State Watch
Apathy and Fear in Rhode Island
Big government’s shadow turns the Ocean State’s dusk to night.
(Page 2 of 2)
Take this as a warning, America, from a state where the dusk of economic and civic decline is quickly turning into night: A government that is deeply entwined with our lives creates natural constituencies whose self-interest is always served by demanding more from government, but it also creates deep and intricate pressure points for everybody else.
Why would a parent want to make her child a target in a government-run school just to defend abstract civic principles and halt ratcheting tax rates? Why would a journalist risk his sources within government when everything that is newsworthy occurs in proximity to it? Why would a businessperson offer technical expertise for pulling government budgets back from the brink when doing so invites attacks on his own bottom line?
When such things happen within a state, there’s always the option of leaving. After all, the quality of life is only high for those who can afford it. Still, let’s hope the federal government doesn’t go down the same path as Rhode Island. It’s easier, after all, to become an ex-Rhode Islander than an ex-American.
Images courtesy Jef Nickerson, foroyar22.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (55) | Leave a comment
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Joellen| 2.27.13 @ 7:09AM
Mr. Katz, fully warned, and fully aware of what's coming down in America in the very near future.
When the system has collapsed and NO ONE is being fed at the troth, let's see how those whose only concern was "what's in it for me" react to the situation.
My guess, they'll be the ones who will start the riots, ensue anarchy and STILL be blaming the taxpayer, Tea Party, conservatives, etc. and not their greediness and lack of common sense in the scheme of it all.
Albert Constantine Jr.| 2.27.13 @ 7:18AM
Actually, Joellen, I think it is already happening.
Maxwell| 2.27.13 @ 8:02AM
With all due respect AC Jr. I saw that coming a tad over four years ago. I'm just waiting for the snot to really hit the tissue.
Albert Constantine Jr.| 2.27.13 @ 8:06AM
First a trickle, then a torrent, then a tsunami...
Moe Blotz| 2.27.13 @ 1:28PM
Gesundheit.
squalis| 2.27.13 @ 9:21AM
Encouraged by the treasonous media.
Gary B| 2.27.13 @ 7:16AM
Sounds like reprisals against teachers and administrators are in order. Suggestion: Keep a critical mass of children out of school for a few days and drop their payment tickets. Another: Form car pools and vastly reduce the number of students riding the buses. They, too, have financially-sensitive attendance. Or, continue to be the cowards they have been.
TLP| 2.27.13 @ 7:27AM
We're going to R.I. this Summer. Gots me one a them Timeshare thingamajiggers. Put a card in a jar at a local Fair, and ended up on the Beach for a week every other year. Millionaire.
You should see the place. It's one room with a T.V. that only shows crap. The Master Bed pulls down from the Master Wall and the kids sleep on the Master Pullout Couch. (It's like someplace you'd go to meet Reggie Love, if you were off on a Boy's weekend in Florida, without Eva Peron) It has a Private Beach, yet Non-Millionaires can pass through, providing they keep their feet in the water and don't make Eye Contact with Us. "The people of the Card in the Jar at the Fair".
Once you settle in. It doesn't take long to see the Organized Crime influence all around you. The roads look like a Proving Ground for Sports Cars, with their Orange Cones and painted lines. There's Road Crews all along the sides of the Highways, but they never seem to do any work. And they seem to be in the same spots, every year.
All of the Rides at the Beach are 60 Years Old, and Broken. The Hot Dogs are $9, and you can't get any French Fries. Only, surplus Freedom Fries.
If Democrat Leader Robert Byrd were still alive, he'd be right at home here. No Blacks. No Jews. No Jobs. No Middle Class. No Private Sector. It's small, like a West Viginia Voting District. The Unions are as thick as Coal Dust. And, there ain't hide nor hair of a Black or a Jew. Like Chappaqua, or Hyannisport, or wherever Nancy Pelosi lives.
Albert Constantine Jr.| 2.27.13 @ 8:04AM
Good to see the Real You here this morning.
TLP| 2.27.13 @ 9:32AM
Yeah. Sorry about all the Vaudeville.
Sometimes the back and forth gets tiring. The same people saying the same things to the same dissenting Antagonists, over and over, again. It's an ADHD thing, with me. I get bored, easily, and it's been a long winter Stuck in the house.
Plus, I've got "The Principal" looking over my shoulder, waiting for me to Screw Up, all the time, so he can Ban me. I've got Anna Cunttt from Flucke U. sniffing my @ss all the time, with her little Eunichs dogging my Posts with their TPLs and now their TLP with a (.) after it.
I'm thinking of a number, and a place, and what I wanna do when Spring gets here. I'm thinking Little League is almost here, as Signups are Saturday. I got a part for my Mower, had all my Chainsaw Blades sharpened, and there's a Comic Book Convention March 24.
Seriously.........I'm thinking of a number.
And no, Moe.
It's not 69.
Moe Blotz| 2.27.13 @ 1:33PM
How about 77? You get ate more.
You misspelled eunuch.
Albert Constantine Jr.| 2.27.13 @ 1:45PM
I thought he spelled Mrs. Shriver's given name correctly.
Moe Blotz| 2.27.13 @ 3:48PM
Aren't you nice.
Archie| 2.27.13 @ 2:45PM
3/31/2013, opening day (night). I guess April 1 isn't good enough anymore.
C'mon Man!| 2.28.13 @ 9:26AM
Just remember Tim, when they keep coming after you, you hit a nerve and they can't stand the truth.
They come after you more than anyone.
Keep up the good fight, we've got your back.
Quartermaster| 3.1.13 @ 8:10AM
It may be a fight, but with him it's prolly not a good one. It's why he got sent to dentention, although it looks like he may finally have learned his lesson.
I was stationed at the newport naval Base for a short time and as a 17 yo Sailor saw enough of RI to realize I didn't want to stay. Being a Southron in the core of Yankee land was, at times, unpleasant. Although a MilBrat, the south was in my voice and when I opened my mouth the provincials came out in force. While there are some good, decent people in New England, it is no surprise that it is the cemetery of freedom.
lost| 2.27.13 @ 9:35AM
I know for a fact that there are Jews in Chappaqua, I know some. Now as far as Blacks living there could not tell you, never been there and have no desire to go there.
TLP| 2.27.13 @ 9:47AM
There are some Jews in Chappaqua.
They're the Clinton's Lawyers, Accountants, and Hedge Fund Operators.
They don't actually live there.
Like you said: "Never been there".
Shalom.
Moe Blotz| 2.27.13 @ 1:35PM
Speaking of Master, if youse go fishing will time share management provide you with a Master baiter? If not Purp or vtwin can show youse how.
Ronsch| 2.27.13 @ 6:45PM
Perfect! BTW, Tim, was I the "eskimo" you referred to in a post last week? It sounded like you thought I was some kind of Alaskan version of one of our resident trolls....Cause, despite being stuck in Juneau (the local artsy-fartsy hippes self-described "San Fran Of The North") I am a rabid (some might say even "right-wing, bitter gun-toting clinger") conservative who worships at the altars of Geroge Washington and Ronaldus Maximus.
Just so you do not get me confused with someone else, I am a Sam Adams (get that) swilling, gun-owning and carrying, rock and roll playing, despiser of the Halfrican Kenyan Usurper, NerObama...
Albert Constantine Jr.| 2.27.13 @ 7:03PM
Until TLP himself replies, please allow me to posit that I believe he was referring to "BL in AK", who is a regular at the (now) bi-weekly contests, and lives outside Anchorage, I believe.
Hardcard| 2.27.13 @ 8:34AM
Wow a holiday at the beach, for free and in Rhode Island yet!!! Hey you didn't build that! Are those $9 hot pups all beef? I hear that their meat wholesaler is located in Kentucky, be careful what you wish for. Pray for rain and get back on the train.
TLP| 2.27.13 @ 9:39AM
Actually, I believe all the meat comes from U.K.
I was thinking that they meant that it was coming from the United Kingdom. But, now that you mention it? That might stand for University of Kentucky. Does anyone know what "Equus" means? Cause it's stamped on all the Hot Dogs.
Tina B| 2.27.13 @ 9:48AM
I smell a contest in the air. Timmy, did ya read all that? And that was just based on your little bloggie. Ah the smell of a nice contest in the making.
And just FYI, I am moving this weekend, son, granddaughter and grandson in tow, family n friends recruited, trucks lined up, just across town. But that will not stop me from entering, reading all the competition, snarky remarks and pathetic trolls and all, I will BE THERE OR BE SQUARE !
Like they say in L.A. "Have a real nice day."
SUBVET| 2.27.13 @ 11:31AM
Tina........their programed to say that.... just like Happy Holiday.
Tina B| 2.27.13 @ 2:35PM
Oh. Never mind.
Bob Grant| 2.27.13 @ 3:08PM
you misspelled they're and pogrom.
R Martin| 2.27.13 @ 8:49AM
I think it’s partly due to the geography. Situated as it is, Rhode Island seems to be a toxic blend of leftist New England and obnoxious New York. Even the state accent is unpleasant. And what hope is there for a populace that willfully elects the likes of the odious little Patrick J. Kennedy to be its representative—in Providence and Washington. The smart money has already moved.
ray bob| 2.27.13 @ 9:16AM
a sad commentary as the shadows grow across this great country ..... the gov-mint at all levels is never satisfied with what it has, it always wants more ... they are making our money worthless, savings are trimmed by dipping in to pay ever higher taxes and 'fees'; fuel, food, transportation, health insurance (doubled in the past two years, thanks Mr. O) are creeping ever higher ... i feel for those along the coasts as the takers now out number the earners .... its a sad state of affairs, but try to enjoy each day, as they are precious and for a lot of people, the numbers dwindle as the sun sets ....
KennesawJack| 2.27.13 @ 9:44AM
A driver stops at a red light and notices two government workers on the grass median. One is digging a hole while the other one, following behind, puts the soil back in it just as the first one is finished digging. While that hole is being filled in, the first worker begins digging another, which the second worker proceeds to promplty fill. Perplexed, the driver pulls to the curb to continue watching. Sure enough, this routine is repeated by the two government workers again and again. Finally, the driver, curiousity having gotten the better of him, steps from the car and asks the second government worker what in the world they're doing. The government worker looks at him and says, "Well, we're normally a crew of three but the guy who puts the shrubs in the hole called in sick today." And that, my friends, is government at work for you.
Albert Constantine Jr.| 2.27.13 @ 10:04AM
KJ, I will be using this without attribution to you in the future. I hope you don't mind.
KennesawJack| 2.27.13 @ 10:57AM
I am honored.
TLP| 2.27.13 @ 2:26PM
He's been copying my stuff for years.
Quartermaster| 3.1.13 @ 8:12AM
That wasn't original 50 years ago.
Crassus| 2.27.13 @ 10:47AM
Post of the day! Classic!
TLP| 2.27.13 @ 2:27PM
Thank You.
I don't know what to say.
KennesawJack| 2.27.13 @ 3:11PM
Say "Thank you, KJ".
TLP| 2.27.13 @ 4:08PM
Thank you, KJ.
CJW| 2.27.13 @ 5:48PM
Good one, K Jack. The guy who called off sick is the SEIU representative who usually puts OBAMA signs in the holes.
Louis Jenkins| 2.27.13 @ 11:11AM
Sure is hard to get excited about Rhode Island.
J.C.Eaton| 2.27.13 @ 12:04PM
From its' founding until now, Rhode Island has been a national embarrassment. "Rhodies" as the Early Americans called them, used to redistribute the populace's wealth at regular intervals. They refused to ratify the Constitution when first presented the opportunity. No one else cared; we shouldn't either.
bustunloose| 2.27.13 @ 12:11PM
actually. beaches nice with easy parking. places to eat reasonable price. Plenty of seafood. many are ignorant brainwashed. paranoid about corporations. all strata laugh outright despise religion The people in good numbers lack charactor . Biggest concern pick t own body shop if they have car damage. go to a pal pumps estimate and gives you a 500 dollar kickback. If, insurers fight back they are proclaimed greedy and want to pay for inferior only parts and service. But, Providence has it's delights and history and achetecture and great food. Affluent people live here and do fine in select areas-acedemia,law, design, technology,medicine-but the vast middle class islostBut, more and more accepting a lesser standard of living. If, you are a young couple and in mid level working mode and want kids-this really is not your place. It's too bad. The population will never grow-save lationos who breed and breed. People fight back under the table but never openly. The current mayor of Prov gets many earfuls behind the scene and to some degree fights back vs unions. The other day a minor fire occured in my area. One truck came and they went inside and took care of things with fire extinguishers. 10 minutes latter the scene included 7 fire trucks, 2 ambulances, 2 utility vehicles,and five police cars. They shut down a main road for nearly 2 hours. Every supervisors writing down stuff in their report books. Justifying their existence and need for even more resources,
spike59| 2.27.13 @ 3:14PM
"Rhode Island: Because Massachusetts needed an armpit"
Petronius| 2.27.13 @ 3:15PM
b
You gots me cornfuzed. I can fathoom yer Achetecture thar is them bilddins ya can't stand ta look at or go inta. But yer on slippery grownd about dumpin' on them Lationos. Are ya showin' us here in flyover yer unreconstructed White side? The one Hispanic Metrosexual I knew would have been Outraged. I duz wish ya better fortune and a winnin' season fer them Pawtucket RedSox.
But I am in full agreement with your statement that Vengeance on the part of those who wield all institutional authority has become an end in itself. It satisfies the sadist more than anything you could name.
cicero| 2.27.13 @ 4:42PM
The real issue is when the Federal Govt. decides to guarantee the pensions of all those government workers arond the country. Rhode Island, Illinois, New York, California, and the rest of them are building debt that will never be able to be paid. Our public servants have become our masters. They will either have to revise their pension plans to make payouts begin at age 67; file for bankruptcy; or strip all of us of our wealth, such as it is, to pay for their upkeep. Want to bet which option they choose?
Louis Jenkins| 2.27.13 @ 4:45PM
Uhhh, strip us of our wealth?
CJW| 2.27.13 @ 5:51PM
The Dems are studying ways to steal your IRAs and 401K. They will try to fix SS by a means testing where you will not receive any SS if the yearly payout from your IRA/401K exceeds what you would have received under SS.
KennesawJack| 2.27.13 @ 6:12PM
You can bet that union and government pensions will have NO impact on any calculations reducing SS payouts.
bustunloose| 2.27.13 @ 5:51PM
Often heard in eateries, coffe shops, and watering holes where Rhody's despicable ruling class can be found, " once we get one more supreme court justice". These people are coming for all of us.
bustunloose| 2.27.13 @ 5:51PM
Often heard in eateries, coffe shops, and watering holes where Rhody's despicable ruling class can be found, " once we get one more supreme court justice". These people are coming for all of us.
Mnestheus| 2.28.13 @ 12:37AM
"According to migration statistics available from the Internal Revenue Service, Rhode Island lost nearly 25,000 taxpayers from 2003 to 2010.
That’s after subtracting those who’ve moved into the state, and it’s based on a population of around a million people."
Subtracting new arrivals is a very odd approach to fiscal demography !
homme nike air max BW | 2.28.13 @ 1:49AM
bad government’s cost not just in higher taxes, but also in lost opportunities. www.shoxinfr.com/nike-shox-r4-c-9.html As that premium climbs, apathy transforms into hopelessness, and another family up and leaves.
Darragh Ryan| 3.1.13 @ 1:10PM
I grew up in RI. There's a vast paternalism in its culture, as you probably know, and the chickens are coming home to roost. It was once an extremely anti catholic state, most people worked in the Yankee-owned mills and its labor history was very brutal. The whole institutionalization of "favors" and corruption came in when the Irish seized power and got worse when the Italian mafia took hold. I read last year that the average state pension benefit was $52K and they were up in arms that it would be frozen for a while so the system could catch up. Lincoln Chafee is disgusting. I's a mean place and I'm glad I got out.
MSilvia| 4.16.13 @ 8:59PM
I stumbled upon this after reading a letter to the editor in the Providence Journal. I wish I had seen this sooner.
I'm not sure most Americans view Rhode Island in such a bad light; however, you are doing a remarkable job of promoting a negative image. Many may also know Rhode Island for its coastline, seafood, sailing, Newport, RISD, Brown, Claiborne Pell and "Family Guy," but I could be wrong. I suspect if you have your way, these will all soon be forgotten.
Based on how I read your paragraph, retirees are included in the 20% of Rhode Islanders who rely on "handouts from the government." Assuming you're including those receiving unemployment benefits too? Please remember that many of the jobless and retirees actually worked for those handouts.
That being said, Rhode Island is actually ranked closer to the bottom when it comes to government employment. Alaska's government employees account for 38% of the state's workforce. Virginia is at 27%, Wyoming and Oklahoma are at 22%, and North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana and Nevada are at 20%. Aren't these conservative states supposed to be against big government? Oh yeah, only if the gravy isn't flowing in their direction.
MSilvia| 4.16.13 @ 9:02PM
For the record, middle- and higher-wage public-sector workers earn 3.6% and 11.3% LESS, respectively, in compensation/benefits than their private-sector counterparts with similar education/job tenure (Source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities). State and local government jobs are more likely to require advanced degrees, particularly since approximately 56% are in the education and protective services.
As for the academics and wealthy liberals, I'm glad you follow suit. It's hard to find a conservative rant that does not put an evil face on the educated or the successful. That is unless you're championing the cause of those poor defenseless and voiceless uber-successful one-percenters who truly represent what is wrong with this country.
Finally, you provide paragraphs of anecdotes and conjecture to disparage the town you live in, where I've recently purchased a home. Unfortunately, your counterparts are hell-bent on dismantling the schools, infrastructure, services AND the community. And when your counterparts secretly record conversations in a public school, distort facts and target those that actually care about the community with your vitriol, I suspect the jeers will continue.
If Rhode Island is so bad, why do you choose to stay and live in misery? I think the answer may be that the disproportionately noisy conservative minority has allowed you to carry its water in exchange for a little attention.