WHERE HAVE YOU GONE JOE ACINAPURA?

Fast moving events this week caught many by surprise, including the Chairman of the Vermont Republican Committee Joe Acinpura of Brandon.

Joe has been a long time fixture in Republican Party circles. He ran twice for an Addison County Senate seat, twice winning the Republican nomination only to end up third in a two-member district.

He has attended most every Republican event, is regularly seen at county and town Republican meetings. He has served on the Republican Executive Committee. In the fall of 2001 he eked out a victory over Joyce Errecart for chair without the support of either George McNeill, executive director of the Republican Legislative Election Committee, or Skip Vallee, the Republican National Committeeman.

His tenure has been graced by promises made and promises kept. Last fall the Republicans held the speaker’s chair, gained the most votes in the governor and lieutenant governor races for the first time in thirty-two years, and ran full slate of statewide candidates for the first time in a dog’s age. Not bad.

JOLTING JOE HAS LEFT AND GONE AWAY

Did he fall or did he walk away? Both. With the gracefulness of a Barisnykov, Joe resigned when asked. His story as reported by Tracy Schmaler in the Rutland Herald was totally positive. Not a discouraging word. On his appointment to chair the Veterans Advisory Council he said, "I am honored that he asked me to serve in this capacity."

His grace must have been accompanied by severe disappointment. He worked long and hard to earn the chairmanship. As chair, he was one of only one hundred and fifty who control the Republican National Committee. That puts you rubbing elbows with the high and mighty. He had studied, taught and practiced politics. Yesterday he was doing it; today he is advising the state’s efforts for veterans. 

HOW DID WE GET THIS WAY

This newspaper described the unmanageable five-headed hydra of the Vermont Republicans. Looking forward and aware of the moves of the Democrats we urged action now. Our discussion helped crystallize the governor’s thinking about the need to control and centralize the 2004 election campaign efforts and to initiate a conversation at a recent strategy meeting.

You, our readers, had an impact. Almost uniformly, you supported our call to reorganize and coordinate Republican election efforts using the model of the 1968 campaign when Al Moulton served as a paid chair. We were asked by the governor’s office to provide in advance of publication your comments and we did. Thank you all for taking the time to write.

The meeting ended with a commitment to ask Joe to resign while at the same time accepting a position advising the governor. 

WHAT’S UP NEXT

You can never run the next election by looking in the rear view mirror. Things change, voters change, times change. Last year the Republican National Committee poured money into the Douglas race. Next year most probably they will not. They have to worry about Bush’s reelection. The fundraising rules have changed eliminating the huge amounts of soft money.

Federal rules for state committees have changed too. Now folks can give $10,000 per year to the state party, that’s $20,000 per election, $40,000 per couple. This is a lot easier than trying to raise $1,000,000 at $400 a clip, the max allowed to a governor’s campaign. A strong credible election oriented party makes this possible. 

SHOPPERS AGREE

We could not find a party official disgruntled by the governor’s move to take control of the party.

Treasurer Jane Woodruff of Brookfield said, "The chair serves at the discretion of the governor. He has the right to put together his team." Vice Chair Anne McLaughry of Kirby told DPR when asked if she supported the move said, "I certainly do." Skip Vallee, the GOP National Committeeman said, "I am very pleased with this." 

FOLLOW THE MONEY

Money is the mother’s milk of politics. As one high level official told us, "Joe did not get the job done." Speaker Freed told Schmaler, "You have got to go out and raise money, and that can be very difficult." Others said of the generous Skip Vallee, his family and related companies, "Skip got tired of writing checks to meet payroll."

On the other hand, the same folks gave Joe very high marks for building consensus, working to get people together, and his time and effort and commitment. 

A NATION TURNS ITS LONELY EYES TO YOU

Who is the chosen heir to shoulder the mantle of all the hopes and prayers of the faithful? Jim Barnett, a twenty something Barre native. Not that Jim is wet behind the ears. He worked for the Republican National Committee and the Bush White House. He left all that glory for home, on the wings of the prayer of a Douglas victory. His friends in Washington thought him crazy, to give up power, access, and the West Wing pass in the offering for a long shot in the sticks.

There is something about being brought up in the Green Mountains perhaps, home, making it better, a challenge. Jim came home and the rest is history. And he is not from Chittenden County, home of so many of the party leadership over the years.

Jim is more conservative than his boss which might please some party regulars. He has the ear and confidence of Douglas and those around him. He authored the decisive flip-flop ad, not Skip Vallee as anointed by Sam Hemingway in his Free Press post election column. The legislative leadership is reported to be "most happy with the decision."

As one insider told us, "There are few folks in Vermont who have participated in successful elections in Vermont and nationally. Jim has. This change is a real statement that the party is into winning elections. We need to raise money and save money for the closing week. We have lost so many seats in the last seventy hours. No more!"

Now to the special election. Will the state committee members line up behind their governor? No date has yet been set. The regular cycle would be to hold town committee elections this September, county committee elections in October, and state committee elections in November. 

THE DAY THEY SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE

Remember all those stories, Douglas the wuss? Gentile, urbane, pants just under the armpits, no guts, no spine?

So old no spine walks in and fires the Fletcher Allen Board, does the impossible and has the senate talking permit reform, stiffs his loyal supporters and boosts the minimum wage, and walks in and fires the party chair. All this in less than a hundreds days and a fortnight. 

HAVE SENATOR, NO COMMITTEE

Caledonia has a new senator but as of noon Thursday, Senator Bernier Mayo has yet to be assigned to any committee. He may as well have stayed home and waited for next year. 

STATE SCAMMED

The long arm of former Senate pro tem Peter Shumlin still has big biceps. His baby, the National Legislative Association on Fair Prescription Drug Pricing, not just lives on, but lives on your money.

You may recall that Senator Cheryl Rivers gave up her seat to become paid chair. There are now about ten member states but alas your good graces pick up says a senator "about half of their direct costs with a $50,000 appropriation. On top of that, they are provided free offices at 133 State Street, receive free legal advice, and use the legislative council for their research." Quite the generous people we are, a small state doing more than its share to fulfill Peter’s dream.

Shumlin also moved his former administrative assistant Lisa Sanchez to NLAOFPDP or whatever to become Cheryl’s assistant on your nickel. 

WE’RE FROM THE GOVERNMENT TO HELP YOU

The building of sections A and B from Exit 12 on I-89 to where the Circ now ends on Route 117 will be put out to bid next month with construction expected to begin by September this year. So says Secretary Pat McDonald. "Only an injunction will stop us." So promised by Mark Sinclair at the Conservation Law Foundation.

As an additional bonus, Federal Highway Administrator Mary Peters said that she would solve our Waterbury Dam problem if asked. "We will help with the Corps of Engineers and the Water Resources folks if Governor Douglas asks us." 

YOU ARE KNOWN BY THE COMPANY YOU KEEP

The Democrats are fellow travelers with the Conservation Law Foundation. The Foundation’s recent moves in Milton and Saint Albans should provide plenty of campaign fodder to loosen up a couple of senate seats.

In a Forum Op Ed in the Burlington Free Press Dan Lindley writes, "We worked for two years developing a plan to expand the Saint Albans Industrial Park. It has all the elements local industries desire. We worked with local government. We worked with the regional planning commission. We met with neighbors. We worked with state officials. Better ideas were called for and incorporated into the plan. Then we applied for an Act 250 permit. Now enters the Conservation Law Foundation and their 11th hour request for party status.

"They have made no good faith effort to bring forth reasonable solutions. They have demonstrated why we need permit reform."

Read it here before next Monday: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/bfpnews/editorial/monday/3000h.htm 

DOWN ON THE FARM

Ida Bushey wants to sell her "worn out farm" in Milton. Not so fast says the Conservation Law Foundation, "It’s an important agricultural resource." Formerly CLF tried to stop Milton’s sewer. Now the 79-year-old Bushey is not allowed to sell her farm to have a few dollars for her retirement. 

IRONIC

Recall that in 1970 a group of Vermonters got together to write and pass Act 250. It was to stop out-of-state developers from subdividing hillsides with no plans for septic or water.

Now out-of-staters use Act 250 to stop Vermonters, not just from approved development of land, but from even selling land. 

CONTROLLING COSTS

We recently wrote about how hard it is emotionally to vote against your own town’s school budget. We all want what is best for the children of our communities. We respect our teachers and administrators and other members of our communities who work with our youth. However you decide you just can't keep paying higher taxes. You almost apologize when voting against the "kids." "It’s about the kids," they say. 

GODZILLA VS JOHN Q. PUBLIC

Now you find out that they do not even play fair. They have no remorse, no guilt; they have a bad case of the gimmies. They begin the voting process with about forty percent of the vote wrapped up in people who will benefit from a school's budget passage such as teachers, administrators, school board members, and their extended family members. In Williston folks recently learned that they also use school resources to fund and implement their campaign for passage of the budget. 

VERMONT'S TAX BURDEN

»» John McClaughry, Kirby: What can be done about Vermont's high tax burden? The obvious answer is to stop spending tax dollars on wasteful and ineffective government programs, and reduce taxes. Given the liberal tenor of Vermont politics, that argument has yet to make a lot of headway, although outrage against the increasing demands of Act 60 is a hopeful indicator.

The second-best alternative is to generate lots of economic growth that can then be moderately taxed to support Vermont's big government habit. This runs up against the well-organized opposition of those who are simply opposed to growth. Typically these are environmentalists and the imported rural gentry who cashed out elsewhere, fled to Vermont, bought or built country homes, and now want to keep Vermont rural and "unspoiled" by the depredations of commerce and ordinary working people.

What Vermont needs is a coalition committed to cutting back on big government, and generating taxable economic growth to reduce the tax burden of paying for what remains. Gov. Pete duPont famously did this in nearly bankrupt Delaware in 1977. Gov. Bill Owens and Senate majority leader John Andrews are doing this now in Colorado, arguably America's best-governed state.

For the sake both of suffering taxpayers and working people eager to make better lives for their families, let's hope that Vermont's turn comes soon. 

LEAHY'S FILIBUSTER

»» Stephen North, Ferrisburg: In response to your comment in the last edition regarding Leahy's moves to block Miguel Estrada's nomination to a judgeship, you comment that Vermonters are more interested in the Waterbury Reservoir and the local economy than one of a thousand judges who will probably never affect any of us. I disagree. Aside from the dire state our judicial system is in from the lack of judges, which translates into lack of due process (a constitutional right), the bigger picture is that the Democrats are afraid of having a very capable (and well liked by both sides of the isle) but conservative minority as a judge, who would then be in line for a seat on the Supreme Court. To have a Republican appoint the first ever Hispanic to the Supreme Court would be too much for the Democrats to take. 

A FOLLOW-UP TO LEAHY'S BULK MAIL

»» Laura Brueckner, Waterbury Center: Dear [Vermont Teen], If you think Leahy gives a blank, blank about your concerns - think again. Look at what Larry, Moe and Curly have done to your parents' retirement funds and health care. Both these items alone have been shifted to your future earnings. Look at how the trio shifted the cost of corporate environmental clean-up to your future earnings. Teen, look at the choices you will have for housing and career. Unless you are at the top of your class and in line to inherit a thriving business be prepared to live in subsidized housing, with subsidized food, with subsidized child care, with subsidized rationed health care and no way to invest in your future unless it is in the corporations protected by the future Leahy, Jeffords and Sanders. Teen, tell the Leahys you deserved better for their thirty years in Congress and for making THEM millionaires! Teen, tell the Leahys you KNOW they can do more than make a speech of the floor of Congress that no is there to listen to. Teen tell the Leahys you will do everything you can to stop them from collecting their FIFTEEN THOUSAND a month they will collect in retirement payments from YOUR PAYCHECK! Teen, tell the Leahys of the Congress you know if things don't change you will get home with about 30% of your paycheck.

Sincerely,
A taxpayer already suffering from Leahy, Jeffords and Sanders policies. 

PERMITS, TAXES & THE NEED FOR FEDERAL INTERVENTION

»» Tom Morse, Underhill: The permit process is totally out of control. Many downtown businesses are now using the Growth Center Philosophy to control their competition from out of town.

GROW UP! Zoning isn't actually zoning ... it is a means to control the use of land, buildings, businesses, jobs, and place limits on the economy by those in power. Example: Underhill has zoned out commercial, industrial, low income housing and senior housing. The philosophy used is "anything not permitted is prohibited." Under the statewide commercial property tax (Act 60) there is no longer an incentive to create jobs for members of the community. In Underhill, the highest income town in Vermont, taxpayers actually got refunds under Act 60 while land rich, but poor towns actually had major tax increases.

In 1992, Ralph Wright, then speaker of the House attempted to pass on the cost of education to the commercial and industrial sector. Wright was unsuccessful! However, the Democrats came back with Act 60 and a statewide property tax on everything other than your house and up to 2 acres. The legislature also exempted low income residents and seniors with incomes less than $47,000 to a little as 3.5 to 5.0% of income for property taxes: $700 for those with $20,000 income; $2,350 maximum for households with less than $47,000. This in effect transferred the cost of education from everything to camps, cottages, second homes, hen house, barns, commercial and industrial. 

THE CAMEL'S NOSE

»» Wes Hrydziusko, North Windsor: My feeling is that Vermont has made a dreadful mistake by EVER allowing a Vermont Real Estate State Tax to be instituted in the first place. I know Jim and I differ about this but this is just another tax to get more money out of Vermonters and we cannot stop it. 

MORE VIEWS ON VERMONT GOP

»» »» Rob Towle, Rutland City: Whether the reported health of the GOP is depicted accurately or not is not of concern. The concern should be to get behind upcoming campaigns such as Jack McMullen as he goes against Pat Leahy. During my last campaign, I heard nothing but discontent for the job that our National 3 was currently doing and that people would give anything for a change. NOW IS THE TIME!!!! Contact Mr. McMullen and offer your support or financial support. I realize that a primary is first but get out now to support your candidate because time is not on the side of the Challenger. Mr. Always An-Imcumbent will have the PAC's to help him (as well as help from former GOP Jeffords). Vermont needs change and Vermonters need to make the change from the Grass-Roots upward. 

»» Rob Roper, Stowe: Your pieces describing the many-headed-Hydra of the Republican Party and your readers' responses were interesting, indeed. I had to chuckle as I read them because, also in my e-mail box, newsletters from VTGOP, TIP, Vermont Real News, and VBE were awaiting my attention.

More than anything, what Republicans need is a Director of Communications. Someone who is dedicated full-time to developing and implementing a long term "brand" (if you will) message for the party, coordinating the efforts of the all these divided parts, serving as a hub between elected officials, special interest groups and grass roots individuals willing to dedicate their time and efforts.

Such an office, if handled properly, could work to create an overall political atmosphere in which candidates could more easily run for office and win. For those glued to the Iraq War briefings, it would be the equivalent of air power 'preparing' the battlefield before the ground troops roll in. Then the Office could offer support to candidates on offense by bringing together synergistic efforts on the ground. It could provide cover for candidates on defense by tackling, and shielding candidates from controversial issues. The Office could undertake the task of reaching out to moderate and undecided voters, and bringing them over to our side, leaving candidates free to shore up their bases.

Most importantly, a Director of Communications could actually define and create the 'Big Tent' everybody so often talks about. We clearly don't have a big tent. We have a lot of little tents, pitched kind of near each other. The difference is like that of hitting the democrats with five fingers instead of a fist.

But the first thing the Party must do is DO SOMETHING. Pick a fight and win it.

Fear of the liberal media and concerns over not enough money cannot be excuses for inaction. The media is what it is. Knock it down or go around it. And you will never get anybody to give you money unless they first see that you are doing something productive with it. France didn't support the Colonists until we won a victory at Saratoga. If we offer something to support, people will donate. If we do nothing -- likewise the donors.

Message can and will trump money, but only if you get the message out there. The other side has more resources than we do. Okay. That means we have to be more creative, more tenacious, and more relevant. It also means somebody needs to be on top of all this activity to create synergy and eliminate duplication wherever and whenever possible.

For those shaking their heads in despair at our prospects, I'll end this with a story about Volkswagon. When in the 1950s on the heals of W.W.II, Volkswagen unloaded their first shipment of cars to be sold in New York City, the ad agency in charge of selling the things summed up the problem thus: "We have to sell a Nazi car in a Jewish town." They did with monumental success.

So can we. 

»» Clyde Moore, Burlington: This is a response to the following:

"Jim Peden, Chair, Shoreham Republican Caucus: The reason why we can't win at the local level is we have lost a lot of women voters who once sided with our original core principles. By constantly beating the dead horse of abortion and gay rights issues, we have driven our moderate female voters away from our camp."

Unfortunately, the Republican Party seems to only really consist of two major groups of people and you are talking about alienating one of those major groups. Without both groups, the Republican Party would probably be just another thirty party in this country!

The first major group that the Republican Party attracts is the well paid businessmen and owners that would like to be given free reign to do what they want with the businesses, the property, and their employees. This group seems to believe the best government is the government that allows the rich to get as rich as possible at the expense of the poor. They seem to desire pure capitalism. Social programs would be done away with ­ only at least handed over to the church to take care of.

The second major group that the Republican Party attracts is the Right Wing and Moderate Christians. While many of us Christians are not all that rich, we do desire to see someone in office that will represent righteousness and control outright flaunting of sin. Most of us Christians are dismayed at the Sin and Perversion that is embraced by the left wing democrats. It has become easy to get Christians to jump aboard the Grand Old Party (GOP) bandwagon, by promising to work for laws that make things like prostitution, open display of sexuality (especially homosexuality), abortions, theft, and other crimes as limited as possible. When you take up those principles you gain a lot of naïve Christians that only see the self-righteousness part of the party that the GOP advertises; thereby many Christians buy right into the pure capitalist mentality that the Republican Party wants.

Unfortunately for Peden, though, you loose some of the women that are into the capitalist mentality, but also want their rights to any lifestyle they like, including homosexuality and abortions.

We need balance. The liberals want to spend on welfare to keep people fed and clothed, which also helps keep down a need for the jobless to panhandle, steal, rob, and kill. The Republicans help keep the bill filled with requirements like ­ You must be actively seeking employment, and trying to get out of the rut that you are in. It’s called tough love. We will provide the money, but you must be trying to get back onto your feet. The rich can’t just ignore the homeless and those in poverty. And the people in poverty can’t get an indefinite free ride.

This balance applies to most areas of our lives. The environmentalist prevents business from being able to pollute our state, while the republicans say we have to make the permit process realistic. Without business, no one would be working. I do agree that "Republicans are generally viewed as a band of gay-bashing homophobes and extremist religious fanatics, demanding a particular far-right interpretation of Christianity to be militantly imposed on the whole of society." And unfortunately, since the number of rich republicans are relatively few compared to the rest of the people in the party, that will probably continue.

As Peden stated, the Republicans "could learn a lot from Governor Douglas. There are plenty of positive issues to address, enough to keep our candidates busy during the whole campaign season, without once having to take out the dead horse buggy whip." In fact, that is why the Democrats (and even the Progressives) are doing so well. They stick to the issues they have in common and stay away from the Christian points of view. But I don't see most Christians staying with the Republican Party once it starts to openly embrace sin. If the Republican Party ceases to be a party that tries to attract Christians, I believe the remaining Christians will leave and the Republican Party will become another third party. 

FAULTY EVIDENCE? 

»» Herbert G. Ogden, Rutland: Your last issue said: "Our dearly beloved senate says that there are no permit problems, no tax problems, no crisis. Well, here is more evidence. Luzenac of West Windsor will shut their talc plant laying off thirty."

The account I read said Luzenac was closing because foreign competition was underpricing it. Foreign as in non-U.S., not as in non-VT. If you know how permit problems had a part in this, you should explain.

Editor's note: We are not suggesting that their departure has anything to do with the permitting process. We are suggesting that their departure creates job loss. We are suggesting that the permitting process slows job creation. We are suggesting that to more quickly replace job losses, permit reform will help. Therefore their leaving is more evidence that we need more jobs. Permit reform will help speed their creation.

Herbert G. Ogden replies: Your implication was different from what you now say you were suggesting. Until you admit it, I'll have trouble believing what I read. Do you care to print this exchange? 

»» Annette Smith, Danby: Your newsletter last week used the closure of Luzenac's talc plant as evidence of Vermont being unfriendly to business, right? But the company "blames inexpensive Chinese talc for the decision" according to a Rutland Herald article.

The Chinese manufacturing boom is resulting in the loss of jobs all over the world. Do some research and you'll learn that Mexico, the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia are all complaining about losing manufacturing jobs to China.

This particular "evidence" does not prove that Vermont is business unfriendly. It does prove that there is room for a better understanding of the changing global economy, so that Vermont can focus on businesses that will be able to compete successfully.

Editor's note: Our intent was to say that Vermont is losing jobs, ie., Luzenac and others. We need to replace those jobs. To do so we need to attract new investment via expansion or new business. Lack of permit reform is an impediment to investment and thus job creation.

Annette Smith replies: It was not clear what the "evidence" was aimed at. Thank you for clarifying.

I am at the front of the line wanting permit reform. I'm also realistic enough to know that it won't happen by fighting in the media rather than sitting down and talking. There are business models for doing a process analysis, there are sane and rational ways to approach the issue even with all its complexities. Today's BFP article about permit reform gives the first glimmer of hope -- the use of the word "collaboration" by Dale Rocheleau. Until all parties agree to listen to each other and really try and solve the problems, it won't happen. It's too bad we've wasted so much time and energy and still don't have the right people in the room talking to each other. 

WHAT HAPPENED? 

»» Craig Averill, Goshen: If I sound angry, I am and I am trying to stay focused. I read your letter each and every week and then lay in my bed with my eyes bugging out and my mind racing. The Dwinell Inspired, Insomnia Topic, for tonight What has happened to Vermont?

I remember when we had half as many Police and they were writing beaucoup times as many tickets, you couldn't go 15 miles without seeing a Blue light (Red then) verses 15 months.
I remember when the Superintendent had his office in the High School and he only had ONE Secretary and there were only 14, I believe, one per County.
I remember when a lot of the bridges and roads were built and most was done by hand. Now the roads and bridges are falling apart and we need 10 year studies before pavement is put down.
I remember when the roads were plowed and Vermont had the best roads in the Winter, not N.H. nor N.Y.
I remember when there wasn't a Sales Tax.
I remember Mills and Factories and houses with kids and white picket fences. Dreams were coming true.
I remember Teachers who held kids back and also who would stay after school teaching and taking pride in their work.
I remember when the Farmer didn't need aid to stay working. I remember when they sold their own milk, eggs and syrup and we had more cows than people.
I remember neighbor helping neighbor and the Town's Overseer of the Poor.
I remember saying Hi to people you passed on the sidewalks.
I remember when construction sites didn't need Law Enforcement sitting around collecting double time.
I remember when Schools had Student Patrols and not Police Patrols. They had dress codes, and you couldn't chew gum or wear hats or T-shirts in class.
I remember when people had jobs and did something and Vermonters got Vermont jobs, not people who were lured in. As in maybe a fellow Union Member, who will help pass the torch.
I remember when an Average Vermonter with an Average Job could afford an Average Home.
I remember when you worked for yourself or for someone else but FEW were receiving State Salaries. Now Vermont's largest employer is Vermont.
I remember when being Gay was immoral and not dictated as being normal.
I remember when Churches were full on Sundays.
I remember when carrying a rifle didn't cause the Marines to be called in. Chuck hunting and meeting in the Gravel Pits was a summer tradition.

VERMONT TOURISM 

»» L.A. Leonard, Rutland: Senator Rick Santorum recently made statements regarding his beliefs. He said, among other things, "I have no problem with homosexuality. I have a problem with homosexual acts." Gov. Jim Douglas was quick to criticize Senator Santorum. He said most Vermonters accept civil unions and that there is evidence that visitors coming to the state for ceremonies are spending money here.

Many of us agree with Senator Santorum and were pleased that President Bush had the integrity to stand by him as did other members of the Senate. If Vermont has to boost its tourist business by having men come here to marry other men, then we are in worse shape than I thought. 

SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY 

»» Barbara Andrejczak: I would like to see the State of Vermont test all school children and report the actual results. HOWEVER, teachers should "NOT" be given the test ahead of time to prepare the students. I would like to be assured that all the children are receiving quality education now. Results should be published for each Vermont town and compared nationwide. 

WALK A MILE IN MY SHOES 

»» Rob Mazza, Colchester: In regards to Annette Smiths comments about the permit process, maybe she could tell us "Greedy business owners" how many times she has been through the process of "Trying To Get a Permit". Talking about going through the process is the easy part. Try going for a permit yourself, Annette, and you will see what "Greed and Power" are all about. 

I RESEMBLE THAT REMARK 

»» George McNeill, Danby: I don't think it [1998 CATERPILLAR D6RLGP] looks exactly like me but it does have some strong resemblance. 

THEY LIKE US 

»» C. Giffin, Rutland: Thank you. I enjoy your weekly round up!

»» Steve Cable, Rutland: You provide a great service to Vermont.  

GOT THE GIMMIES?
By Captain America 

"As I looked around the room and listened to the comments, I realized that everyone there wanted something from the government and wanted somebody else to pay for it. What has happened to Vermont's sense of independence and self-reliance? I worry that it is becoming rare and endangered." -- Mike Quaid, DPR, 25 April

Mike Quaid has put his finger right on something truly horrifying which has happened silently around us. Many of us remain skeptical about rapid progress, since the "reaction time" of cultural change is slow, and so mere changes in political alignment or economic policy, while necessary, will not be sufficient.

Consider the simple word "community," which we seem to hear tossed around so frequently (particularly at events such as the "forum" which Mike describes). In "Democracy in America," de Tocqueville spoke glowingly of the spirit of "community" that he saw in New England townships. He noted carefully that this arose (and maintained itself) quite naturally, since it reflected a true "community" - of strong and independent free citizens, who worked together with civic spirit because of their basic equality of rights and their self-sufficiency.

As Mike found out, the word "community" now means something different in Vermont. It has come to be a code word for weak, dependent people who are looking for ways to force other people to take care of them - largely by imposing obligations upon anyone who is pulling more than his (or her) own weight. Where might it all lead? Just look to "old Europe," or to Canada. Several years ago, a Canadian parliamentarian famously remarked that "Canada is a great country if you're old, sick, or poor. If you're none of those, you're probably smart to leave." Is that where Vermont is headed?

Of course, such cultures also look for ways to widen the circle of grasping, to expand where they can cast the nets for what amount de facto to subsidies. Is there anyone besides Captain America who finds it embarrassing that despite having no major military installations, Vermont receives much more in federal dollars than it sends in taxes? With all due respect to Professor Frank Bryan, it may be the "other 49" who kick US out. 

THE NEW EUROPEAN ARMY 

"The number of soldiers Luxembourg can offer is in the region of a three-digit figure and Belgium's power of deterrence lies mainly in the calorie content of its heavy chocolates." --Die Welt 

ON CONTROLLING THE COST OF PUBLIC EDUCATION 

"The price of monopoly is upon every occasion the highest which can be got. The natural price, or the price of free competition, on the contrary, is the lowest which can be taken, not upon every occasion, indeed, but for any considerable time together. The one is upon every occasion the highest which can be squeezed out of the buyers, or which, it is supposed, they will consent to give: the other is the lowest which the sellers can commonly afford to take, and at the same time continue their business." --Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations, in 1776 (quoted in this week's Education Intelligence Agency Communique' http://www.eiaonline.com) 

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