4u_n_4me
Proud Member
They're bad, they're bad, we know it
By Eric Heyl
PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Talk about an off-the-wall response.
The state House wasted no time Tuesday reacting to Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed budget, perhaps the most controversial spending plan in Pennsylvania history.
While holding the line on taxes, Corbett suggested making significant cuts in basic and higher education funding, eliminating 1,500 state jobs and having public school employees take a voluntary wage freeze.
The citizenry was up in arms, all aflutter, in a highly excited state. Attention immediately turned to the reception the volatile recommendations would receive from legislators who will vote on the budget.
Thankfully, the citizenry didn't have long to wait. Later that day, House lawmakers authoritatively responded to Corbett's proposals.
They did so by approving a resolution paying tribute to Michael Jackson.
That's right, Michael Jackson.
The resolution was introduced by Rep. Louise Bishop, D-Philadelphia. A surprising local co-sponsor was House Minority Leader Frank Dermody, D-Oakmont, whom many political insiders long believed was partial to Prince.
The resolution to "celebrate the contributions of Michael Jackson to music, performance, culture and charity" wasn't adopted unanimously. It was approved in a 108-89 vote that divided family members.
Rep. Paul Costa, D-Wilkins, voted to approve the measure; his cousin, Rep. Dom Costa, D-Stanton Heights, did not.
Paul Costa's favorable vote makes sense, since he was cited for disorderly conduct last year after being caught smoking suspected marijuana. He probably was angling to get future support for any resolution he might eventually introduce honoring the jam band Phish.
All too often, lawmakers are criticized for doing little to warrant their $79,263 annual base salaries, lavish pensions and boffo health care plans for which they pay next to nothing.
Before doing so again, let's ponder whether such criticism is warranted in this instance. After all, by lauding Jackson, lawmakers sent a message to Corbett on behalf of all Pennsylvanians that is virtually impossible for the governor to misinterpret.
They told him, "We're going to recognize a singer from Indiana who lacks the readily apparent connection to Pennsylvania enjoyed by some of his '80s contemporaries, such as Philadelphia natives Hall & Oates."
That's not all.
They told him, "We're going to laud a guy who spent the latter portion of his career dodging pedophelia accusations, wearing surgical masks and placing increasingly frantic calls to his plastic surgeon."
Then they added the perfect finishing touch.
"What? He died nearly two years ago? Well, we're going to honor him anyway. See if we don't."
Is it fair to criticize lawmakers for once again doing little to earn their salaries and perks? Yes, indeed. They should be made to moonwalk out of Harrisburg in shame for wasting time and our tax dollars on this ridiculous resolution.
To put it in the parlance of the late King of Pop, they're bad. Bad. Really, really bad.
Read more: They're bad, they're bad, we know it - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/columns/heyl/s_727172.html#ixzz1GbtHMe88
By Eric Heyl
PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Talk about an off-the-wall response.
The state House wasted no time Tuesday reacting to Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed budget, perhaps the most controversial spending plan in Pennsylvania history.
While holding the line on taxes, Corbett suggested making significant cuts in basic and higher education funding, eliminating 1,500 state jobs and having public school employees take a voluntary wage freeze.
The citizenry was up in arms, all aflutter, in a highly excited state. Attention immediately turned to the reception the volatile recommendations would receive from legislators who will vote on the budget.
Thankfully, the citizenry didn't have long to wait. Later that day, House lawmakers authoritatively responded to Corbett's proposals.
They did so by approving a resolution paying tribute to Michael Jackson.
That's right, Michael Jackson.
The resolution was introduced by Rep. Louise Bishop, D-Philadelphia. A surprising local co-sponsor was House Minority Leader Frank Dermody, D-Oakmont, whom many political insiders long believed was partial to Prince.
The resolution to "celebrate the contributions of Michael Jackson to music, performance, culture and charity" wasn't adopted unanimously. It was approved in a 108-89 vote that divided family members.
Rep. Paul Costa, D-Wilkins, voted to approve the measure; his cousin, Rep. Dom Costa, D-Stanton Heights, did not.
Paul Costa's favorable vote makes sense, since he was cited for disorderly conduct last year after being caught smoking suspected marijuana. He probably was angling to get future support for any resolution he might eventually introduce honoring the jam band Phish.
All too often, lawmakers are criticized for doing little to warrant their $79,263 annual base salaries, lavish pensions and boffo health care plans for which they pay next to nothing.
Before doing so again, let's ponder whether such criticism is warranted in this instance. After all, by lauding Jackson, lawmakers sent a message to Corbett on behalf of all Pennsylvanians that is virtually impossible for the governor to misinterpret.
They told him, "We're going to recognize a singer from Indiana who lacks the readily apparent connection to Pennsylvania enjoyed by some of his '80s contemporaries, such as Philadelphia natives Hall & Oates."
That's not all.
They told him, "We're going to laud a guy who spent the latter portion of his career dodging pedophelia accusations, wearing surgical masks and placing increasingly frantic calls to his plastic surgeon."
Then they added the perfect finishing touch.
"What? He died nearly two years ago? Well, we're going to honor him anyway. See if we don't."
Is it fair to criticize lawmakers for once again doing little to earn their salaries and perks? Yes, indeed. They should be made to moonwalk out of Harrisburg in shame for wasting time and our tax dollars on this ridiculous resolution.
To put it in the parlance of the late King of Pop, they're bad. Bad. Really, really bad.
Read more: They're bad, they're bad, we know it - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/columns/heyl/s_727172.html#ixzz1GbtHMe88
Last edited:
Since he doesn't know what he is saying and it at least in part isn't true either, the article qualifies as "confabulation". :lol:
