2005 MULLET COMMENTARY ARCHIVES - February Monday, Feb 28 2005
LA or Russia??? (Posted 02/28/05)
As I read the story about LA Agriculture Commissioner Bob Odom’s “modern day slave labor camps”, I thought I was reading a novel about the old Soviet Union and people being sent to Siberia. This Lacassine operation is like LA’s Siberia. See story here.
It may be legal, but it’s not right. If it is legal, then we have our leges to thank for creating LA’s version of Siberia.
This is what happens when we lose the capacity to be outraged. And we wonder why those in other states don’t want to do business here.
C.B.
Mullet Scribe
Note: For more commentary on Odom’s power read the Piney Woods Oracle
Last one out turn out the lights! (Posted 02/25/05)
They are turning out the street lights in Waterproof, LA to save money. This is the saddest tale about the state of the LA economy I have ever seen. (See story here.) Waterproof is just up the road and in the same parish as my hometown of Newellton.
For all those leges and other elected officials who want a pay raise, I say, to quote James Carville: IT’S THE ECONOMY STUPID!!!!
How can you ask us for more taxes and a pay raise while allowing our state to languish at the bottom of every positive measure in comparison to other states.
Removing the street lights to save money; Third World at best!
I’m REALLY ANGRY!!!!
C.B.
Mullet Scribe
Boys and Girls State back ON!! (Posted 02/23/05)
GREAT NEWS!!
LSU Chancellor Sean O’Keefe has REINSTATED the Boys and Girls State programs for this summer on the LSU Baton Rouge Campus.
O’Keefe only became the chancellor on Monday. Later that day he learned of the decision that was announced last Friday that Boys and Girls State would be cancelled for 2005. On Tuesday, he told his staff that this was unacceptable and that they were to come back to him with the answer yes that it was going forward. This morning that announcement was made. For those not familiar with government that is warp speed.
The credit goes all of you who made contacts with O’Keefe and others at LSU to request that the decision to cancel be reversed. It was. It shows what can be done with the people of LA are willing to speak out for a worthy cause.
Please thank Chancellor O’Keefe. His email address and phone number are: chancellor@lsu.edu Phone: 225-578-6977.
I cannot tell you how much I appreciate not only your efforts, but all your personal notes. I heard from people that I had not heard from since my days at Boys State and LSU in the 60s.
It makes me proud to be a Louisianian. Thank you.
Send the chancellor your thanks.
C.B.
Mullet Scribe
LSU stonewalls on Boys and Girls State (Posted 02/22/05)
Here is the latest response by LSU to our pleas for them to allow Boys and Girls State to be held this summer. Apparently, very recent decisions by LSU failed to take into account a 65-year tradition.
Attendance at Boys and Girls State is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity for the best and brightest in our state. For 1,400 of them, they will never have that experience.
Having the program in another city will deny these 1,400 young people the opportunity of using our State Capitol as a site to hold mock sessions. It is something that cannot be replicated in some other city.
Yesterday, I heard from a woman who was a delegate at the only other time that Girls State was cancelled i(1952) because of a polio outbreak in Baton Rouge. She said she was “heartbroken” and obviously still lives with that regret.
I will not take no for answer from my school. We the taxpayers, citizens and voters of LA own LSU. We are the bosses. Please do not take no for an answer on this matter. If you have already contacted LSU please do so again.
Email LSU Baton Rouge Chancellor Sean O’Keefe at: chancellor@lsu.edu Phone: 225-578-6977
Email LSU System President Bill Jenkins at: wljenk@lsu.edu Phone: 225-578-2111
C.B.
Mullet Scribe
An LSU outrage! (Posted 02/21/05)
For 65 years the LA American Legion has put some 80,000 select students through a national program known as Boys and Girls State on the campus of LSU in Baton Rouge. If ever there was a state where we need more training for our young people on the governmental process at the state and local level, it is LA.
Several days ago, LSU announced that it could not fit the programs into its summer schedule. I am informed that it is not about money, but merely that, apparentlym LSU has more important programs on the campus that have bumped Boys and Girls State.
Representatives of the American Legion have been trying to find alternative sites, but it will impossible to make such arrangements in time to allow the programs to go forward this summer.
As an alumnus of both Boys State and LSU, I’m outraged over this situation. It is bad enough that LSU would want to eliminate this program from its/our campus, but to take action now when it will cause cancellation of the program for this summer is simply unacceptable.
This is also an affront to all the members of the American Legion and the military veterans that it represents. LSU has a long tradition of military support and service. How my school could do this to the American Legion is beyond my comprehension.
For a state that is concerned about its national image, I can’t see how being the only state in the U.S. to eliminate Boys and Girls State is going to be viewed as anything but another negative.
If you agree with me and are so inclined to express your concerns here are the email addresses and phone numbers for the appropriate parties:
Email LSU Baton Rouge Chancellor Sean O’Keefe at: chancellor@lsu.edu Phone: 225-578-6977
Email LSU System President Bill Jenkins at: wljenk@lsu.edu Phone: 225-578-2111
C.B.
Mullet Scribe
Why LA is still viewed as corrupt (Posted 02/18/05)
I just read a new book about an old topic. As the philosopher George Santayana said: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
The book is entitled “My Wars”. It is a first person account by Colonel Francis C. Grevemberg of New Orleans.
This book is topical in light of the current concerns about the image of our state, especially the image of being politically corrupt. Our politicians and some in the media seem to think merely by declaring corruption to be gone others will believe that it is. That’s the equivalent of an ostrich putting its head in a hole in the ground and thinking it is hidden from view. The only one fooled is the ostrich.
Grevemberg is a bona fide, decorated, member of the “Greatest Generation.” However, what he is best known for in LA is his post-war stint as Superintendent of the LA State Police under Governor Bob Kennon (1952-1955). Grevemberg’s appointment was an accident that I suspect the governor wished he hadn’t caused.
Grevemberg was a one-man crusade against illegal gambling, vice, and political corruption in LA. His efforts show what one determined person in law enforcement can do. At the same time shows what one cannot do without the support of the rest of the Criminal Justice System (prosecutors, judges and other elected and appointed officials). It is as true today as it was in the early 50s.
What I found most shocking is how little has truly changed in the area of the enforcement of the state laws against illegal activity and corruption. With the lone exception of current District Attorney Doug Moreau in East Baton Rouge Parish, political corruption was then, and still is, left by state and local law enforcement agencies to the Federal Government.
Why shouldn’t people believe that we are corrupt.
The, relatively short, book is divided into several separate parts. It is about Colonel Grevemberg’s experiences during WWII, his efforts as head of the LA State Police, information he uncovered while heading the State Police about who killed Huey Long and finally some recommendations for dealing with corruption in LA today.
What is most interesting about the Colonel’s recommendations, especially for New Orleans, is that they are what some of us have been saying for years. It does no good to continue to arrest criminals if the judges, other elected and appointed officials are simply going to return them to the streets to commit yet another crime (This problem is legion and occurs daily in New Orleans.).
Unfortunately, other than legalizing gambling, little has changed in terms of political corruption since Grevemberg headed the State Police in the 50s. The solutions are the same as they were back then.
Some wonder why our national reputation as a corrupt state lingers. The LA politicians seem to take comfort in the lack of state and local prosecutions. It doesn’t mean that corruption no longer exists. Proof that corruption is on-going in LA is the fact that only recently, for the first time the FBI permanently established a Public Integrity task force in Baton Rouge.
To know the reality of Santayana’s comment, read this book.
C.B.
Mullet Scribe
Leges abuse our constitution (Posted 02/17/05)
The LA constitution is how we citizens set the parameters for the three branches of government in LA. However, the leges regularly abuse us by crossing those parameters with little to no regard.
The worst argument (I know, I used to make it.) one can make before a lege committee is that a particular measure violates the state constitution. The response is always the same: “That, C.B., is for the courts to decide.”
Litigation is expensive
Unfortunately, most of us don’t have the financial resources to litigate the matter of constitutionality of a state law. Such lawsuits which end up being decided by the LA Supreme Court costs hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Recently, some folks with the necessary wherewithal won a huge victory for our constitution in a decision handed-down by the Supremes involving the use of Tax Increment Financing (”TIF”) for the Bass Pro facility in Livingston Parish. The measure was passed recently by the lege.
A blatant example of how the leges abuse our constitution, and thus us, is how they routinely pass illegal/unconstitutional taxes disguised as “fees”. They know that the amount is too small for the average citizen to be able to afford to litigate them. (e.g. $1 charge on our driver’s licenses)
Public interest litigation group
My suggestion is to either revamp or consolidate all the paid so-called lege “watchdog” and “think tank” groups and use the resources for a public interest litigation strictly to deal with unconstitutional acts of the LA Lege.
Leges who disrespect our constitution, disrespect us their constituents.
C.B.
Mullet Scribe
P.S. I just got an amen from Clancy DuBos, attorney and columnist. See it here.
Another laugher from Heh, Heh, Heh, Ethics Board (Posted 02/13/05)
The State Heh, Heh, Heh, Ethics Board issued another politically-correct decision in a matter involving a lege’s actions on behalf of Ag. Commish Bob Odom’s sugar mill boondoggle. (Story here.)
The opinion isn’t a joke, but the statement by one of the board’s attorneys after the opinion was issued was the real laugher.
The board would consider the ethics of Carter’s past legal work only if someone files a complaint about her work on the Lacassine project, and no one has done so, [Board attorney Kathleen] Allen said. (emphasis mine)
Perhaps someone should inform Ms. Allen and the board what the law says with respect to complaints. There doesn’t have to be a complaint filed for the board to take action. They can do it on their own. See LA R.S. 42:1141B.
What the board did in sidestepping this violation is the equivalent of a police officer upon seeing a mugging taking no action to prevent it because the victim didn’t ask for his help.
We don’t need any new laws, we need some people on the Heh, Heh, Heh, Ethics Board who have some guts.
C.B.
Mullet Scribe
Heh, Heh, Heh, Ethics Board is the problem (Posted 02/11/05)
The LA Heh, Heh, Heh, Ethics Board has just handed down another questionable opinion. (See story here.) Why do I call the opinion “questionable”? Because it was necessary for the Board to declare the opinion “consistent” with previous opinions. In other words, they split some very fine hair in arriving at the desired conclusion.
Purpose of law
Despite previous comments in the media to the contrary, the Heh, Heh, Heh, Ethics Law is NOT merely a “conflicts of interest” law. Here is the stated purposes in LA R.S. 42:1101:
“The public interest, therefore, requires that the law protect against such conflicts of interest and that it establish appropriate ethical standards with respect to the conduct of elected officials and public employees without creating unnecessary barriers to public service. ” (emphasis mine)
Swiss cheese law
LA’s Heh, Heh, Heh, Ethics Code, at best, looks, as the Hammond Daily Star calls it, like Swiss cheese because of the number of number of holes written into it by the lege. However, those lege enacted loopholes aren’t the biggest problem with the Code.
The biggest problem with the Code is all the strained interpretation of the Code by its guardians, the Heh, Heh, Heh, Ethics Board. As the only state in the U.S. whose laws are based on the Civilian tradition (code law) opposed to the Common Law tradition (jurisprudence), interpretations of the Ethics Law should be avoided. If the lawmakers are unhappy with the outcome of their actions, they can simply change it.
In the instant case, common sense has to call into question anyone who could possibly conclude that funds given to get a person elected to office can also be used to defend that person against claims (criminal or civil) or wrong-doing while in that office. Such interpretations are a greater problem in insuring public trust than are the loopholes that the lege write into the law.
Just enforce it
The Heh, Heh, Heh, Ethics Board should strictly enforce the law and leave the interpretations to the Judicial Branch. If they did, not only would WE stop laughing at them, but perhaps those outside of our state would have a higher opinion of government in LA.
C.B.
Mullet Scribe
The perils of ignoring existing businesses (Posted 02/10/05)
Today it was announced that another 210 jobs will be lost in the Shreveport area. (See story here.) It is a too-often told story about what happens when we neglect EXISTING businesses.
If the “multiplier” used by economic developers to determine “spin-off” jobs that are gained when new jobs are created are to be believed then the latest layoffs mean hundreds (perhaps thousands) more jobs will be lost as a result of these 210 souls losing their jobs.
The implications of these job losses is that these jobs will be going to another state (rumor is Georgia).
If we want to keep and grow our EXISTING businesses we must reduce business taxes, government red tape and political corruption. It is not possible to bring in enough new businesses to offset the losses of jobs at EXISTING businesses.
C.B.
Mullet Scribe
A cautionary tale for term limits (Posted 02/09/05)
Different nor change equate to reform. The term “reform” means “to put or change into an improved form”. (Source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary) In other words, change must be improved.
Now, the media is questioning whether the “new” Jefferson Parish Council is indeed a “reform” one. (See story here.) “New” doesn’t mean “better”; it simply means different.
Who anointed the council a “reform” one? To my knowledge it was done by the local media. A suggestion to the media: Wait until after the term of an elected official or body ends before determining that it is a “reform” one.
To the New Orleans media: Wait on branding the new Orleans Parish School Board a “reform” one. It is different. We won’t know for at least 4 years whether it is a “reform” one.
Terms limits panacea?
The Jefferson Parish experience is further evidence that term limits is not the panacea that many envision. This should be a cautionary tale for those looking forward to the lege term limits finally kicking.
Another lesson from the Jefferson Parish experience for term limit proponents is that merely switching from one political office to another doesn’t mean that there will be reform. Politicians don’t change their philosophies simply by changing office any more than they do by changing clothes.
Want reform?
If we want “reform” in LA, it is up to us voters to decided when to limit the terms of elected officials. We get that opportunity every 2, 4 or 6 years. Term limits should be based on performance and not longevity.
It is our responsibility, as citizens and voters, to be informed on the issues and to know how our elected officials vote. Term limits are no substitute that responsibility.
C.B.
Mullet Scribe
More of Big Daddy’s legacy (02/07/05)
“Watchcat” Robert Scott outlines another of Big Daddy and F Troop’s follies, humorously referred to as “economic development”. See story here.
This sums up LED, DED (or whatever it is named today) as we suffered it:
“…[I]nsufficient and misplaced resources, unclear goals and personnel problems….”
This sums up the centerpiece for economic development created by F Troop:
“…[T]he agency’s fundamental strategy, known as the ‘cluster concept,’ is ’somewhat flawed’ and ‘overrated,’ if not entirely outdated as a system for growing jobs.”
This sums up the results of 8 years of Big Daddy’s benign neglect due too much duck hunting, law school attending and helicopter flying lessons:
“[A] state economy marked by job out-migration and years of lackluster industrial recruitment.”
If Mike Olivier can lick this problem in the next 3 years, his next assignment will be bringing about world peace.
This too, is Big Daddy’s legacy.
C.B.
Mullet Scribe
P.S. Today the Piney Woods Oracle offers suggestions for economic development in LA.
Hello! Anybody home? (Posted 02/04/05)
In a story in the current issue of the Baton Rouge Business Report, “Watchcat” Jeremy Alford raises an issue that has escaped the view of our elected, appointed officials and private sector groups charged with economic development in LA.
Why we are sending millions of our tax dollars to other states for services that should be done by businesses in LA is baffling.
None of these services are new. Some have been in operation for decades. If the services do not currently exist in LA, why the economic developers haven’t worked with entrepreneurs and existing businesses in LA to provide these these services in state.
Not only do we have a need for jobs and businesses in LA, but we already have the money available to assist existing businesses (Incumbent Worker Training Program) to train their employees for the new and better jobs; thus create more job vacancies.
Some suggestions:
— The governor should issue an Executive Order to all agencies in the Executive Branch regarding their responsibility for economic development. They shouldn’t just comply with the letter of the State Procurement Law, they should actively pursue in-state vendors to bid.
—- Have the Division of Administration prepare a list of all current and pending contracts for services and products that are or have been awarded to out-of-state vendors. Designate persons in the Economic Development Department to determine the existence or lack of business providing the services in LA.
— Encourage existing LA businesses to bid on the services and insure that the process is open and fair. Offer the assistance of the worker training money if they don’t currently offer the services.
Kudos to “Watchcat” Jeremy for exposing this matter.
C.B.
Mullet Scribe
The immaculate release (Posted 02/03/05)
The story that appeared last week in Times Picayune about the “negligent release” in New Orleans of a fellow charged with murder is incredible. After all the parties responsible for the man’s incarceration met it was determined that NOBODY is to blame for his inadvertent release.
It seems to me that since all share responsibility and nobody is willing to step up and accept the full responsibility, then ALL are to blame.
“Safeguards” are going to be put into place. How can one institute “safe-guards” if one doesn’t know wherein the problem lies?
Just a circular ass-covering. How ridiculous! It’s insulting to the people of New Orleans who rely on these folks to keep our city safe.
C.B.
Mullet Scribe
Businessman says help EXISTING LA businesses (Posted 02/02/05)
In a talk at the D.C. Mardi Gras, the chairman of BellSouth tells LA: “[A]void ignoring the state’s established businesses in a push to attract new companies to the state.” (See story here.)
I don’t know how many times we have to hear this before we start reducing “red tape” and business taxes. It is just common sense.
Any economist will readily say that 85% of all economic growth will come from within existing businesses. The question is why, in LA, we seem to focus 90% of our efforts on 15% of potential?
C.B.
Mullet Scribe
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