The American Spectator

My state, Alabama, is said to face a budget deficit requiring 1.5 Billion in new taxes (25% of the state’s 2002 revenue).

It is a phony claim for several reasons:

*Alabama’s constitution prohibits deficit spending, and provides pro ration instead.

*State tax revenues have increased $625 million (11 %) from 1998 through 2002 (latest figures)

* The bulk of the “crisis” is said to be under funded public schools. A bogus claim, but mega bucks for the all powerful teachers union. No publi official has ever detailed the “shortfall”.

p>I strongly suspect that except for a few states, like California, the Crisis is manufactured just as it is in Alabama. br> — G.B. Hall br> Montgomery, AL /p> p> PIKES PIQUE br> Re: Reid Collins’ Let’s Not Go to the Videotape /p> p>Mr. Collins needs to take a closer look at American History. Not only did the founders come here for freedom to worship as they pleased, to explore new lands, to do as they pleased, they also did put heads on pikes. In Plymouth colony. I’m not suggesting it’s what should or should not have been done, nor am I implying that we should or should not do the 21st century-technologically possible equivalent. Simply that Mr. Collins should better check his facts. br> — unsigned /p> p> ON THE MOVE br> Re: Reader Mail’s Talking Back to Old Europe : /p>

Several eloquent writers (Carrigg, Diaz, Dana and Tinder, among others) supplied considerable “comeuppance” to a demented view expressed earlier — but there was one point about the Middle East apparently forgotten: The Arabs/Palestinians of that general region were nomads. Nomads! They went wherever there was something-to-get/find/eat. And when a bunch of Jews turned the desert into citrus groves, gardens and a very livable place?

p>Then, by golly, more than a few of the former camel caravans decided to stay put, stick around, and partake of the goodies — nomads no more. Just thought I’d remind you about some history most have ignored … br> — Geoff Brandt br> Everett, WA /p>