravens/NFL Story: What Else Is New?
Ray Price, pro footballer for the Baltimore Ravens has been the lead news story for the last few days, especially in the world of Television. The news media broke the story of Rice abusing his wife and then published a video showing Price's actions.
The time line of Baltimore and the NFL's response that was taken after the event has been a subject of debate. The Ravens released Rice from the team and the NFL suspended him indefinately. The news media who became outraged over the video show their hypocritical side.
The news media treat pro atheletes as idols and put them up on a pedestal. The players are overpaid and many think they can do any thing they want to do because they are given that status. They do not like to have to answer to anyone. The NFL does the same thing with its advertising in the news media and as a result the Super Bowl has become not a sports game but a game of celebrity.
The players themselves are the blame for their own actions and not the news media or the NFL but the news media and the NFL have set the wrong tone and sent the wrong message. The media never did tell the real story of the Saints bountygate but "Politidose" did. Bountygate was a different kind of story but showed how sports journalists in New Orleans could not bring themselves to report the real story.
Another story about how players think they can do anything they want to do happened only a few weeks ago when Saints tight end Jimmy Graham dunked the football over the goal post after a touchdown not once but twice. That was in violation of NFL rules which Graham was aware of and not only drew a fine from the NFL but his team was penalized on both occassions. Graham is one of a few Saint players that has been given idol status by the press.
Its the dollar sign that rules the NFL, its players, the news media and the franchise owners. Until that changes no one should be shocked when the next episode takes place. And that really says it all.
This commentary written by John Lucia
The time line of Baltimore and the NFL's response that was taken after the event has been a subject of debate. The Ravens released Rice from the team and the NFL suspended him indefinately. The news media who became outraged over the video show their hypocritical side.
The news media treat pro atheletes as idols and put them up on a pedestal. The players are overpaid and many think they can do any thing they want to do because they are given that status. They do not like to have to answer to anyone. The NFL does the same thing with its advertising in the news media and as a result the Super Bowl has become not a sports game but a game of celebrity.
The players themselves are the blame for their own actions and not the news media or the NFL but the news media and the NFL have set the wrong tone and sent the wrong message. The media never did tell the real story of the Saints bountygate but "Politidose" did. Bountygate was a different kind of story but showed how sports journalists in New Orleans could not bring themselves to report the real story.
Another story about how players think they can do anything they want to do happened only a few weeks ago when Saints tight end Jimmy Graham dunked the football over the goal post after a touchdown not once but twice. That was in violation of NFL rules which Graham was aware of and not only drew a fine from the NFL but his team was penalized on both occassions. Graham is one of a few Saint players that has been given idol status by the press.
Its the dollar sign that rules the NFL, its players, the news media and the franchise owners. Until that changes no one should be shocked when the next episode takes place. And that really says it all.
This commentary written by John Lucia
Monday, September 8, 2014
Falcons Defeat Saints 37-34 As Ryan Out Performs Brees
The dirty birds refused to break after being down by 10 points at half time and a late drive by the Saints that gave them the lead 34-31 with less than 2 minutes remaining in regular time. A long field goal by the Falcons with seconds remaining sent the game into overtime which the Falcons won on another long filed goal. History will be rewritten by the New Orleans Sports Writers for the Times Picayune.
The bottom line is Ryan out performed Brees in every category that counts. Brees interception in the end zone by Atlanta eliminated another opportunity for the Saints to score points. The Saints defense did not play well and allowed some big scores with poor tackling and execution. The Falcons were better prepared to play the game.
Sports writers for the TP are already stumbling over their predictions for the game using the Saints past record against the Falcons. (13-3 under Payton and Brees) and talking about the Saints defense that was ranked 4th in the NFL last season. One loss does not make a season in this writers opinion and one year ranking does not indicate consistency. Defensive co-ordinator Rob Ryan does not have a consistent record of producing good defensive teams. New Orleans sports writers using only last years record to predict how the Saints will do on defense this year is simply apple polishing. Rob Ryan did not produce a consistent defensive teams with his previous employer, the Dallas Cowboys.
All 7 sports writers predicted a Saints win in Atlanta. Now lets see how many predict a Saints win in Cleveland next week. Will there be just one who picks the Browns? Counting Sunday's loss the Saints have now lost 5 or their last 8 games during the regular season. (Including the Play off last season) Atlanta outscored the Saints 27-14 in the second half and once again the Saints failed to finish strong like they always preach.
The Saints are a good football team. How good? That remains to be seen. When it comes to defense, forget about last years ranking, the dirty birds took care of that. Their consistency from here on in is the only thing that matters regardless what one reads in the Times Picayune.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
The bottom line is Ryan out performed Brees in every category that counts. Brees interception in the end zone by Atlanta eliminated another opportunity for the Saints to score points. The Saints defense did not play well and allowed some big scores with poor tackling and execution. The Falcons were better prepared to play the game.
Sports writers for the TP are already stumbling over their predictions for the game using the Saints past record against the Falcons. (13-3 under Payton and Brees) and talking about the Saints defense that was ranked 4th in the NFL last season. One loss does not make a season in this writers opinion and one year ranking does not indicate consistency. Defensive co-ordinator Rob Ryan does not have a consistent record of producing good defensive teams. New Orleans sports writers using only last years record to predict how the Saints will do on defense this year is simply apple polishing. Rob Ryan did not produce a consistent defensive teams with his previous employer, the Dallas Cowboys.
All 7 sports writers predicted a Saints win in Atlanta. Now lets see how many predict a Saints win in Cleveland next week. Will there be just one who picks the Browns? Counting Sunday's loss the Saints have now lost 5 or their last 8 games during the regular season. (Including the Play off last season) Atlanta outscored the Saints 27-14 in the second half and once again the Saints failed to finish strong like they always preach.
The Saints are a good football team. How good? That remains to be seen. When it comes to defense, forget about last years ranking, the dirty birds took care of that. Their consistency from here on in is the only thing that matters regardless what one reads in the Times Picayune.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Friday, September 5, 2014
Truths And Facts: Why Is It So Hard To Understand Those Two Words?
Some in politics and the news media have problems understanding those two words and many people who follow both are hard pressed to see the difference. There are two commentaries in the Times Picayune of Sept. 5 concerning Truths and Facts.
One was written by John S. Baker III, Professor Emeritus, LSU Law Center. In his "point of view" article he points out how Louisiana law does not apply to determine the status of where U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu lives, which has been the subject challenged by Louisiana's republican representative and Landrieu opponent Bill Cassidy and Rob Manes and also other state officials who asked the Louisiana Attorney General to investigatge the matter.
Baker points out it is the U.S. Constitution and the rules of Congress that apply and that Senator Landrieu would win any challenge. One would think Cassidy and Manes would know the truth since Cassidy serves in congress and Manes wants to serve in congress. One should think they would know the qualifications. Instead both are trying to create an issue that does not exist. For them facts and truths take a back seat.
In a "letter to the editors" by Herbert Wilson, he points to a editorial by Times Picayune columnist James Varney concerning Common Core and rightly says truth should be about the good and bad so we can learn from our mistakes and repeat our successes. (thats very close to this writer's comments "understanding the past is the key to a successful future.") Then Wilson ends his "letter" by saying, "If the truth is getting in the way of Mr. Varney's version of history, he can always turn to Fox News, where truth is not an issue."
Both Baker and Wilson show they understand the value of truth and facts. And in fact one can gather from Baker's "point of view article" he is not a Landrieu supporter. That makes his commentary even more creditable Perhaps Cassidy and Manes could learn something from Mr. Baker and Mr. Wilson.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
One was written by John S. Baker III, Professor Emeritus, LSU Law Center. In his "point of view" article he points out how Louisiana law does not apply to determine the status of where U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu lives, which has been the subject challenged by Louisiana's republican representative and Landrieu opponent Bill Cassidy and Rob Manes and also other state officials who asked the Louisiana Attorney General to investigatge the matter.
Baker points out it is the U.S. Constitution and the rules of Congress that apply and that Senator Landrieu would win any challenge. One would think Cassidy and Manes would know the truth since Cassidy serves in congress and Manes wants to serve in congress. One should think they would know the qualifications. Instead both are trying to create an issue that does not exist. For them facts and truths take a back seat.
In a "letter to the editors" by Herbert Wilson, he points to a editorial by Times Picayune columnist James Varney concerning Common Core and rightly says truth should be about the good and bad so we can learn from our mistakes and repeat our successes. (thats very close to this writer's comments "understanding the past is the key to a successful future.") Then Wilson ends his "letter" by saying, "If the truth is getting in the way of Mr. Varney's version of history, he can always turn to Fox News, where truth is not an issue."
Both Baker and Wilson show they understand the value of truth and facts. And in fact one can gather from Baker's "point of view article" he is not a Landrieu supporter. That makes his commentary even more creditable Perhaps Cassidy and Manes could learn something from Mr. Baker and Mr. Wilson.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
FEMA Comes To The Rescue Of Louisiana One More Time
FEMA reported the federal government has forgiven $391 million in disaster loans for Louisiana concerning Hurricane Katrina. Orleans, Jefferson and St. Tammany parishes are sharing in the loan cancellations. Senator Mary Landrieu was the sponsor of two bills that made the transaction possible.
This is another reason why the federal government has to spend money as most states can not afford to finance distasters themselves with out raising taxes or cutting spending. The federal government has always taken the lead role concerning disasters and is nothing new.
The reason it took a little longer for the federal government to forgive the $391 million was the republican controlled congress that approved the funding after Hurricane Katrina stipulated there would be no loan forgiveness for the very first time ever. That was in 2005 when the republican party also controlled the White House. Senator Landrieu thought that was unfair to go against precedent already established by congress.
Governors who complain about the federal government spending too much money can help when a disaster hits their states by paying for the damage from state funds. I don't look for that to happen because they would rather beat up on the federal government and because they promised not to raise taxes.
But is it too much to expect governors to have the character and courage to admit there are legitimant reasons why the federal government does spend a lot of money?
This commentary written by John Lucia
This is another reason why the federal government has to spend money as most states can not afford to finance distasters themselves with out raising taxes or cutting spending. The federal government has always taken the lead role concerning disasters and is nothing new.
The reason it took a little longer for the federal government to forgive the $391 million was the republican controlled congress that approved the funding after Hurricane Katrina stipulated there would be no loan forgiveness for the very first time ever. That was in 2005 when the republican party also controlled the White House. Senator Landrieu thought that was unfair to go against precedent already established by congress.
Governors who complain about the federal government spending too much money can help when a disaster hits their states by paying for the damage from state funds. I don't look for that to happen because they would rather beat up on the federal government and because they promised not to raise taxes.
But is it too much to expect governors to have the character and courage to admit there are legitimant reasons why the federal government does spend a lot of money?
This commentary written by John Lucia
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