Inefficient and Incompetent Legislature (Chicago, Detroit: home, employment, buyer)

[cubssoxfan]

Originally Posted by pnwmdk

No, I mean there is no future in highly taxed economies. You cannot defy reality, Germany included.

They WILL collapse from their own weight and lack of production of wealth. No doubt, no argument, not even any reason to dispute it.

Will they? Low unemployment, healthy manufacturing segment, QUALITY universal health care and a fiscally responsible government tell me they won't.
Sorry, but I'm tired of the "Socialism Bad" mantra when many do not really take time to see where and how it works. "No dadgumit, can't have that thar socialism here; it's not mericun!!"

[Maintainschaos]

Quinn calls special session to deal with pension issue - Springfield, IL - The State Journal-Register

[pnwmdk]

Originally Posted by cubssoxfan

Will they? Low unemployment, healthy manufacturing segment, QUALITY universal health care and a fiscally responsible government tell me they won't.
Sorry, but I'm tired of the "Socialism Bad" mantra when many do not really take time to see where and how it works. "No dadgumit, can't have that thar socialism here; it's not mericun!!"

Well, I guess if you're into knee-jerk reactionism to anyone who doesn't share your narrow slice of the pie, it's your choice... But some people have provably solid reasoning to say certain things. Among them being "there is no future highly taxed economies".

[pnwmdk]

Originally Posted by cubssoxfan

Will they? Low unemployment, healthy manufacturing segment, QUALITY universal health care and a fiscally responsible government tell me they won't.

There has never been a government directed economy and industrial base that has been sustainable. Ever. It is impossible.

[pvande55]

I notice several Republicans announcing their candidacy, though one hasn't even held any elected office, just is rich enough to run for President. When Democrats start running, you know Quinn is finished.

[pnwmdk]

One has to wonder how long the people will continue to accept the notion that their government is entitled to spend, waste, or simply squander unlimited amounts of what they have worked for.

Since when did public employees become entitled to live better than those who fund their paycheck?

[wargamer6]

Originally Posted by pvande55

I notice several Republicans announcing their candidacy, though one hasn't even held any elected office, just is rich enough to run for President. When Democrats start running, you know Quinn is finished.

I wonder if Lisa Madigan will challenge him.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by yoyoniner

...for instance, 80 miles north of Chicago there is a state with a budget surplus, a recent plan to cut $600 million in personal income taxes, and a 100% funded state workers pension system?

I'm from that little paradise to our north, but even after the proposed tax cut they will still pay higher state income taxes than we do in Illinois, and will remain a state with one of the highest tax burdens in the U.S.

We could probably survive higher taxes (ugh), but I think the thing that is really freaking people out in Illinois is that our state government seems totally incapable of dealing with the pension problems. I'm no fan of Scott Walker, but he did put the financial future of Wisconsin's state government on a more certain path... Now they just need to do something about their dismal job creation record (49th out of 50 states).

[Drover]

Watching Mike Madigan flee from media like a cockroach scurrying from a spotlight seems a depressingly apt metaphorical and literal summary of the current state of governance in this effed-up place.

Originally Posted by wargamer6

I wonder if Lisa Madigan will challenge him.

You "wonder?" This whole charade is verily designed to kick off her candidacy.

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

I'm from that little paradise to our north, but even after the proposed tax cut they will still pay higher state income taxes than we do in Illinois, and will remain a state with one of the highest tax burdens in the U.S.

But when you spend some time up there and look around, you can say to yourself, "at least these people are actually getting something for their money." Sometimes I feel like we'd be better off if each taxpayer took half the money we're supposed to send to Springfield and threw it in a fireplace instead. It would probably be a more productive use for it.

[Maintainschaos]

Originally Posted by Drover

But when you spend some time up there and look around, you can say to yourself, "at least these people are actually getting something for their money." Sometimes I feel like we'd be better off if we just took the money we're supposed to send to Springfield and threw about half of it in a fireplace. It would probably be a more productive use for it.

Depends on where you are in the state. I lived for five years in Wisconsin and, just like here, there are places that get something for their money and there are places that don't.