Why we love our legislators

Well, folk here we are. In the thick of a budget crisis that has forced the State of Minnesota to shut down.  The State Legislature is blaming the Governors Office of demanding ( of all things ) a mild, small, tax hike on the wealthiest citizens in the state.
The legislature doesn’t want that because 90% of them are the wealthiest citizens in the state.

It tickles me some to observe the state government doing what it is doing.  The State Legislative leaders blaming the Governor’s Office for reckless spending,  increasing taxes,  and poor oversight.  It sort of reminds me of my alcoholic brother in law who has blamed everybody else for his drinking problem and continues to live in his denial about his addiction.  How did this state get so far in debt?  From what I have read in the Star-Tribune the State Legislature is saying it was the Governor’ Office that got us in this financial mess. But, wait a minute, does the state have a constitution?  Sure it does!! ( At least that is what we were taught in our civics class).  And what body of the Minnesota State government is responsible for making spending laws?  (Just a question that seems to be begging an answer).  According to some of my failed students, it was the Governor’s Office that had the power create spending bills. Sorry, wrong answer!!!.  Is it the Supreme Court?  NO, try again.  Must be the State Legislature (most of which came out of the State House of Representatives).  Bingo, go to the head of the class. 

Can the budget problem be solved?

According to the Department of Revenue only 44,000 taxpayers would be effected by the Governor’s proposed budget.  How many million pay taxes in this state?  I can understand the concept of “no new taxes” but to lay this burden on those with fixed incomes, or those who are struggling, or to cut education (which is the budding fruit of our future), give me a break!!! This doesn't sound like the American Way to me.

It seems to me that if the legislature wanted to cut spending and balance the budget they should think about cutting out some of the bureaucratic hierarchy as well as cutting the legislatures health insurance and benefit plan.

It has been reported that present and former legislators may jump into their health plan when they need it and then jump out when they don’t need it.  I want to tell you  that as a senior citizen this would be a great benefit for me, but I guess only the law makers can get this very expensive plan.

As far as the bureaucrary is concern.  Why couldn’t the law makers cut each department's top officials in half.  Not those who actually do the work but those who administer their departments.  This state is fat on top and could do with a weight loss program. Starting with all departments.

At least that's my opinion

Letter to the Editor [of the Red River Rationalist],

The revelations of the theologian, who lost his faith in seminary, featured in the most recent publication of The Red River Rationalist are presented as if they are some startlingly new revelations that have just come to light and reveal for once and all their total fraudulence!!!!!

As a matter of fact anyone my age who has studied the history of religion even fifty years ago have been totally aware of everything he has to say for at least that length of time and still remain not uprooted from the Christian faith but more convinced than ever of its essential truth.

In other words, despite the quarrels of the early fathers and the continual subjection to Biblical texts over the centuries by a myriad of critics, even as they stand now they still remain powerful testimony to the life of Christ and His unique Gospel.

Frankly I think very little about heaven and even less about hell. Strange, isn't it that there is so little about either in the Bible.All this bit about playing harps , flying about from cloud to cloud and singing praises to God for eternity are not really Biblical at all. In the Old Testament heaven  is described as Abraham's bosom, whatever that is,  which is pretty vague really.

Jesus seemed to give practically all of his attention to the present world and how our real business, if we are  to be followers of Him, are exactly what Marley says in "The Christmas Carol" when Scrooge reminds him of his earthly business.

Have you rubbed noses with your cats today? Even though they choose to ignore you when called and live in a world almost entirely their own, they need affection like a dutch rub from time to time or a good brushing, combing and pedicure if they still have their claws.

Cats let you know when they want to be petted and when it is time to stop. Remember cat time is not people's time. Their attention span is appallingly short. They do not like to be awakened abruptly from a nap even if you feel the urgent need for some affection at the moment.

Being fed on time with a menu they like is the primary task of whoever is in charge of providing them with all creature comforts. They also like to have their water dish clean and full at all times with fresh water. A bowl of warm milk is a nice change of diet for them as well. They prefer it at room temperature, not right out of the refrigerator, I know from experience.