Archive for February, 2009
Knitting and knitting and knitting
I’ll take a break from knitting the latest in a long line of rows on the David Alexander Larson commemorative blanket to blog about the economy. Rounds said in an Argus Leader story yesterday that he will refuse $5 million in unemployment insurance aid that’s part of the federal stimulus package. The Argus says that amount is basically a drop in the bucket when compared to the $662 million the state will receive. The guv says he’ll accept $6 million in unemployment aid.
Rounds said during a Newspaper Day press conference in January (yes, I’m getting a lot of mileage out of that event), that the money some lawmakers were counting on to balance the beleaguered state budget would come with some strings and that appears to be the issue with the $5 million. Rounds is afraid the aid will end up costing businesses in higher taxes and fees. Several other Republican governors, like Bobby Jindal of Louisiana and Mark Sanford South Carolina apparently agree.
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Tonight’s recap
Like you haven’t heard this already - astute political observers that the hog knows you are - but President Barack Obama promised that “We will recover,” in his first State of the Union address this evening. Yes, we will recover eventually unless we devolve into a nation of people who can no longer summon the wits to dispose of our own garbage like in that movie the kids watch when they aren’t arguing about headlines, foraging for food or asking me what life was like without the Internet. (CLUE)
Obama pledged a commitment to fiscal responsibility further proving that he is not “ginned up to spend money.” Ironically this pledge comes just days after he signed what amounts to some of the biggest checks ever written, plunging the nation further in debt and giving the Brits a story for BBC World News, accompanied by a Daktronics-esque sign tracking the nation’s current debt load. “Here is how much the Americans owe today.” I love it when they talk about the “Americans.” I also love their pale, very reserved anchors but that is another story.
No commentsHello Mel
This just in from an article by the Mitchell Daily Republic’s Seth Tupper - Mel Olson has officially thrown his hat in the ring for a seat on Mitchell’s City Council. He will challenge incumbent Allen Lepke. Olson is responsible for one of my all-time favorite legislative quotes: “I’m tired, I’m cranky, my wife has paid the ransom and I want to go home.” These immortal words were uttered during a 1:30 a.m. (or later) debate on the opportunity scholarship program. It was the last hurdle to overcome before we were all released to our own separate freedoms.
After he announced he wouldn’t seek legislative re-election, I asked Olson what he would do instead. “What,” he responded. “You think I can’t stay up late all by myself?” Olson led the Democrats in each house during his tenure but seemed to have less patience than most with the at-times rambling nature of the process. I’ve been wondering since he left the Capitol where he in politics he might pop up next. Regardless of what you might think of his politics, Olson will spice up the meetings if he gains a Council seat.
No commentsThis post has very little to do with politics excepting that everything is political
Amazingly it’s Sunday night again but not just any Sunday night - Oscar night. Back in the day Denise and I would gather at the Budget Host to take in the big show and try to navigate through the minefield of ordering delivery from Pizza Hut. (Clue!)
In a year of such economic turmoil I’m glad the Oscars remains an extravaganza. The dresses are as big as the egos. Someone should have combed the hair of whoever just won and the verdict is still out on the well-intentioned attempt to revamp the whole thing. I suppose there are those who would say the show is a somewhat vulgar frivolity at a time when so many people are suffering - but I, for one, think the Oscars must go on.
No commentsSalivating for Salvia
As the delicious scent of my newly-baked banana and chocolate chip muffins wafts from the kitchen, I will take a break from knitting (CLUE!!) more rows onto David Alexander Larson’s overdue blanket to tell you a couple of stories I heard from some students I know. (CLUE!!)
Because of a bill rolling its way through the Legislature I had asked them if they knew about Salvia. I incorrectly assumed it was the latest edition of drugs you can make in your kitchen but in actuality it’s something like pot on acid. HB 1090 - scheduled for its first Senate hearing on Thursday - makes it a felony to possess two or more ounces of Salvia. I watched the bill’s debate on the House floor via the magic of public television and the concern over the potential harm this drug could do was evident. Back in the day (or two years ago [CLUE!!]) was the kind of bill I viewed with skepticism from my favorite seat in the House press box (CLUE!!). I sensed alarmist tendencies and a bit of the finger in the dike treatment. I wondered if someone had gone to a law enforcement conference and learned about the next big thing. My cynicism may have been misplaced.
2 commentsLooking for a lead steer
According to a snippet of information gleaned from the latest episode of the CBS show Numbers, cowboys in the Old West used to drive cattle by identifying a lead steer - one that could control the herd and get it heading in the desired direction. Not to cast aspersions on the virility of anyone involved in the latest legislative attempt to pass a bill that would assume most records held by the state are open, but proponents have apparently found their equivalent of a lead steer.
3 commentsNathan defends his dad
By Denise Ross
The flurry of news and late night jokes about South Dakota’s own Tom Daschle came and went with quick intensity. While the flock that concerns itself with such things has flown to a new wire, the sting is still there for the Daschle family.
To wit, Nathan Daschle’s recent letter in the New York Times in response to a columnist who speculated that Tom Daschle’s car-and-driver tax snafu had something to do with him seeking to leave an inheritance:
1 commentI know firsthand what motivates Tom Daschle. He spent his life trying to protect our veterans, help American farmers and expand access to health care. Yes, he did it for his children — and Mr. Amidon’s and everyone else’s. I can’t think of a better legacy than that.
Welcome our little piggy
By Denise Ross
While my guest blogger - to whom I am very grateful - is entertaining us all, I want to answer the questions about the new arrival here at the Hoghouse.
Here is Little David Larson, named after his dad - Mr. Hoghouse. He also goes by “Little Guy,” “Little Dude” and “Sweetheart.” And sometimes, “One Eye.” He’s a week old.
Here he is from a week ago.
(Photo by David Larson)
My apologies to all my Facebook friends and requested friends. I’ll be getting to that soon. This whole baby thing, it’s a little time consuming.
As we settle in, I’ll be gradually re-entering the blogging world.
A thousand thanks to the guest blogger, who I’ll probably ask to stay on.
13 commentsThird parties could take smoking ban out of legislative hands
The first version of a smoking ban failed to pass the South Dakota Legislature. A House version still survives, but legislative leaders Dave Knudson and Kristi Noem think the measure will go to the ballot regardless. The two spoke at a news conference for the state’s newspaper publishers and editors a couple of weeks ago. If the bill is defeated the two think proponents will take it to a vote of the people. If it passes, they suspect tobacco industry representatives will be pounding the pavement for signatures.
But Sen. Bernie Hunhoff, D-Yankton, isn’t counting the ban out just yet.
“I think it’s just a matter of time,” Hunhoff said. Employment is the real issue, he says.
1 comment”You can’t make people work in an unhealthy environment.”
No gin here
President Barack Obama announces tonight that he did not “come in here ginned up to spend $800 billion.” It’s good to know his road to the White House wasn’t a big sloshy drink fest paved with plans to spend money like the proverbial drunken sailor. Thank you. Just when you thought the folksy talk flew out with our little friend from Texas. I was at “the office” until after 8 p.m. tonight and did not see the whole speech. Were there references to a still or comparing of the Big Bad Bankers to bootleggers? What’s next? Let’s start calling the limits on executive bonuses Prohibition. Who’s with me?
Oh how I love it when the politicians let the facade of spin slip a little in order to use vernacular they think will better get their point across. Ginned up indeed.
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