Here we are in October, and in many respects it resembles Groundhog Day. President Obama has apparently proposed extremely higher tax increases and additional spending to be used to bolster his re-election, but the GOP House and the Harry Reid-led Senate act as if they’re indifferent. Meanwhile our beloved leader is traveling around the country speaking to everyone who will listen and asking them to help him “pass this bill.” The ironies are amazing: he rarely produces a bill, but relies on rhetoric, and speculation runs high that he really doesn’t want this one to pass so he can blame the GOP for their inaction and failure to help the unemployed. This view has credence because of the huge tax increases that he is proposing. He knows that the Republicans will not go along with such a blatant skimming of the private sector while our economy languishes in the doldrums.
The GOP presidential sweepstakes has hit numerous speed bumps and potholes as it follows its tortuous path. One can witness the diversity of federalism (and the necessity for aggressive 10th Amendment action) as various states conduct their straw polls, and as Republican debates become more frequent. Each state seems to have differing preferences and different order of finishing for the candidates. The question is: do those differences reflect the base’s desires or the strength of candidate’s organizations?
Here in Ohio what would be a routine local election day in November has become rather heated and important with three (3) statewide issues on the ballot. Issue 1 would extend state judges age limits to 75 (currently 70) for running for office or re-election (the people yawn). Issue 2 is an attempt to repeal Senate Bill 5 which was enacted to allow more freedom for local governments and school boards when negotiating with their employees. In the early ‘80’s Ohio adopted “collective bargaining and binding arbitration” standards for the various locales. Since that time many local units have been mired into fiscal bogs as they scramble to fund escalating pension and health benefits. A favorable (Yes) vote on the issue would continue to allow local governments to bargain, but wouldn’t force them to do so and wouldn’t require binding arbitration.
The third issue, Issue 3, The Healthcare Freedom Amendment, would in essence exempt Ohio from the monstrosity of Obamacare. The underlying premise of the issue is that no one in Ohio can be forced to purchase health insurance. The individual mandate is the precursor to national healthcare, and Issue 3 attempts to preempt the federal government’s overreach. As Obamacare moves to the Supreme Court, this issue may prove to be mostly symbolic, but it is absolutely necessary as a statement to reinforce individual rights and state supremacy. If our state legislatures were not so firmly attached to the federal teat, they would have been doing their jobs by resisting federal encroachment into our lives for the past several decades. Too bad so many of them are career politicians who love the expansion of government power at all levels, and many of them lusted for congressional seats so they weren’t about to undermine federal power.
Buckeye voters have five weeks to decide the future direction of the state and send a message to the General Assembly to stop playing footsie with the Feds and protect Ohio’s sovereignty. The campaigning on both sides of Issues 2 and 3 will be intense, but citizens must choose between a corrupt and bankrupt Nanny-state and a glimmer of hope for freedom and self-determination in Ohio. As Arte Johnson used to say…..”Very interesting.”
There is another big issue for folks in the Buckeye State that is rocketing down the pike as Democrats seek to wrest control of the redistricting/reapportionment processes from the huge GOP majority in the General Assembly. In addition they are challenging recently-passed legislation that alters some election laws in the state. All three branches of government plus one are now heavily engaged in the political aspects of how our nation and our states are governed. The legislative bodies, the administrations, the courts and now the people via referendum are all engaged in a mighty battle for the heart and soul of our future. Personally, I pray that we have a future as our nation resembles Greece on bankrupt steroids more and more every day.
Have a great weekend. Programming note: On Wednesday I’ll be sitting in for Brian Wilson from 3:00-6:00pm on 1370 WSPD so my 6-7:00pm show will not be on that day.
Comment: cearlwriting@hotmail.com
Tue. & Wed., 6-7:00pm, 1370 WSPD, Toledo www.wspd.com
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