So, firstly, I've got to apologize for last week. Work, home buying, and life in general got in the way. But, now I'm back!
Heard some excellent news (Well, read it). Niagara Falls is finally moving on doing something with the immense number of empty lots under their control.
NF is moving forward leasing those properties to Niagara University, who then can be approached to sublet these for community green spaces. This is great news, since it appears city governments here in WNY seem to move incredibly slow when it comes to land issues. Joe Golombek has been fighting the housing courts for years to deal with about 20 properties in Riverside/Black Rock; and I can presume the rest of the councilmen in Buffalo are in the same boat.
NF has been managing these properties for a while already, doing nothing with them. The nail in the coffin for them, has been the revenue shortfalls. I'm just trying to figure out why more cities aren't doing similar projects. I've suggested to a couple of councilmen in Buffalo to put something similar into place, to clear the docket of abandoned lots and houses.
But, the good news here is great. And, it's great to see other areas of WNY emulating Buffalo for a change, in a positive way.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
GrowWNY Announced "Go Outside" Map
GrowWNY has put together a fantastic resource for WNY'ers: The "Go Outside Map", which lists many, many, many outdoor resources for WNY'ers to enjoy.
Their main reason for doing this was that people here don't really know what organizations like GrowWNY are trying to conserve. So, they pieced this together so people can actually see, and use, the things we're working to keep.
I know if you hop over there, you'll find something new to go and explore. I've lived here for over 30 years, and found things I didn't know were here. Many of the things are no-cost, and some are low cost. I didn't see anything there very expensive to go and enjoy.
I encourage everyone to check it out, and if you thought it was useful, donate some time or money to this group. They do fantastic work day in, and day out to keep our beautiful green spaces green, and to assist in making more green spaces here at home.
In fact, I'm going to challenge all of my readers: Pick one thing on that map that you've not visited before, and go do it. We've got gorgeous weather right now (Hot, humid; but sunny!). Then, come back and let us know what it was like.
Their main reason for doing this was that people here don't really know what organizations like GrowWNY are trying to conserve. So, they pieced this together so people can actually see, and use, the things we're working to keep.
I know if you hop over there, you'll find something new to go and explore. I've lived here for over 30 years, and found things I didn't know were here. Many of the things are no-cost, and some are low cost. I didn't see anything there very expensive to go and enjoy.
I encourage everyone to check it out, and if you thought it was useful, donate some time or money to this group. They do fantastic work day in, and day out to keep our beautiful green spaces green, and to assist in making more green spaces here at home.
In fact, I'm going to challenge all of my readers: Pick one thing on that map that you've not visited before, and go do it. We've got gorgeous weather right now (Hot, humid; but sunny!). Then, come back and let us know what it was like.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Colorado Shooting
Hearts and prayers go out to the families and victims of the tragedy in Colorado. Thankfully, most groups (Left and right) aren't biting this yet, and let's hope it stays that way.
Message from the President:
Message from the President:
Michelle and I are shocked and saddened by the horrific and tragic shooting in Colorado. Federal and local law enforcement are still responding, and my Administration will do everything that we can to support the people of Aurora in this extraordinarily difficult time. We are committed to bringing whoever was responsible to justice, ensuring the safety of our people, and caring for those who have been wounded. As we do when confronted by moments of darkness and challenge, we must now come together as one American family. All of us must have the people of Aurora in our thoughts and prayers as they confront the loss of family, friends, and neighbors, and we must stand together with them in the challenging hours and days to come.And, from Romney:
This is not only an act of extreme violence, it is also an act of depravity. It is beyond the power of words to fully express our sorrow this morning. Our prayers and condolences go first to the families of those killed, and we share the grief of everyone affected by this senseless event. We appreciate the swift work by local, state and federal law enforcement. Coloradans have a remarkable ability to support one another in times of crisis. This one of those times.Let's not turn this partisan. This was an act of violence, and whatever motive it was, the person was sick in the head. My advice for those in WNY? Give blood today if you are eligible. Might not get to Colorado, or even be needed there; but we never know when tragedies like this occur, and that is one thing that will always be needed in the aftermath of things like this.
Buffalo News and WIVB See the End of an Era
Well, recently, news has broken (I know, I'm late) that Margaret Sullivan is departing the Buffalo News. After 32 years, she definitely helped shape many of our views here in WNY, and for better or worse, kept a hobbling industry from toppling over.
Many I know disagree with their recent pay-wall decision, but I do not think that came from her, although it might have.
I think she did a superb job there, and here is the key reason I think so: Many conservatives I engage with refer to the Buffalo News as a liberal propaganda machine of the "Commie Leftists". And, then many progressives I know refer to the Buffalo News as a right-wing rag. Since both sides think it's completely biased against them, I tend to think they are doing a fine job in reporting fair and balanced news (Unlike Fox News, who claims to be fair and balanced, yet are anything but).
Victoria Hong also left WIVB. I'm surprised by this, as she was the up and coming replacement for the evening anchors, in my opinion. She moved onto Delaware North Companies, which is a surprising move for where I stand. She went from the spotlight, into a behind-the-scenes type person.
She was one of the more level-headed anchors on WIVB. Most of the others are quite irritating (Like George Richert who comes across as a douchebag), or the incessantly irritating Ed Drantch. However, in all fairness, Drantch might have become irritating during the walk across the falls thing.
But, either way, both of these two will be missed, and I for one, wish them both well on their next ventures.
Many I know disagree with their recent pay-wall decision, but I do not think that came from her, although it might have.
I think she did a superb job there, and here is the key reason I think so: Many conservatives I engage with refer to the Buffalo News as a liberal propaganda machine of the "Commie Leftists". And, then many progressives I know refer to the Buffalo News as a right-wing rag. Since both sides think it's completely biased against them, I tend to think they are doing a fine job in reporting fair and balanced news (Unlike Fox News, who claims to be fair and balanced, yet are anything but).
Victoria Hong also left WIVB. I'm surprised by this, as she was the up and coming replacement for the evening anchors, in my opinion. She moved onto Delaware North Companies, which is a surprising move for where I stand. She went from the spotlight, into a behind-the-scenes type person.
She was one of the more level-headed anchors on WIVB. Most of the others are quite irritating (Like George Richert who comes across as a douchebag), or the incessantly irritating Ed Drantch. However, in all fairness, Drantch might have become irritating during the walk across the falls thing.
But, either way, both of these two will be missed, and I for one, wish them both well on their next ventures.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Intent of the Founders: How Much Does It Matter?
Nearly always, when getting into a discussion about the constitution, someone will always say,"Well, how about the founders' intent?!"
While, it's a valid question, one needs to bear in mind that currently, "Founders' Intent" tends to be a pretty small part of the rulings these days.
Now, I can already hear it:"YOU CAN'T IGNORE THE FOUNDERS!"
This is true. But, the founders' intent has been pretty much written into precedent already, so by and large, decisions are based on precedent, based on intent.
But, what I love, is when someone quotes to me from one of the founders in opposition to a current practice. Protip: No single founder wrote the constitution. It was collaborative. Many people's opinion went into it, and you can't assume one founder is the end-all, be-all of it.
And, for this reason, we have a Supreme Court to figure that out. It's one of the branches of government for a reason. And, we had a pretty good guy named John Marshall who laid the groundwork for our constitutional law.
If you have a question about a constitutional principle, you need to first look at what Justice Marshall ruled. He knew, and rubbed elbow with, the founding fathers. He knew exactly what they meant.
But, we can't stop with Marshall, or the founders. The constitution has changed 17 times since they wrote it. It's a very different document now. Which is also why they gave us the SCOTUS to interpret it's meaning for us.
Anyone who argues that the document is merely a "plain English document" is lying to themselves. There's numerous ambiguities that were purposefully left, in order to allow the current generation to interpret it's meaning with the times. It's open to be changed by amendment. The amendments all interplay with each other in complex ways. And, the reasoning for life-long terms was two-fold: To protect them from political whims, and because interpretation requires a lifetime of legal experience to do.
So, while the founders' opinion is somewhat important, it's not nearly as much as many would make it out to be.
While, it's a valid question, one needs to bear in mind that currently, "Founders' Intent" tends to be a pretty small part of the rulings these days.
Now, I can already hear it:"YOU CAN'T IGNORE THE FOUNDERS!"
This is true. But, the founders' intent has been pretty much written into precedent already, so by and large, decisions are based on precedent, based on intent.
But, what I love, is when someone quotes to me from one of the founders in opposition to a current practice. Protip: No single founder wrote the constitution. It was collaborative. Many people's opinion went into it, and you can't assume one founder is the end-all, be-all of it.
And, for this reason, we have a Supreme Court to figure that out. It's one of the branches of government for a reason. And, we had a pretty good guy named John Marshall who laid the groundwork for our constitutional law.
If you have a question about a constitutional principle, you need to first look at what Justice Marshall ruled. He knew, and rubbed elbow with, the founding fathers. He knew exactly what they meant.
But, we can't stop with Marshall, or the founders. The constitution has changed 17 times since they wrote it. It's a very different document now. Which is also why they gave us the SCOTUS to interpret it's meaning for us.
Anyone who argues that the document is merely a "plain English document" is lying to themselves. There's numerous ambiguities that were purposefully left, in order to allow the current generation to interpret it's meaning with the times. It's open to be changed by amendment. The amendments all interplay with each other in complex ways. And, the reasoning for life-long terms was two-fold: To protect them from political whims, and because interpretation requires a lifetime of legal experience to do.
So, while the founders' opinion is somewhat important, it's not nearly as much as many would make it out to be.
Monday, July 16, 2012
HSBC: Au revoir
Well, this weekend was the last weekend that any HSBC branch was open in Buffalo. They've all either closed, sold to First Niagara, or to Key Bank.
I can't say I'm sad to hear it. HSBC has never treated WNY well, and has only looked at how they can take money from our community, and funnel it elsewhere. Yeah, they hired a few people, and paid them, but by and large, they funneled hundreds of millions from our community, and sent it to Wall St. to gamble with.
And, when lease renewal on the HSBC Tower came up, they cried for taxed cuts (Which are already obscenely low). They said WNY wasn't cheap enough, unless they got a break on taxes.
Not sure about anyone else, but I am sick of corporations asking the public for welfare, and threatening to leave if they don't. They're like those friends who are always asking you to pick up the tab at a restaurant, or bar; and act like you'll lost them as a friend if you don't. How long would you stay friends with a person like that? I know I would drop them like a bad habit.
Buffalo (And WNY as a whole), seems to be the friend that keeps picking up the tab. If we give them one more tax break, they'll be able to finally create jobs. Newsflash for you: Tax cuts don't create jobs. If they did, the HSBC should have been on an insane hiring spree for the past 20 years.
But, we've got a lot of local banks: M&T, First Niagara, etc. And, don't forget all the credit unions: Riverside Federal, etc. Keep your money local!
I can't say I'm sad to hear it. HSBC has never treated WNY well, and has only looked at how they can take money from our community, and funnel it elsewhere. Yeah, they hired a few people, and paid them, but by and large, they funneled hundreds of millions from our community, and sent it to Wall St. to gamble with.
And, when lease renewal on the HSBC Tower came up, they cried for taxed cuts (Which are already obscenely low). They said WNY wasn't cheap enough, unless they got a break on taxes.
Not sure about anyone else, but I am sick of corporations asking the public for welfare, and threatening to leave if they don't. They're like those friends who are always asking you to pick up the tab at a restaurant, or bar; and act like you'll lost them as a friend if you don't. How long would you stay friends with a person like that? I know I would drop them like a bad habit.
Buffalo (And WNY as a whole), seems to be the friend that keeps picking up the tab. If we give them one more tax break, they'll be able to finally create jobs. Newsflash for you: Tax cuts don't create jobs. If they did, the HSBC should have been on an insane hiring spree for the past 20 years.
But, we've got a lot of local banks: M&T, First Niagara, etc. And, don't forget all the credit unions: Riverside Federal, etc. Keep your money local!
Friday, July 13, 2012
Chris Collins needs to STFU
Here's a message Mr. Collins: We voted you out, because you sucked.
Yep. We gave you a try, and you did nothing but try to sink any progress this county made, and tried to make. Now, you've decided to take to the national stage, and demonstrate (Once again, to the detriment of the county) your stupidity in regards to the Affordable Care Act.
I've got a little bit of new Collins: The ACA is nothing like Canada's healthcare system (Nor, is it like most of Europe's either). Canada utilizes single payer, the ACA doesn't.
Perhaps, if you actually read the law(http://www.healthcare.gov/law/full/) you might actually have known that. But, really, as a legislator (Former) you can't really be expected to actually read things, right? Is this a new GOP requirement: Must not read anything, and formulate your opinion based on what Rush Limabaugh says? Yes, that's Rush's line (Well, to be honest, Rush calls it Chi-com care, and European Health Care most often).
Collins, just STFU. You're just making yourself look even stupider than before. But, if you insist on running for Congress, please practice reading laws you are making statements on. Especially before a radio interview.
Yep. We gave you a try, and you did nothing but try to sink any progress this county made, and tried to make. Now, you've decided to take to the national stage, and demonstrate (Once again, to the detriment of the county) your stupidity in regards to the Affordable Care Act.
I've got a little bit of new Collins: The ACA is nothing like Canada's healthcare system (Nor, is it like most of Europe's either). Canada utilizes single payer, the ACA doesn't.
Perhaps, if you actually read the law(http://www.healthcare.gov/law/full/) you might actually have known that. But, really, as a legislator (Former) you can't really be expected to actually read things, right? Is this a new GOP requirement: Must not read anything, and formulate your opinion based on what Rush Limabaugh says? Yes, that's Rush's line (Well, to be honest, Rush calls it Chi-com care, and European Health Care most often).
Collins, just STFU. You're just making yourself look even stupider than before. But, if you insist on running for Congress, please practice reading laws you are making statements on. Especially before a radio interview.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Last Gap in WNY - Erie Canal Trailway
This is very heartening news! An 8 mile segment of the Erie Canal Trailway is on it's way to being completed. This is a Good Thing (TM) for Buffalo, and WNY as a whole for several reasons.
For starters, the Erie Canal Trailway Tour is a major annual event, drawing at least 500 people for the official event (Registered riders), and many, many more in support crews for the riders. Then, add into this general tourism, the trailway contributes about $380 million into the Upstate NY economy annually.
Then, adding jobs to the economy is a big hit as well. Each mile of roadway creates 1 job in the state (On average). Each mile of bicycles infrastructure adds 2.
I for one am glad they're completing this. Now, if only they could figure out how to get funding for the infrastructure inside of the city, and surrounding areas, I'd be ecstatic!
Will this be the prompting for us to build out more infrastructure for mutli-modal transport in the city? They've already made leaps and bounds to the local bicycle trails, now we just need to work on that Niagara St. restriping project.
For starters, the Erie Canal Trailway Tour is a major annual event, drawing at least 500 people for the official event (Registered riders), and many, many more in support crews for the riders. Then, add into this general tourism, the trailway contributes about $380 million into the Upstate NY economy annually.
Then, adding jobs to the economy is a big hit as well. Each mile of roadway creates 1 job in the state (On average). Each mile of bicycles infrastructure adds 2.
I for one am glad they're completing this. Now, if only they could figure out how to get funding for the infrastructure inside of the city, and surrounding areas, I'd be ecstatic!
Will this be the prompting for us to build out more infrastructure for mutli-modal transport in the city? They've already made leaps and bounds to the local bicycle trails, now we just need to work on that Niagara St. restriping project.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
What and who is a conservative?
Who or what the hell is a conservative these days?
I'm currently at a loss to figure this one out. What I thought made a conservative was the following:
Seems today's conservatives are anything BUT the above. They spend like drunken sailors with a credit card (No offense to you Navy guys out there); they want to regulate all sorts of personal decisions such as women's vaginas, or who can build a church somewhere; they rush to war like a mob with bloodlust; separation of church and state need not apply; and inane subsidies to giant corporations.
I even had a talk with Mike Madigan's stumpers. They're notion of a conservative is "He's a Republican", and if they are pro-woman's choice, anti-corporate spending, anti-war, or believe in a solid constitutional foundation, then they are "Ebil commie libs!"
Did the conservative concept get flipped upside down or something in the past 30 years? I'll tell you, it's nigh impossible to have a rational discussion with conservatives in this area.
Over on their Secret Squirrel meetup group, it was said that in order to be a conservative, the following criteria must be met:
What the hell does any of this have to do with being conservative? This is just a symptom of the "Low Information Voter" disease. Everything is pre-chewed, and regurgitated to be spat out at random by the sycophants.
Reminds me of the Newspeak term "duckspeak":
What do you think? Am I painting with an overly large brush here? Are there better examples of today's conservatives? If so, who?
I'm currently at a loss to figure this one out. What I thought made a conservative was the following:
- Fiscally conservative spending (Spend what you have, and no more)
- Getting out of personal decisions
- Slow to go to war
- Constitutional Originalist
- Minimal government involvement in economics
Seems today's conservatives are anything BUT the above. They spend like drunken sailors with a credit card (No offense to you Navy guys out there); they want to regulate all sorts of personal decisions such as women's vaginas, or who can build a church somewhere; they rush to war like a mob with bloodlust; separation of church and state need not apply; and inane subsidies to giant corporations.
I even had a talk with Mike Madigan's stumpers. They're notion of a conservative is "He's a Republican", and if they are pro-woman's choice, anti-corporate spending, anti-war, or believe in a solid constitutional foundation, then they are "Ebil commie libs!"
Did the conservative concept get flipped upside down or something in the past 30 years? I'll tell you, it's nigh impossible to have a rational discussion with conservatives in this area.
Over on their Secret Squirrel meetup group, it was said that in order to be a conservative, the following criteria must be met:
- Must be "born again" (What? I wasn't good enough the first time?)
- Must listen, and like Rush Limbaugh (I know a few conservatives who can't stand him)
- Must love Wendy Long (Don't know what there is to love, she has yet to detail a platform really)
- Must Love GW Bush (Who racked up at least 3 trillion on the deficit with wars alone)
What the hell does any of this have to do with being conservative? This is just a symptom of the "Low Information Voter" disease. Everything is pre-chewed, and regurgitated to be spat out at random by the sycophants.
Reminds me of the Newspeak term "duckspeak":
Duckspeak is a Newspeak term meaning literally to quack like a duck or to speak without thinking. Duckspeak can be either good or "ungood" (bad), depending on who is speaking, and whether what they are saying is in following with the ideals of Big Brother. To speak rubbish and lies may be ungood, but to speak rubbish and lies for the good of "The Party" may be good.Wow, sounds rather appropriate, huh? Is this what conservatives have basically turned into? The Party? Time will tell if the conservatives come to their senses.
What do you think? Am I painting with an overly large brush here? Are there better examples of today's conservatives? If so, who?
Yep, Twitter Now
So, since I'm trying to do the whole "publishing thing" (Yes, my ego is getting to me), I've decided to expand my readership in a new fashion.
Many of my readers come from blogs I follow (Thank you!), Facebook and G+ Friends (Thank you too!), and some random stumblers (Nice to meet you!). Well, one more frontier: Twitter!
You can follow me @WNYProgessive. I'll be pumping my feed from here to over there as well (Gotta find a use for this RSS feed), and adding "on the moment" stuff that comes up in the WNY Politics scene, as well as retweets from the others in the local, and national politics news-realm.
I'm also working on adding the twitter feed here, so you can also keep track of what is going on over there, if you're not an avid twitter user.
If I'm doing it wrong, let me know. I'm always open to suggestions. Cheers!
Many of my readers come from blogs I follow (Thank you!), Facebook and G+ Friends (Thank you too!), and some random stumblers (Nice to meet you!). Well, one more frontier: Twitter!
You can follow me @WNYProgessive. I'll be pumping my feed from here to over there as well (Gotta find a use for this RSS feed), and adding "on the moment" stuff that comes up in the WNY Politics scene, as well as retweets from the others in the local, and national politics news-realm.
I'm also working on adding the twitter feed here, so you can also keep track of what is going on over there, if you're not an avid twitter user.
If I'm doing it wrong, let me know. I'm always open to suggestions. Cheers!
Monday, July 9, 2012
Chris Christie?
So, rumors around the GOP fireplace is Christie is getting the nod as the running mate for Romney. Oh joy, this is going to be about as fun as Palin running as McCain's running mate choice. Except, not nearly as funny.
At least with Palin, we got lots of humorous gaffes. I think the only thing Christie does is blow up at reporters. He sounds a lot like Paladino there. Except, I think Paladino would be a better choice than Christie, as much as I despise Paladino.
I wondering if Christie jockeying for the VP ticket is just preparation to avoid getting the shit can at the polls in the next gubernatorial race for NJ. Kind of like how Palin jumped on the VP ticket chance to avoid an ouster in Alaska (Which she quit half way through anyways).
There's a few running mates I'd pick for Romney, that would be much better: Jon Huntsman for starters. Oh wait, he's basically disavowed the GOP until they can get their whackadoodles in line. More or less I've left the GOP in the dust: The loonies are running the asylum there.
But, it's going to be a long, and interesting race. For the first time, a sitting president has been out-spent on the campaign by 10-to-1. Let's see if money truly does buy elections this time around.
At least with Palin, we got lots of humorous gaffes. I think the only thing Christie does is blow up at reporters. He sounds a lot like Paladino there. Except, I think Paladino would be a better choice than Christie, as much as I despise Paladino.
I wondering if Christie jockeying for the VP ticket is just preparation to avoid getting the shit can at the polls in the next gubernatorial race for NJ. Kind of like how Palin jumped on the VP ticket chance to avoid an ouster in Alaska (Which she quit half way through anyways).
There's a few running mates I'd pick for Romney, that would be much better: Jon Huntsman for starters. Oh wait, he's basically disavowed the GOP until they can get their whackadoodles in line. More or less I've left the GOP in the dust: The loonies are running the asylum there.
But, it's going to be a long, and interesting race. For the first time, a sitting president has been out-spent on the campaign by 10-to-1. Let's see if money truly does buy elections this time around.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Taste of Buffalo 2012
Taking a step away from politics here, this weekend is the Taste of Buffalo. It's touted as being something like the 2nd biggest food festival in the US. Many people argue over that point. I don't. Want to know why?
Because it's awesome, no matter what! If you're not going down there this year, you've got to. Sangria Slushies for adults, ice cream for kids, stuffed peppers to die for, chic pea curry from Tandori's, etc etc
And, you've got the beer tents, some great music, and a kid's area as well!
First we went as a family, it was a blast, and we've gone every year since. We're on an aggressive savings plan right now, but we're definitely splurging on this one here. It's always a good time.
So, if you are wondering what to do this weekend, head on out to the Taste of Buffalo. Tickets are $1 each, and most items are 2 or 3 tickets. You wont be disappointed.
CORRECTED
Tickets are 50 cents a piece. Sold in increments of 5 dollar sheets. Most items start at 4 tickets
Because it's awesome, no matter what! If you're not going down there this year, you've got to. Sangria Slushies for adults, ice cream for kids, stuffed peppers to die for, chic pea curry from Tandori's, etc etc
And, you've got the beer tents, some great music, and a kid's area as well!
First we went as a family, it was a blast, and we've gone every year since. We're on an aggressive savings plan right now, but we're definitely splurging on this one here. It's always a good time.
So, if you are wondering what to do this weekend, head on out to the Taste of Buffalo. Tickets are $1 each, and most items are 2 or 3 tickets. You wont be disappointed.
CORRECTED
Tickets are 50 cents a piece. Sold in increments of 5 dollar sheets. Most items start at 4 tickets
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Hochul Tours Singer Farms
Well, this was a nice change of pace to see on the news a couple of days ago. Hochul toured Singer Farm Naturals, highlighting their new renewable energy setup.
They have done a solar and wind install, showing that yes, you can use solar power here in WNY, and yes, you can use wind energy. Singer Farm Naturals generates $20-$30 in electricity each day, usually generating a surplus.
That's a farm, using renewables, to power their work. Probably wouldn't have been possible without tax help for a small business to invest in our future. If the GOP really wants to help small businesses, they should be pushing for more tax credits like these.
Since Singer Naturals can stand out now, more people will buy their produce there. I know since stumbling into the farmer's market scene, I don't like buying produce from grocery stores. I like talking to the man or woman who made my food.
Agriculture is one of the largest consumers of fossil fuels. With all the flub about fracking here in WNY, why not promote renewable sources, rather than more fossil fuels? If a farm can do a net generation, so can any other business.
And, this, is a huge driver of economic gains: The farmer, makes his (Or her) mark, by touting renewable energy sourcing. They spend $26K out of their own pocket (Another $20K or so in grants/tax credits/et al), which goes to employ the makers of those energy production systems, which in turn goes back to the economy. There is nothing but "win" in this scenario. Small business is what drives our economy.
To his benefit, Mark Grisanti has been pushing these sorts of small business credits. And, so has Hochul, and Gillibrand. WNY needs to carpe diem here, and make ourselves known as the Renewable Central of the US. We are already positioned, with the Niagara Falls Power Project. Let's extend our reputation down to the individual.
Most conservatives should be on board with this too: Cutting taxes to small businesses, reducing reliance on others (By producing your own, you are no longer relying on a giant public infrastructure), and boosting the private sector. This is another win-win where Progressives and Conservatives can both meet to do great things. Now, if only we can get rid of the partisanship, we can all get there.
They have done a solar and wind install, showing that yes, you can use solar power here in WNY, and yes, you can use wind energy. Singer Farm Naturals generates $20-$30 in electricity each day, usually generating a surplus.
That's a farm, using renewables, to power their work. Probably wouldn't have been possible without tax help for a small business to invest in our future. If the GOP really wants to help small businesses, they should be pushing for more tax credits like these.
Since Singer Naturals can stand out now, more people will buy their produce there. I know since stumbling into the farmer's market scene, I don't like buying produce from grocery stores. I like talking to the man or woman who made my food.
Agriculture is one of the largest consumers of fossil fuels. With all the flub about fracking here in WNY, why not promote renewable sources, rather than more fossil fuels? If a farm can do a net generation, so can any other business.
And, this, is a huge driver of economic gains: The farmer, makes his (Or her) mark, by touting renewable energy sourcing. They spend $26K out of their own pocket (Another $20K or so in grants/tax credits/et al), which goes to employ the makers of those energy production systems, which in turn goes back to the economy. There is nothing but "win" in this scenario. Small business is what drives our economy.
To his benefit, Mark Grisanti has been pushing these sorts of small business credits. And, so has Hochul, and Gillibrand. WNY needs to carpe diem here, and make ourselves known as the Renewable Central of the US. We are already positioned, with the Niagara Falls Power Project. Let's extend our reputation down to the individual.
Most conservatives should be on board with this too: Cutting taxes to small businesses, reducing reliance on others (By producing your own, you are no longer relying on a giant public infrastructure), and boosting the private sector. This is another win-win where Progressives and Conservatives can both meet to do great things. Now, if only we can get rid of the partisanship, we can all get there.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Tea Party: Still Alive?
I don't know about other areas, but I think I can say with a good amount of certainty the Tea Party is dead here in WNY.
I managed to find one of their internet hangouts, courtesy of some Google-Fu after having an encounter with a stumper for one the local Tea Party darlings: Mike Madigan. I was, shall I say, less than impressed by his supporter. I did chat with Madigan a bit personally, and he comes across as sensible, even though my political views differ from his somewhat (Actually, a lot).
I still have yet to find out what his platform is, however. Except "Democrats bad! Vote me!" Sorry, that kind of nonsense just doesn't fly with me. Anyone who knows me knows that I don't bother voting for someone based on the ballot line they sit on. I want to know actionable plans that a candidate is working towards. Madigan has shown me very little of any plan, other than "Whatever a democrat has done, I want to undo".
So, as I was saying, I meandered over to their internet hangout. It's over on Meetup (meetup.com/TEA-New-York/). The place is a ghost town, with only one person really posting "News". Their last even had 5 people attending. Hell, I think the Green Party is more active, to be honest.
So, I can say with some certainty, the Tea Party is just as well dead here in WNY. And, I think the reason being is they vote labels, and not substance. While, I'll admit so do many voters here in WNY, but they seemed to support contradictory labels, and refuse to examine it. That, and they seem to have some whackadoodles gravitating to them, like Jim Ostrowski (A subject of another blog post, on another day).
I have to admit, I am kind of sad about this. When I first got wind of the Tea Party, I thought, "Hey! This is pretty good! Maybe they'll affect some change in the GOP, and I could start considering GOP'ers again!"
Reality was, less than expected, shall we say.
What we got, was the extreme fringe of the right, that up to know, was basically ignored (With good reason. Same reason the extreme left fringes are ignored). They were then embraced by the GOP, pushing them even further out into right field.
Head over to that Meetup, and see if you can make any sense out those folks, and come back and let me know what you think.
I managed to find one of their internet hangouts, courtesy of some Google-Fu after having an encounter with a stumper for one the local Tea Party darlings: Mike Madigan. I was, shall I say, less than impressed by his supporter. I did chat with Madigan a bit personally, and he comes across as sensible, even though my political views differ from his somewhat (Actually, a lot).
I still have yet to find out what his platform is, however. Except "Democrats bad! Vote me!" Sorry, that kind of nonsense just doesn't fly with me. Anyone who knows me knows that I don't bother voting for someone based on the ballot line they sit on. I want to know actionable plans that a candidate is working towards. Madigan has shown me very little of any plan, other than "Whatever a democrat has done, I want to undo".
So, as I was saying, I meandered over to their internet hangout. It's over on Meetup (meetup.com/TEA-New-York/). The place is a ghost town, with only one person really posting "News". Their last even had 5 people attending. Hell, I think the Green Party is more active, to be honest.
So, I can say with some certainty, the Tea Party is just as well dead here in WNY. And, I think the reason being is they vote labels, and not substance. While, I'll admit so do many voters here in WNY, but they seemed to support contradictory labels, and refuse to examine it. That, and they seem to have some whackadoodles gravitating to them, like Jim Ostrowski (A subject of another blog post, on another day).
I have to admit, I am kind of sad about this. When I first got wind of the Tea Party, I thought, "Hey! This is pretty good! Maybe they'll affect some change in the GOP, and I could start considering GOP'ers again!"
Reality was, less than expected, shall we say.
What we got, was the extreme fringe of the right, that up to know, was basically ignored (With good reason. Same reason the extreme left fringes are ignored). They were then embraced by the GOP, pushing them even further out into right field.
Head over to that Meetup, and see if you can make any sense out those folks, and come back and let me know what you think.
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