In the Slammer

We're getting acquainted with Rhode Island politics at a time of severe fiscal challenge and controversy. (If you read any of the linked article above, note the conversational nature of local journalism. *That* is taking some getting used to.)

The state is in a terrible budget crunch, and grudgingly, members agreed this spring that raising taxes in the current economic environment was unreasonable. As a result, they've taken a heavy hatchet to their programs -- some very good programs at that. Very sad.


(This is worth a quick look. Click on the image to enlarge it. The power of government is great.)

Also, an interesting and spirited debate took place which was not budget-related.

It was a national political question of electing presidents by the popular vote that provoked the most vigorous House debate.

After clearing both chambers, the bill would allow Rhode Island to join a compact of states, who pledge their delegates to whoever wins the national popular vote. Legislators argued passionately for more than an hour on whether the change would help make Rhode Island more — or less — relevant on the national political stage. In one of the closest votes of the night, they voted 36 to 34 to approve the change.

Supporters argued that the “one person, one vote” concept creates a more democratic system while getting presidential candidates to pay attention to states such as Rhode Island that fall far beyond the so-called “battleground states” such as Florida and Ohio that are crucial under the electoral college system.

But critics on both sides of the aisle warned that abiding by the national popular vote wouldn’t get rid of the Electoral College; it would simply force Rhode Island to join a compact, which if it swings in favor of a Republican candidate, would force this Democratic state to vote Republican.

We're not sure, as our plans may depend on the weather, but we're considering a trip to the Bristol Fourth of July Parade tomorrow. If we go, we'll take pictures. Apparently, it's the oldest (est. 1785) continuously running annual event of its kind in the country.

Furthermore, former Mayor Buddy Cianci, is supposed to make an appearance -- a triumphant return from his lengthy stay in the slammer.