Common Sense: Sequestration and other dirty words

As of this writing, the sequestration federal cuts are going into effect. Although there has been much coverage of the negative nature of the process, one could argue that cutting federal spending even through draconian methods is not such a bad idea.

What would be very bad would be to capitulate to the president and raise the debt limit again. Not only would this not solve any problems, it would continue a spiraling of federal debt that has reached $16 trillion.

That amounts to over $53,000 for every American man, woman and child! By the way, that’s the 314 million documented Americans since those here illegally get to share in many of the benefits, but not the debt, except from the perspective that they add to it.

Clearly the president and the Congress need to reach some sort of agreement. It’s what they get paid to do and I, for one, expect them to do their jobs. Nevertheless, as we wait, please take some solace in knowing that every day that some federal dollar does not make its way into a non- essential program, it is in effect is making its way in some form back into your pocket.

***

Conservative Party State Chairperson Mike Long has reiterated in an op-ed piece the Conservative Party’s position in opposition to the gambling referendum that could makes its way onto the ballot this November.

Of the many good points he makes, two that stand out in my mind are the fact that the referendum is very much open-ended, not telling you exactly how many casinos there will be or, for that matter, where they will be placed.

The second point goes to the heart of casino gambling, arguing that as an economic activity, casino gambling simply churns existing dollars, creating nothing, unlike manufacturing or the financial/banking world.

It might have some short term economic benefits, but very little long- term. There are costs in terms of increases in crime and the expected social problems that come from gambling addictions that will become more prevalent due to the easy proximity. And, of course, with gambling, those who least can afford to lose are often the ones who lose the most.

I do not doubt that the expansion of gambling is on its way in New York State. Mike Long and the Conservative Party are making the argument that we should pause and demand more details and community input. The party is suggesting that, without these details and input, gambling in New York is a bad bet.

***

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Tony Kushner, the Oscar-nominated screenwriter for the Academy Award-winning movie “Lincoln.” He was appearing to accept an award and participate in a discussion of Lincoln and the movie just a few days after the Oscars. I attended with my wife, Janet, who, as it happens, was in his class during high school back in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Friends back then they had not seen each other for some time, so the conversation naturally went back to catching up.

Kushner’s discussion and acceptance speech for the award before the group, which is called the Civil War Round Table, was fascinating. Just hearing of his preparation, which involved reading over 40 books on Lincoln and watching a number of movies, as well as countless meetings, discussions and more discussions with experts including Doris Kearns Goodwin gave you a real sense of the work a screenwriter must put in to perfect his product.

He also spoke about his admiration for Steven Spielberg, who directed “Lincoln.” This was his second opportunity to work with him having done the very successful screen play for “Munich.”

An interesting side note was that Kushner writes all his first drafts in script using a fountain pen, which my wife remembered being something he was known for in high school. He did admit, on later drafts, he uses a word processor.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.