State of the State: Lacking in Substance

How impressive that Gov. Paterson memorized such a lengthy speech, but what a shame it didn't have more substance.

I've always thought everyone should have a few memorized poems handy - just in case they're suddenly gripped by passion, yet have nothing interesting to say. So our Gov. should be forgiven for reciting poetry during the 2009 State of the State. However, in these difficult economic times, we expected more realistic goals and specific solutions to go along with pomp and circumstance.

I was expecting Gov. Paterson to have a more clarified vision of his Obesity Tax. Though he's got the right idea, it's not soundly implemented. Why tax Coke for its sugar content, but leave Diet Coke, with its dubious artificial sweeteners, untaxed?

Here are a few other things I was expecting, hoping to hear during the State of the State:

Gov: All elected officials will have a 15% decrease in salary. So a NY Senator gets $68,000 instead of $80,000. [Gov turns to the Senate] That won't be too bad, right? [The Senate stands up for sustained applause]

Gov: I'm assuming the teacher's unions want nothing less than improved NY education, and don't care about protecting the archaic tenure system. From now on, we will have a merit system that will weed out the bad teachers from public schools, we will remove the unnecessary Board of Regents, and we'll put charter schools in the Northern NY region, especially in counties hardest hit by the local economy. [Teacher's unions, picketing outside, drop their placards, and cheer.]

Gov: I'm OK with the minimum wage staying at $7, since we need small business to be able to hire a large workforce. However, the NY work force working for minimum wage will receive earned income tax credit. They may have a $20,000 a year job, but they'll be getting at least $5,000 extra in a tax break. [Small business owners, listening from TVs at their business, cheer.]

Gov: We have a "clean energy cluster" in Northern NY. Right now, windpower is now saturating that cluster. Growing alongside the wind facilities, I'd also like to see biomass facilities. We need a balance between the various clean technologies for two reasons: 1) We should avoid sprawling wind turbines, and 2) Biomass often provides more jobs than windpower.

Gov: And to avoid the over-saturation of clean tech facilities in Northern NY, we will also install nanotechnology facilities in the Northern NY region, especially in counties hardest hit by the local economy.

Gov: We will have total broadband in Northern NY by 2010.

Gov: In conclusion, "Do not go gentle into economic blight! And rage, rage against Pepsi, Coke, and Sprite"

We're in this Together: In Difficult Economic Times, Shop Local, and Encourage Visitors to Shop in Your Community

Consumers wield great power by how they spend their dollar. Why is China becoming the next global superpower? Why are a large percentage of American farmers living near or below the poverty line? Because American shoppers can't resist a good deal. If they can save two dollars buying imported vegetables instead of buying vegetables from the farmer down the road, 9 times out of 10 they'll buy the cheap veggies.

Keep in mind, there's always a reason why a food can be sold so cheaply. Maybe it'd help to just let your mind imagine all the cost-cutting choices a fast food franchise could make to sell a 99 cent burger.

At the same time, keep in mind, we live in an era of globalization. The lines between nations are blurred. When it comes to new technology, all bet's are off. And it'd be very crippling to our economy to attempt reversing the current lines of world commerce.

In the green technology sector (sustainable vehicles, renewable energy, etc.), the U.S. has A LOT of catching up to do. That doesn't mean we should avoid purchasing and supporting green tech. On the contrary, buy and support all green technology regardless of where it originated - the nature of capitalism will propel American companies to meet the consumers green tech demand.

However, when purchasing food, keep the following in mind:

• Look at the label to make sure the product was made in New York. The closer to your community, the better. Look for any opportunity to buy food from your neighbors.

• Always be on the look-out for pancake breakfasts, chicken BBQs, ham dinners, etc. put on by your local church, fire dept, or community organization.

• Shop at your local merchants and food producers, even if it means adding $10 onto your weekly spending. You might save gas money, and consider the extra cost "survival dues" for the local economy.

• We live in a nation of high mobility. Even if your community is not necessarily a tourist destination, walk the streets regularly and keep an eye out for people who are visiting or just passing through. Take the opportunity to talk to the visitors, be friendly, and promote your local merchants.

• If there's no Farmers Market in your community, encourage one and help promote it. If there is a Farmers Market in your community, shop at it regularly and help promote it.

Maybe you've heard this all before, but it's a new year, and the prognosticators are saying this will be an economically difficult year. Let's set a goal to invest our communities, pay that little extra for locally produced food. As hard as times may get, we're all in this together, and the food producers and local merchants in your community will need your support.

NY Resolution: A Solution with Every Criticism

Skim through the Northern New York blogs, and you’re likely to conclude most NNY residents are bitter complainers -- resentlful of powers beyond their control and eager for someone to sue.
It seems the younger folks have video games to let off steam; and the older folks have blogs.

The blog complainers find catharsis in finger-pointing. And yet their blame often proves to be misguided. Misguided in that they rarely see how some blame might fall in their own lap:

• People complain the mom and pop stores in their small town are dying out, yet they shop regularly at Wal-Mart;

• People complain that young people are looking out of state for jobs, yet they’ll fight tooth and nail to stop any big business development in their community;

• And people complain there’s no sense of community in their community…while they spend all day blogging on their computer.


Also, they rarely see how they can play a role in making a change for the better:

• People hate all Democrats, yet they’ve never actively campaigned for a Republican candidate;

• People hate how they feel disenfranchised from their NNY community, yet they refuse to sell the Arizona condo they live in for 10 months every year;

• And they will viciously condemn their local government officials in letters in the local newspaper, yet not once in their life will they ever attempt to talk directly with a local government official, nor will they attempt to run for a local government position.


When I was enrolled in one of our fine NNY high schools, my 8th grade English teacher gave me sage advice that I carry with me to this day. Giving me a D on my argument essay, Mr. S said, “There are two kinds of people in this world: the kind that walk into a room and say, ‘Here I am!’ and the kind that walk into a room and say, ‘There you are!’

“The person that says, “Here I am!” is more interested in ranting that resolution; he is more interested in finger-pointing and shaming others. If he sees he’s at odds with majority opinion in the community, his only response is bitterness. Rather than trying to understand the majority opinion, he’ll instead choose to spread his bitterness, hoping to make others as bitter as he is. He’d rather be a ringleader of resentment than an agent of constructive change, betterment in his community.

“The person that says, ‘There you are!’ recognizes he is just one member of a community. Understanding the rationale behind majority opinion is important. If he sees a problem in his community, his response is active listening and active communication, with consideration for the diverse members of his community. To be a ‘There you are!’ person will increase your chances of influencing others, making positive change desirable to others, and ultimately bettering your community. In the very least, you’ll avoid a life of disconnection and bitterness.”

Mr. S pointed at the D on my argument paper, and said, “You wrote this paper as if you were the only person in the room. You need to write this believing you're speaking to an audience. And you’re not on a podium talking AT your audience; you’re sitting in a circle sharing WITH your audience.”

Fortunately, Mr. S allowed me to revise my paper. I took his advice and I got an A- (my grammar wasn’t quite up to par).

For a New Year’s resolution in Northern New York, let’s try to be people who walk into a room (or comment on a blog) and say, “There you are!” Let’s not idly complain. Whenever pointing out a problem in our community, try to offer a reasonable solution – a solution that most community members might want to help you accomplish.

Long Range Missives

In yesterday’s Watertown Daily Times, in the Letters from the People section, Peter Graves of Arlington, Virginia condemns Vice President-elect Joe Biden for a gaffe he made while on the campaign trail.

Peter, we understand you’re sour about the election results, but look on the bright side, you’re from Virginia, and according to the new electoral map, just go west, young man, and you’ll be in Kentucky, surrounded by angry McCain/Palin mobs to commiserate with.

Why is someone from Virginia using our local newspaper to dredge up an old Biden gaffe, apparently wanting to rub our noses in it? (It was an innocuous gaffe by the way -- it’s not like Biden boasted, “Bring’em on” like Bush did when told Iraq insurgents were aggressively targeting our troops.)

Peter from Virginia has been regularly writing “Damn you, Democrats” letters to the Watertown Daily Times. He particularly enjoys mocking monthly Times contributor Stewart MacMillan from Guffin Bay, calling McMillan unpatriotic and a socialist. (Actually, MacMillan takes pride in the latter accusation.)

As residents of the North Country, we may not all agree with MacMillan’s left-leaning opinions, but he's no less our neighbor, a member of our community. I suppose we should be proud that our local newspaper has a readership that stretches all the way to Virginia. But it seems disrespectful for out-of-state residents to use our local newspapers to mock and chastise members of our community.

And it’s not just happening in the Watertown Daily Times. In the Jefferson County Journal, Bill Stanley from Black Mountain, North Carolina regularly writes “Damn you, Liberals” letters. Bill writes weekly to mock any Obama-supporters in the Journal readership.

We’re year-round residents of the North Country; we’re a proud tribe. You loft insults at one of our members from states away, and you’re insulting all of us. Wouldn’t it be common courtesy to at least become a year-round resident in our community first, before you regularly ridicule our community members?

I know we live in a global society, and channels of communication can never be localized, nor should they be. But if you’re from out-of-state and allowed the privilege of voicing your opinions in our local newspapers, and all you have is mockery and condescension for our community members, then perhaps it’d be best if you kept your ugly ridicule at a more local level. Why not start with your mirror?

Leadership to Inspire Northern New York?

Jefferson Community College held a Leadership Day on October 28th. On this day, students got an opportunity to talk to national, local and student leaders about developing their leadership skills. The keynote speaker was Jack Lengyel, former head coach of the Marshall University football team. The movie "We Are Marshall" is based on his story: how he helped a grieving community come together after a 1970 plane crash that killed 75 people, including most of the Marshall University's football team.

I commend JCC for having a Leadership Day. And having Mr. Lengyel speak is quite a coup. However, was Mr. Lengyel their best choice for inspiring leadership in Northern New York? I have an immense amount of respect for Mr. Lengyel, and hope he visits Northern New York again and often. But Northern New York has unique needs: unique economic needs and unique development needs. And for those particular needs, JCC's Leadership Day keynote speaker should have been someone keenly adept at addressing those needs.

Mr. Lengyels's leadership speech has universal ties to every community, this I understand, yet Northern New York is suffering "brain drain," with college graduates looking elsewhere for work, and very few young people interested in civic leadership. Couldn't JCC have chosen a keynote speaker that inspired JCC students to become entrepreneurs in Northern New York? Couldn't the speaker have been an elected official or community leader from Northern New York whose leadership rejuvenated a community? Couldn't they have found a leader that brought the community together to resolve its economic and development needs? Did the speaker have to be someone portrayed by Matthew McConaughey in a recent Hollywood film?

Imagine a speaker from Northern New York who not only provided JCC students with the inspiration and tools to make a positive difference in their hometown, but also was someone "from the area" they could regularly communicate with as they put their leadership plans to action.

I wonder if the student attendees of JCC's Leadership Day felt Mr. Lengyel's keynote speech equipped them with the necessary tools and direction to become positive leaders in their community. Or were they simply awed to be in the presence of someone with two degrees separation from Hollywood's Matthew McConaughey?

Trickle Down Anti-Socialism

With the current state of our economy, it’s become indisputable that Reagonomics is a failure. There are now substantially fewer subscribers to the belief that unfettered free market and cutting taxes on the super-rich will keep our economy buoyant and wealth will trickle down.

To me, Reagonomics never made sense. We depend on the super-rich to spend their millions on goods and services, and the money is supposed to “trickle down” to middle-class Americans? What if the super-rich decide to hoard their money in Swiss bank accounts? What if the super-rich invest in overseas properties, and spend 90% their time and money overseas? How would these money choices by the super-rich cause wealth to trickle down to middle-class Americans?

Plus, I find it unethical to put so much dependence on any section of the American population to be as materialistic as possible. It’s unethical to put into people’s minds that buying lots of stuff is patriotic or that buying stuff, while increasing wastefulness, is required for America to prosper.

But all you have to do is look at the ever increasing squeeze of middle-class to see the failure of trickle down economics. The only thing that has trickled down is the anti-socialism of the super-rich.

Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh – both millionaires, both born into wealthy families, both never had to work manual labor job – complain about socialism because, if there’s even the slightest curbing of the unfettered capitalism they’ve always been accustom to, they may not be able to buy that fourth mansion in the Caribbean.

The problem is, younger low-income conservatives, weaned on the sensationalistic invective of Hannity, Limbaugh, etc. persist in believing they are on the cusp of being millionaires too, but it’s the "socialistic policies of the Democrats" that prevent them from achieving this American Dream.

And retired conservatives weaned on the Hannity, Limbaugh, etc. believe the reason they never became millionaires was because of the "socialistic policies of the Democrats."

It makes sense for the super-rich to hate socialism. It makes sense the super-rich spend their days working to indoctrinate the electorate to vote for anti-socialist policy-makers. But for a lower income person to hate socialism, shows an entrenched misunderstanding of socialism.

Though Obama is no socialist, the McCain campaign is hoping all the anti-socialism that has trickled down to frustrated conservatives, like Joe the Plumber, will inspire them to vote againt any Democrat.

So Joe the Plumber wants to know why he should get taxed more for making over $250,000. In thoughtfully answering Joe, Obama brought up a good point – it’s ridiculous for business owners to whine about more taxes when their customers are less taxed, and therefore more willing to spend money at Joe's business.

Think about it: Usually the super-rich are not the ones shopping at your small town mom and pop store. If the middle-class have more disposable income, and the tax dollars from the rich are going toward better roads and public transportation (instead of that fourth mansion in the Carribbean), then maybe small businesses will thrive from repeat business.

The Enduring Epidemic of Turn-the-Other-Cheek Democrats

Though I believe Obama won last Friday’s debate handily, I kept waiting for Obama to make a knockout punch.

And there were so many opportunities for Obama make a knockout. Several times he could have turned to McCain, and said, “John, most of your responses are ad hominem, character attacks that don’t address the issue we’re discussing,” or “John, you claim that your campaign puts ‘country first’ and denounces partisanship, yet many of your responses tonight are clearly intended to foment partisanship, thereby proving that when you say ‘country first’ it is not true.”

Ultimately, Obama proved too respectful and polite. But this is what we’ve come to expect from Democrats. Throughout the Bush presidency, the Democrats have demonstrated a frustrating respect and politeness toward Bush Republicans.

Where are the firebrands? Where are the fighters? Where is the raw anger? Where is the unifying Democratic voice shouting, “No more!”

Democrats need to fight back not just by pushing back when pushed, but by also loudly criticizing any Republican who wastes time demonizing Democrats in general, wastes time arguing that all Democrats are“liberal,” or puts party first before country.