08/18/08

Revamping Our State Legislature (Part I)

Centuries ago, Thomas Paine, a great visionary, realized that “common sense” prevailed in a world of uncertainty.  This column is dedicated to him and others who believe that practical reasoning and sound principles of governance can truly make a difference in our society.

While a significant amount of media coverage will descend upon the national conventions in Denver (Democrats) and Minneapolis (Republicans) over the next few weeks, the lights in Legislative Hall in Dover are relatively dim and the parking spaces remain vacant. As many Delawareans are facing rising oil and gas prices and a sluggish economy, it is rather odd that our lawmakers are in recess after a mere six months of work. In the shadow of some of our nation’s economic...

Posted at 08:55 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

06/09/08

A Time for Healing and Governance

After months of political turmoil in the Democratic Party nationwide, the political landscape is beginning to return to a state of tranquility. While our presumptive presidential nominees, U.S. Senators John McCain and Barack Obama, search for their ideal running mates, we must use this brief pause to heal the partisan bickering (ironically, intra-party bickering) gripping our federal and state governments. At both the national and state levels, it appears that our lawmakers have taken a public policy recess to focus on campaigning for their candidate of choice. 

At a moment when energy prices are soaring, food costs are skyrocketing and people are watching their life savings dwindle in a volatile stock market, it appears that...

Posted at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

05/05/08

The Spring of Economic Discontent…Time for an Economic Recovery Plan

As warmer temperatures return to the First State, many Delawareans are faced with rising fuel prices and tolls, falling wages and home sales, layoffs (or should I use the politically correct phrase, “corporate restructuring” or “downsizing”) and soaring food costs. Over the past few months, news of a downturn in the United States economy has consumed Delawareans with the speed of a snowball hurtling from atop a mountain. It seems that most state governments, including our own, are looking to Congress and the White House to address the economic woes of their constituents—only to find similar financial troubles plaguing our national treasury with most of our tax dollars expended in the Iraqi desert and the Afghanistan mountains.  

Though...

Posted at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

04/10/08

THE PAINE CORNER

THE PAINE CORNER

Centuries ago, Thomas Paine, a great visionary, realized that “common sense” prevailed in a world of uncertainty. This column is dedicated to him and others who believe that practical reasoning and sound principles of governance can truly make a difference in our society.

Posted at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0