Posted on 09/07/2009 5:40:58 AM PDT by IbJensen
Pennsylvanians need to arm themselves with pitchforks and torches and march on Rendell's Harrisburg mansion, much like the villagers marching on Dr. Frankensteins's castle, or Van Helsing seeking out Dracula's crypt in order to solve a serious problem.
As a former Pennsylvanian, I hope PA can straighten this mess out.
And by the way, IbJensen, thank you for posting this article, and for many other good articles you have put up here at FR. This is valuable and informative.
Fast Eddie has been doing this to us since Day One of his administration.
Pennsylvania is a state with the second largest retired population (second only to Florida) in the nation and an industrial base that has been eroded by years of union-sympathizing, liberal government.
The occasional Republican Administrations have been feckless (Tom Ridge).
The youth go to college in Pennsylvania (the state ranks near the top in number of colleges in the nation) and then leave as fast as they can because professional jobs are not available in large numbers here.
Oh, you can work in the healthcare industry (which is the only booming industry in this state —— thanks to the elderly!)
The natural gas drilling is slow because prices stink and because this state views the gas companies as a means of revenue and environmental controls, rather than as an economic potential.
The current status of Pennsylvania’s economy is understood by looking at the 64 story US Steel Building.
The top of the skyscraper now has a “UPMC” sign (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center).
Rendell Tax Plans Would Kill Pennsylvania more quickly. But his plans don’t don’t matter much, do they? Pennsylvania is dying and will die. Our chocolate city, Philadelphia, is rapidly shrinking, and no steel comes from Pittsburgh any more. The oil, coal, and hardwood lumber are gone, and the populace is the nation’s second-largest collection of oldsters, behind Florida. Pennsylvania is, these days, little more than a patched-together version of New New Jersey and North West Virginia.
Mallard Fillmore's comic strip Sunday, 9/6
"How to tell if your government's nuts", with a politician saying "Taxing obesity will end it. Taxing prosperity will increase it."
That one doesn't bother me.
It's the skyscraper with "K&L Gates" that irritates me.
This story has it right. "...government, just like Pennsylvanian families, must tighten its belt, especially when times are tough..."
“Tax Plans Would Kill Pennsylvania more quickly. ...Pennsylvania is dying and will die...”
No need for such pessimism.
While you accurately describe the situation as dire, you underestimate the resiliency of the American people and economy.
If - PA chooses to throw off the shackles of oppressive and intrusive government the State economy would quickly respond as companies continually seek the most favorable business climates. - That’s a very big IF though.
Well, we're sure gonna give it a try this election! Can't speak for all of PA, but here in south central PA, within a half hour drive of Harrisburg, folks are seriously pi$$3d off at the politicians! I have a good feeling about the coming elections. Better than I felt in September of 2008.
I thought all of these casinos that Rendell wanted were going to help us here in PA.
The one near me (Grantville) is doing good business.
But that doesn’t mean the money is going to help us lowly citizens.
PennDOT sure appears to have money. Road crews are everywhere. Especially on the PA Turnpike.
The nine PA casinos in August 2009 generated $186,936,232 in gross revenue compared to $156,052,262 in August 2008 when seven casinos were in operation.
TAXES in August, based on the 55% rate, were $102,789,443, an average of $3.32 million per day returned to Pennsylvania taxpayers.
The casinos collectively retained $84,146,789.07 of the gross revenue for the month.
There. Fixed it!
Fast Eddie promised back in 2004 that all our problems would be “solved” by casinos. Well they are almost all in place now and so far my property tax bill was cut one time last year by $220. It was cut this year by nothing.
The teachers keep getting their big raises each year no matter what the economy does. In my district, they get a 3.5% raise EVERY year for the next 5 years. Plus they get their steps built into their contract. What a deal! My salary has been flat or 5 years AND my cost of health care goes up between $50 and $100 per month per years. It is now up to $352 per month. That is not even counting the copay increases. In my school district, I think the teachers now pay $25 per month TOTAL for health care! No co pays and no deductibles.
We were invited to go to the Sands Casino in Bethlehem for dinner a few weeks ago. We’re not gamblers, so we were amazed at how crowded it was. Our friends blew over $100 on the slots in minutes.
We have a friend who is a retired NJ teacher, and he gets health insurance.
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