Bearing the Brunt

Sigh.

As of this election, there are two new laws on the Abilene books (well, OK, there will be two new laws in January--the city council has said so). First, citizens who are 65 and over will have a property tax freeze; second, smoking is banned in all public places, regardless of whether a private business wants to allow smoking within its walls.

People have commented that "the older citizens really understand how to mobilize" and that "if younger people cared, then they'd vote more." That's probably true. Maybe I'll get a public referendum on the ballot that all people with blue eyes should not have to pay taxes. Or blonde hair. Or convertibles. Or whatever else I can think of that garners votes. Then, I'll get all blue-eyed, blonde-haired convertible drivers to go vote it in. Our city council would likely say, "Well, gee, that's what the city wants, so we'd better do it" rather than "Despite what some people want, our city can't afford to do this, so we will make responsible decisions."

Enough ranting. I actually mailed a letter to two city council members expressing my disdain with their actions and asking them--politely--to REDUCE SPENDING instead of merely restributing taxes to younger citizens. I urge my readers to do the same.

Mark my Words...

I'm calling it.

Democrats will likely win control of the government today, I concede. What a sad, sad day.

However, I want to point out this morning that the economy, under the relatively conservative watch of the Republicans, is the strongest it's been in years. Lowest unemployment rate, frequent stock-market records, and low inflation. Beautiful. When the Democrats who win today look back in a few years and say, "You know, since we've been in office, the economy has been surging" and point to 2004-2006, I want you, Reader, to say "LIAR!!"

The Dems will try to take credit for today's robust economy. Don't let them.