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The editorial on Wednesday in the Lafayette newspaper once again deals with our state’s “image.” The headline says “something [corrupt] always pops up” as if it was beyond our control.

Corruption in LA is not a thing of the past as we were told by Big Daddy. These things that “pop up” are not ancient history as our incumbent politicians always claim in defending the indefensible. The next scandal involving our public officials is just awaiting today’s radio talk show revelation or tonight’s television news or tomorrow’s edition of some newspaper.

Our politicians constantly rail about the “perception” that LA is corrupt. It’s not the “perception/image” of corruption that is hurting our state, it is the corruption that is hurting our state.

It makes little difference to me that as some point that other states are just as corrupt as we are. Some may even be more corrupt. The primary distinction between LA and the other states when it comes to corruption is OUR TOLERANCE for the corruption. At a time when we, as a state, have been knocked to our knees and must depend on financial and other assistance from others, we cannot blame them for questioning our ability to handle the money.

Until we citizens regain our ability to become outraged over corruption, the flippant attitudes and lame excuses of our public officials, there is no reason for the corruption to end. Once the corruption has ended, then we can work on perception. Until then, we need to stop blaming our “image” and recognize it is the facts that are hurting our state.

C.B.

Uncategorized CB 8:13 am

According to the state constitution taxes cannot be imposed or increased during the lege session in an even-numbered year. That means nothing to our leges.

Tuesday, by a vote of 56 to 30 the LA House authorized the in-state crawfishermen to impose a 1-cent-per pound tax on crawfish tail meat from out-of-state crawfishermen. See House Bill 1034 here. Also of interest is the Repubs who voted for the illegal tax.

House Speaker Joe Salter apparently ruled that the tax was a “fee” or some such thing that can be considered during this session. A “fee” is a charge for a service. What service is being provided the out-of-state crawfishermen? Perhaps it is a service like a bull “services” a cow.

LA would be imposing what amounts to a “duty” on a product produced by someone in another state. Not only is the this an illegal tax, but it may turn out to hurt LA producers of products that are sold in other states. What’s to keep Mississippi, Arkansas or Texas from retaliating by imposing a tax a on a product that is made in LA but shipped to their state where it competes with their in-state producers. Remember the retaliation when we raised the hunting license “fees” on out-of-state hunters. It backfired big time. At best, the effect of such taxation is to make LA products cost more to the consumer in other states than their in-state competitors.

Where’s our so-called “good-government watchdogs” on this issue? Asleep under the porch?

Ho hum. Another lege day, another illegal act by our lawmakers. Wake me when it’s over.

C.B.

Uncategorized CB 6:54 am

In a story in Wednesday’s Baton Rouge paper is found these comments regarding a bill to restrict the use of emminent domain for economic development purposes:

Terry Ryder, Blanco’s general counsel, said they wanted to make sure that any restriction Louisiana passed would not put this state at a competitive disadvantage with Mississippi.

“It’s relevant what your neighbor will do,” Ryder said,….

While I am in full agreement with such a philosophy when it comes to competitiveness, it is hardly one practiced in this state on other important matters such as business taxes and regulations.

I say PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH!

C.B.

Uncategorized CB 7:44 am