The mission of mnpACT! is to build a progressive community based upon the
core values of respect, dignity and opportunity, by educating people about
progressive ideas, advocating for progressive issues, and electing
progressive candidates to local, state and federal offices.
From Hastings, MN: Dakota County's recount is going fairly smoothly so far. Numbers aren't changing much and the counting is orderly and quiet. I spent about an hour watching the process. Just a couple of quick observations.
I would guess that each county takes it lead from the head election officials. In Dakota County, it would seem that the prevailing attitude fostered by the officials, is that a challenged ballot is like an "insult" to the process. Few ballots have been challenged and of those that were, the chief election official "pushed" the process to make a voter intent decision at this level. I'm not sure that type of gentle "coercion" is legitimate, but so far he seems to be moving things in that direction. To be fair, the vast majority of ballots are pretty clear and few challenges are probably worth dealing with.... still the time . . .
With all the discussion about bailing out the big 3 automakers, the idea of a viable end product is really already being built.
Tesla builds electric cars. Take a look at their website and you can see that this is a hot product.....the product of the future. Customer satisfaction is through the roof and demand is high. But, the price is still prohibitive for mainstream demand and production is slow because they custom make the cars.
But Tesla is also a victim of an economy in crisis. So, if bailouts are becoming the "rescue" of choice, why not invest money in a real solution? Give Tesla the opportunity to retool and remake the car of the future.
Don't bail out the car companies of the past. The future is Tesla. . . .
Looking at the next Minnesota legislative session is a daunting undertaking. Trying to figure out what to do with a looming budget deficit, that was essentially band-aided in 2008, has no good answers.
A recent report on the Metro Transit budget shows that decreasing auto sales, which means less transit excise tax collections, will result in an $80 to $90 million deficit in their budget.
An August analysis of state budgets showed then, that 29 states would have a cumulative budget deficit of $48 billion. Judging by the economic issues that have developed since then, you should probably assume more states are involved and the deficit numbers have at least doubled.
Options? Nothing good.
Increasing taxes risks furthur economic slowdown, although, a few targeted increases to meet specific funding mechanisms may . . .
