Topics
City/Town Government
Politics This Week with John DePetro: Protest and Action
My weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WNRI 1380 AM/95.1 FM show, for October 26, included talk about:
- Fenton-Fung and Mattiello back in the ring
- The governor comes for Thanksgiving dinner
- Protests settle in in Providence
I’ll be on again Monday, November 2, at 12:00 p.m. on WNRI 1380 AM and I-95.1 FM.
Politics This Week with John DePetro: Questionable Use of Authority
My weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WNRI 1380 AM/95.1 FM show, for October 19, included talk about:
- Raimondo’s new COVID proclamations
- Crime in Providence
- Protesters on the highway
- Who’s to blame in Pawtucket schools
- Who really owns the Apex property
- The legislative grant gravy train rolls one
I’ll be on again Monday, October 26, at 12:00 p.m. on WNRI 1380 AM and I-95.1 FM.
Rhody Reporter: That Ol’ Providence Gun Buyback Tune
Mark Zaccaria ponders the motivation of Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza for pursuing a potentially illegal gun buyback program at this time.
Civil Rights
… Except that Rhode Island’s COVID Positivity Rate Is Lower than Two Months Ago
Graph by epidemiologist Dr. Andrew Bostom basis State of R.I. data
At her press conference currently ongoing, Governor Gina Raimondo is announcing new restrictions, including reduction from fifteen to ten at social gatherings; no spectators at any sports for next two weeks; and fines, including fines on households, saying she doesn’t want cases to “explode”.
You’d reasonably conclude from these serious measures and language that Rhode Island’s case positivity rate, the newest panic-promoting selling point of the lockdown, was at a recent high, wouldn’t you? In fact, as epidemiologist Dr. Andrew Bostom said yesterday on the R.I. Center for Freedom and Prosperity‘s “Mikes with Mics” and shows in his graph, above, the current, very modest rise in case positivity is actually lower than the modest rise of August 1.
Politics This Week with John DePetro: Protest and Action
My weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WNRI 1380 AM/95.1 FM show, for October 26, included talk about:
- Fenton-Fung and Mattiello back in the ring
- The governor comes for Thanksgiving dinner
- Protests settle in in Providence
I’ll be on again Monday, November 2, at 12:00 p.m. on WNRI 1380 AM and I-95.1 FM.
Politics This Week with John DePetro: Questionable Use of Authority
My weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WNRI 1380 AM/95.1 FM show, for October 19, included talk about:
- Raimondo’s new COVID proclamations
- Crime in Providence
- Protesters on the highway
- Who’s to blame in Pawtucket schools
- Who really owns the Apex property
- The legislative grant gravy train rolls one
I’ll be on again Monday, October 26, at 12:00 p.m. on WNRI 1380 AM and I-95.1 FM.
Congress
Politics This Week with John DePetro: The Absence of Competition… Sleaze
My weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WNRI 1380 AM/95.1 FM show, for October 7, included talk about:
- The petty sleaziness behind the Jeff Britt trial
- Taking stock in Congressional races
- A turning point in COVID dictatorship
I’ll be on again Monday, October 12, at 12:00 p.m. on WNRI 1380 AM and I-95.1 FM.
Politics This Week with John DePetro: Theater of Courts and Corona
My weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WNRI 1380 AM/95.1 FM show, for September 21, included talk about:
- Progressive protesters seek Senate shutdown
- COVID crackdown at Providence College
- Mail ballot application apprehension
- No bother with budget before election
- Fenton-Fung fields Mattiello’s obvious flaws
I’ll be on again Monday, September 28, at 12:00 p.m. on WNRI 1380 AM and I-95.1 FM.
Business as Usual
Mark Zaccaria looks at Rhode Island insiders in their natural, corrupt environment.
Culture & Family
Aaron Lewis: In the Grey Zone
Are local hospitals withholding life-saving measures and allowing some babies to die?
Van Halen and Definition of an Era
From the other side of the millennium (and grunge), we’re fortunate that Eddie Van Halen’s era was one with audio and video recording so we can be reminded that it is possible to have moments of sheer enjoyment of our talents and others’.
Last Impressions #52: Stable Pods and Unstable Metonyms
Justin Katz reports the (unfortunately) not Not Real News about “stable pods” at URI, reviews local conservative happenings in Rhode Island, and talks about the metonymic dogmatism of the Left.
Economy
… Except that Rhode Island’s COVID Positivity Rate Is Lower than Two Months Ago
Graph by epidemiologist Dr. Andrew Bostom basis State of R.I. data
At her press conference currently ongoing, Governor Gina Raimondo is announcing new restrictions, including reduction from fifteen to ten at social gatherings; no spectators at any sports for next two weeks; and fines, including fines on households, saying she doesn’t want cases to “explode”.
You’d reasonably conclude from these serious measures and language that Rhode Island’s case positivity rate, the newest panic-promoting selling point of the lockdown, was at a recent high, wouldn’t you? In fact, as epidemiologist Dr. Andrew Bostom said yesterday on the R.I. Center for Freedom and Prosperity‘s “Mikes with Mics” and shows in his graph, above, the current, very modest rise in case positivity is actually lower than the modest rise of August 1.
Hospitalization Data: Why is Rhode Island Still Locked Down Five Months after Flattening the Curve?
What does perhaps the most important COVID-19 data point show and say about the case for continuing Rhode Island’s lockdown?
Charles Callanan: Rhode Island’s Leadership Void
So far this year, this is what your state government has produced. If you want to talk about business as usual, well here it is.
Education
Politics This Week with John DePetro: Questionable Use of Authority
My weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WNRI 1380 AM/95.1 FM show, for October 19, included talk about:
- Raimondo’s new COVID proclamations
- Crime in Providence
- Protesters on the highway
- Who’s to blame in Pawtucket schools
- Who really owns the Apex property
- The legislative grant gravy train rolls one
I’ll be on again Monday, October 26, at 12:00 p.m. on WNRI 1380 AM and I-95.1 FM.
In the Dugout: Stephen Moore
RI Center for Freedom & Prosperity CEO Mike Stenhouse speaks with nationally renowned conservative Stephen Moore about economics, President Trump, and politics.
Time to Acknowledge Doubt About Raimondo COVID Response
If we continue to accept the governor’s proclamations passively, or even with support, part of the blame for consequences falls on us for our silence.
Energy & Environment
In the Dugout: RI DEM Head’s Scheme for Revenue in “Climate Change” Lawsuit
TCI Carries the Old RhodeMap RI Flames
Casimiro and Vella-Wilkinson on Pending Legislation
Guests: Julie Casimiro, State Representative, H-D 31, rep-Casimiro@rilegislature.gov
Camille Vella-Wilkinson, State Representative, H-D 21, rep-vella-wilkinson@rilegislature.gov
Host: Richard August
Topic: Vaping and other pending legislation
Host: Richard August Time: 60 minutes
Representatives Casimiro and Vella-Wilkinson discuss a broad range of pending legislation and other matters, which have their concern. Topics include vaping legislation; a veteran joint oversight committee; pharmacist having birth control prescription authority; reproductive health; firearm legislation; climate control; out of school time learning; early parole for young rehabilitated offenders; military sexual assault trauma; and more. Other matters include the need for a constitutional convention; line item veto; minimum wage; and candidate endorsements.
Gambling
RI Craps Shoot
Political Monday with John DePetro: Many Forms of Political Performance Art
My weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WNRI 1380 AM/95.1 FM show, for December 9, included talk about:
- Cicilline v. Trump
- Energy protesters at the State House
- Empty Wexford
- Sports gambling lawsuit goes forward
- Truck toll lawsuit goes forward
- The Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI) tax
Political Monday with John DePetro: Hints of a Constitutional Crisis
My weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WNRI 1380 AM/95.1 FM show, for November 18, included talk about:
- Raimondo fundraising as governance
- The governor sues the General Assembly
- Municipalities sue the state government
- Protestors’ liberal-meeting interruptions
- Cranston seeks investigation of another department
General Assembly
… Except that Rhode Island’s COVID Positivity Rate Is Lower than Two Months Ago
Graph by epidemiologist Dr. Andrew Bostom basis State of R.I. data
At her press conference currently ongoing, Governor Gina Raimondo is announcing new restrictions, including reduction from fifteen to ten at social gatherings; no spectators at any sports for next two weeks; and fines, including fines on households, saying she doesn’t want cases to “explode”.
You’d reasonably conclude from these serious measures and language that Rhode Island’s case positivity rate, the newest panic-promoting selling point of the lockdown, was at a recent high, wouldn’t you? In fact, as epidemiologist Dr. Andrew Bostom said yesterday on the R.I. Center for Freedom and Prosperity‘s “Mikes with Mics” and shows in his graph, above, the current, very modest rise in case positivity is actually lower than the modest rise of August 1.
The Times, They Are A-Changin’
Mark Zaccaria runs through some of the things that need changing in RI and points out the only way to do so.
Politics This Week with John DePetro: Protest and Action
My weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WNRI 1380 AM/95.1 FM show, for October 26, included talk about:
- Fenton-Fung and Mattiello back in the ring
- The governor comes for Thanksgiving dinner
- Protests settle in in Providence
I’ll be on again Monday, November 2, at 12:00 p.m. on WNRI 1380 AM and I-95.1 FM.
Government
In Search of Normal
The way to get closer to that ideal is not the defeat of Trump, but rather the defeat of those generating the turmoil.
The Times, They Are A-Changin’
Mark Zaccaria runs through some of the things that need changing in RI and points out the only way to do so.
Politics This Week with John DePetro: Protest and Action
My weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WNRI 1380 AM/95.1 FM show, for October 26, included talk about:
- Fenton-Fung and Mattiello back in the ring
- The governor comes for Thanksgiving dinner
- Protests settle in in Providence
I’ll be on again Monday, November 2, at 12:00 p.m. on WNRI 1380 AM and I-95.1 FM.
Governor
… Except that Rhode Island’s COVID Positivity Rate Is Lower than Two Months Ago
Graph by epidemiologist Dr. Andrew Bostom basis State of R.I. data
At her press conference currently ongoing, Governor Gina Raimondo is announcing new restrictions, including reduction from fifteen to ten at social gatherings; no spectators at any sports for next two weeks; and fines, including fines on households, saying she doesn’t want cases to “explode”.
You’d reasonably conclude from these serious measures and language that Rhode Island’s case positivity rate, the newest panic-promoting selling point of the lockdown, was at a recent high, wouldn’t you? In fact, as epidemiologist Dr. Andrew Bostom said yesterday on the R.I. Center for Freedom and Prosperity‘s “Mikes with Mics” and shows in his graph, above, the current, very modest rise in case positivity is actually lower than the modest rise of August 1.
UPDATED: Rhode Island Hospitalizations – Still Less than Half the Peak
Eight days ago, this is where Rhode Island stood with hospitalizations, the original and only goal of the lockdown. Now Rhode Island is seeing an uptick in COVID-19 cases. Good time to update, especially with a press conference by Governor Raimondo coming up shortly.
At 168 “Currently Hospitalized”, we are still less than half the peak in late April of 377. And Rhode Island hospitalizations were not overwhelmed even at this peak. In fact, the Governor Raimondo herself stated mid-April that the need for hospital beds would peak in late April or early May and that Rhode Island was not going to see a worst case scenario. She was correct on both points. Nor has Rhode Island come close to the peak for hospitalizations
Yet despite achieving this goal, Governor Raimondo, with the express consent by inaction of Speaker Mattiello and Senate President Ruggerio, has inexplicably not lifted the onerous and damaging lockdown of Rhode Island.
Moreover, as we are now seeing in Europe, lockdowns do not work to stop the disease.
Yes, we need to be vigilant. Vulnerable populations must continue to take steps to protect them and we all need to be thoughtful of our interactions with them. But let’s also not overreact.
By continuing to impose what has now been demonstrated to be an ineffectual (yet highly damaging) measure to suppress spread when the singular goal of the measure was achieved six months ago, our state leaders are flexing power in a way that is completely detached from facts, science and data. This is, accordingly, an an abuse of power and an overreaction, the result of which, intended or not, is to punish Rhode Islanders in the short and long term for something that is beyond our control.
The Times, They Are A-Changin’
Mark Zaccaria runs through some of the things that need changing in RI and points out the only way to do so.
Healthcare
… Except that Rhode Island’s COVID Positivity Rate Is Lower than Two Months Ago
Graph by epidemiologist Dr. Andrew Bostom basis State of R.I. data
At her press conference currently ongoing, Governor Gina Raimondo is announcing new restrictions, including reduction from fifteen to ten at social gatherings; no spectators at any sports for next two weeks; and fines, including fines on households, saying she doesn’t want cases to “explode”.
You’d reasonably conclude from these serious measures and language that Rhode Island’s case positivity rate, the newest panic-promoting selling point of the lockdown, was at a recent high, wouldn’t you? In fact, as epidemiologist Dr. Andrew Bostom said yesterday on the R.I. Center for Freedom and Prosperity‘s “Mikes with Mics” and shows in his graph, above, the current, very modest rise in case positivity is actually lower than the modest rise of August 1.
UPDATED: Rhode Island Hospitalizations – Still Less than Half the Peak
Eight days ago, this is where Rhode Island stood with hospitalizations, the original and only goal of the lockdown. Now Rhode Island is seeing an uptick in COVID-19 cases. Good time to update, especially with a press conference by Governor Raimondo coming up shortly.
At 168 “Currently Hospitalized”, we are still less than half the peak in late April of 377. And Rhode Island hospitalizations were not overwhelmed even at this peak. In fact, the Governor Raimondo herself stated mid-April that the need for hospital beds would peak in late April or early May and that Rhode Island was not going to see a worst case scenario. She was correct on both points. Nor has Rhode Island come close to the peak for hospitalizations
Yet despite achieving this goal, Governor Raimondo, with the express consent by inaction of Speaker Mattiello and Senate President Ruggerio, has inexplicably not lifted the onerous and damaging lockdown of Rhode Island.
Moreover, as we are now seeing in Europe, lockdowns do not work to stop the disease.
Yes, we need to be vigilant. Vulnerable populations must continue to take steps to protect them and we all need to be thoughtful of our interactions with them. But let’s also not overreact.
By continuing to impose what has now been demonstrated to be an ineffectual (yet highly damaging) measure to suppress spread when the singular goal of the measure was achieved six months ago, our state leaders are flexing power in a way that is completely detached from facts, science and data. This is, accordingly, an an abuse of power and an overreaction, the result of which, intended or not, is to punish Rhode Islanders in the short and long term for something that is beyond our control.
Politics This Week with John DePetro: Protest and Action
My weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WNRI 1380 AM/95.1 FM show, for October 26, included talk about:
- Fenton-Fung and Mattiello back in the ring
- The governor comes for Thanksgiving dinner
- Protests settle in in Providence
I’ll be on again Monday, November 2, at 12:00 p.m. on WNRI 1380 AM and I-95.1 FM.
History
Let’s Not Overdo the RI History Revisionism
Ever since Rhode Island Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello invited accusations of ignorance by questioning whether there had ever been slavery in the Ocean State, the pendulum has been swinging the other way.
Politics This Week with John DePetro: In Hopes of a Backlash
My weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WNRI 1380 AM/95.1 FM show, for June 22, included talk about:
- Columbus comes down
- “Providence Plantations” gets covered up
- Rhode Island races to watch
- Stanton shows the journalists’ condescension
I’ll be on again Monday, July 6, at 12:00 p.m. on WNRI 1380 AM and I-95.1 FM.
Disenfranchising the People to Get Rid of the “Plantations”
Accepting elected officials’ overt disrespect for the rule of law does not advance the values of equality and mutual respect, but undermines them and will move us toward a dangerous future.
Immigration
Work-from-Home Globalization
As technology brings the benefits of globalization down to the individual level, will it mean greater opportunity for work-life balance, or the democratization of war?
Coming Out of the COVID Shadows
The (possibly related) stories about disproportionate COVID-19 cases among Hispanics and COVID-19 deaths at nursing homes fall in a range of topics about which we’re not allowed to have straightforward discussions, and that’s a dangerous problem.
2019 Census: States Change Their Populations
States, like Rhode Island, that can’t compete for domestic residents seem to be back-filling their populations with new immigrants from other countries.
Infrastructure
The Times, They Are A-Changin’
Mark Zaccaria runs through some of the things that need changing in RI and points out the only way to do so.
Design as a Bellwether of Urban Health
Why isn’t Rhode Island government interested in visually exciting architecture? Because our system makes paying off insiders too high a priority, says Mark Zaccaria.
Last Impressions #49: Crowd Out the Rats!
Legislation
Pandemic on the Road to Tolls
In its defense of the RhodeWorks tolling scheme, we see our state government hiding behind two noxious clouds.
In the Dugout: Lori Giuttari on RI Small Business Coalition
Everyone knows Rhode Island small businesses are hurting; is more government intervention really the answer? Lori Giuttari from the RI Small Business Coalition joins us- watch this new episode now of In The Dugout with Mike Stenhouse.
Fairy Tale Political Battles on the Road to Polygamy
Legislation that purports to clarify the laws around who can be and is a child’s parent does much more, and reportage is telling in a more-profound way than the light tone indicates.
Media
In Search of Normal
The way to get closer to that ideal is not the defeat of Trump, but rather the defeat of those generating the turmoil.
Politics This Week with John DePetro: Protest and Action
My weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WNRI 1380 AM/95.1 FM show, for October 26, included talk about:
- Fenton-Fung and Mattiello back in the ring
- The governor comes for Thanksgiving dinner
- Protests settle in in Providence
I’ll be on again Monday, November 2, at 12:00 p.m. on WNRI 1380 AM and I-95.1 FM.
Politics This Week with John DePetro: Questionable Use of Authority
My weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WNRI 1380 AM/95.1 FM show, for October 19, included talk about:
- Raimondo’s new COVID proclamations
- Crime in Providence
- Protesters on the highway
- Who’s to blame in Pawtucket schools
- Who really owns the Apex property
- The legislative grant gravy train rolls one
I’ll be on again Monday, October 26, at 12:00 p.m. on WNRI 1380 AM and I-95.1 FM.
Musings & Announcements
My Message of Hope During This Coronavirus Crisis
During these times that “try men’s and women’s souls” and that are causing such upheaval in our lives, we are all left to wonder how we will cope. I pray for your health and for the safety of everyone in your family.
May I also offer why I am personally hopeful and confident that America and Rhode Island will weather the Coronavirus crisis. In our hearts and minds, we must hold true to the core American values that were the basis for the founding of our nation and for its unprecedented prosperity… our true north.
Mainstream Women’s Group Launches in Rhode Island
A new group for Rhode Island women will put aside both the idea that women are required to be progressive radicals and the bare-knuckle political assaults that the Left thinks public discourse entails.
Why I Will Carry the Torch at the Gloria Gemma Foundation’s “Illuminations of Life”
Personal experience with the ravages of cancer inspires an active response.
National Security
Charles Callanan: The Chinese Problem, Part Two
The world will demand (and deserves) accountability from the coronavirus’s country of origin, China, but imposing a cost will bring the global community into a perilous dance.
Charles Callanan: Something Missing in East Greenwich on Veterans Day
The public events during East Greenwich’s Veterans Day activities did not match the reverence remembered from childhood or that the day deserves.
Media Language and a Virtue-Signaling Lie
A small example of political “news” can illustrate the language by which journalists promote partisan and ideological positions.
On a Lighter Note
Last Impressions #51: Rebels Needed
Governor Raimondo and her merry band of magic Appointees focus on the true danger in Rhode Island — not roudy rioters carrying signs that threaten to burn down the country, but college kids who aren’t voluntarily living as if in an open-air prison.
What’s in… What’s out… #WaterFire,#Sharks, #TwinRiver, and more. 8/16/19
A run-down of items in Rhode Island political news for the week.
Proud of my Dad’s Big-League, Historic Anniversary
This week, let’s have a change of pace. Instead, I’d like to share something personal with you.
I’d like you to know how PROUD I AM OF MY DAD.
Pensions
Rhody Reporter: Bad Management
Mark Zaccaria compares the ways in which RI government has managed the state, up to the possibility of a special election for debt while awaiting a federal bailout, and calls it what it is.
Charles Callanan: Unholy Alliance Murdering American Dream in RI
The common interests of labor unions and progressives are draining the Ocean State of its lifeblood.
Political Monday with John DePetro: Doubting the People in Charge
My weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WNRI 1380 AM/95.1 FM show, for January 13, included talk about:
- A union president accuses race heretics
- OPEB swamping Providence and Warwick
- Fear about “red flag” laws
- The legislative session starts
- RI losing claim to a Congressional seat,
- The rolling fundraising party of the State House
Political Theory
In Search of Normal
The way to get closer to that ideal is not the defeat of Trump, but rather the defeat of those generating the turmoil.
Last Impressions #52: Stable Pods and Unstable Metonyms
Justin Katz reports the (unfortunately) not Not Real News about “stable pods” at URI, reviews local conservative happenings in Rhode Island, and talks about the metonymic dogmatism of the Left.
Last Impressions #51: Rebels Needed
Governor Raimondo and her merry band of magic Appointees focus on the true danger in Rhode Island — not roudy rioters carrying signs that threaten to burn down the country, but college kids who aren’t voluntarily living as if in an open-air prison.
Politics
In Search of Normal
The way to get closer to that ideal is not the defeat of Trump, but rather the defeat of those generating the turmoil.
The Times, They Are A-Changin’
Mark Zaccaria runs through some of the things that need changing in RI and points out the only way to do so.
Politics This Week with John DePetro: Protest and Action
My weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WNRI 1380 AM/95.1 FM show, for October 26, included talk about:
- Fenton-Fung and Mattiello back in the ring
- The governor comes for Thanksgiving dinner
- Protests settle in in Providence
I’ll be on again Monday, November 2, at 12:00 p.m. on WNRI 1380 AM and I-95.1 FM.
Regulation
UPDATED: Rhode Island Hospitalizations – Still Less than Half the Peak
Eight days ago, this is where Rhode Island stood with hospitalizations, the original and only goal of the lockdown. Now Rhode Island is seeing an uptick in COVID-19 cases. Good time to update, especially with a press conference by Governor Raimondo coming up shortly.
At 168 “Currently Hospitalized”, we are still less than half the peak in late April of 377. And Rhode Island hospitalizations were not overwhelmed even at this peak. In fact, the Governor Raimondo herself stated mid-April that the need for hospital beds would peak in late April or early May and that Rhode Island was not going to see a worst case scenario. She was correct on both points. Nor has Rhode Island come close to the peak for hospitalizations
Yet despite achieving this goal, Governor Raimondo, with the express consent by inaction of Speaker Mattiello and Senate President Ruggerio, has inexplicably not lifted the onerous and damaging lockdown of Rhode Island.
Moreover, as we are now seeing in Europe, lockdowns do not work to stop the disease.
Yes, we need to be vigilant. Vulnerable populations must continue to take steps to protect them and we all need to be thoughtful of our interactions with them. But let’s also not overreact.
By continuing to impose what has now been demonstrated to be an ineffectual (yet highly damaging) measure to suppress spread when the singular goal of the measure was achieved six months ago, our state leaders are flexing power in a way that is completely detached from facts, science and data. This is, accordingly, an an abuse of power and an overreaction, the result of which, intended or not, is to punish Rhode Islanders in the short and long term for something that is beyond our control.
Hospitalization Data: Why is Rhode Island Still Locked Down Five Months after Flattening the Curve?
What does perhaps the most important COVID-19 data point show and say about the case for continuing Rhode Island’s lockdown?
In the Dugout: Stephen Moore
RI Center for Freedom & Prosperity CEO Mike Stenhouse speaks with nationally renowned conservative Stephen Moore about economics, President Trump, and politics.
Science
… Except that Rhode Island’s COVID Positivity Rate Is Lower than Two Months Ago
Graph by epidemiologist Dr. Andrew Bostom basis State of R.I. data
At her press conference currently ongoing, Governor Gina Raimondo is announcing new restrictions, including reduction from fifteen to ten at social gatherings; no spectators at any sports for next two weeks; and fines, including fines on households, saying she doesn’t want cases to “explode”.
You’d reasonably conclude from these serious measures and language that Rhode Island’s case positivity rate, the newest panic-promoting selling point of the lockdown, was at a recent high, wouldn’t you? In fact, as epidemiologist Dr. Andrew Bostom said yesterday on the R.I. Center for Freedom and Prosperity‘s “Mikes with Mics” and shows in his graph, above, the current, very modest rise in case positivity is actually lower than the modest rise of August 1.
Rhody Reporter: A Celestial Report
Mark Zaccaria takes a break from the mire of politics to cast viewers’ eyes a little higher, to a somewhat bigger neighborhood.
Raimondo Rips out Goalposts Altogether as Governors Carefully Disregard Most Important Datapoint
As you probably know, the original justification for the COVID-19 lockdown was to prevent the overwhelming of hospitals. This never happened; not in Rhode Island nor in any state other than hotspot New York (where it got close); not even at the height of the pandemic. Click here to view Justin Katz’ latest, very informative tracking graph of COVID-19 trends in Rhode Island. You’ll note that hospitalizations in Rhode Island, in fact, peaked THREE WHOLE MONTHS AGO.
Keep this critical piece of information in mind as we move now to Rhode Island’s COVID-19 press conference yesterday.
Sports
Political Monday with John DePetro: Many Forms of Political Performance Art
My weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WNRI 1380 AM/95.1 FM show, for December 9, included talk about:
- Cicilline v. Trump
- Energy protesters at the State House
- Empty Wexford
- Sports gambling lawsuit goes forward
- Truck toll lawsuit goes forward
- The Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI) tax
Political Monday with John DePetro: Shaking Up the Personalities
My weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WNRI 1380 AM/95.1 FM show, for December 4, included talk about:
- The return of Laffey (?)
- RI’s suffocating labor unions
- Progressive tricks with statistics
- Getting a kick out of soccer stadiums
- Smiley’s pay-cut stepping stone
Correcting Higher Education as a Funding Mechanism for Nonsense
If URI’s anti-Brady professor were expressing the ideological opposite views, we know how the school would be reacting, so maybe it should flip the script.
Taxation
In the Dugout: Stephen Moore
RI Center for Freedom & Prosperity CEO Mike Stenhouse speaks with nationally renowned conservative Stephen Moore about economics, President Trump, and politics.
Mikes on Mics: September 17, 2020
Pandemic on the Road to Tolls
In its defense of the RhodeWorks tolling scheme, we see our state government hiding behind two noxious clouds.
Unions
Charles Callanan: Rhode Island’s Leadership Void
So far this year, this is what your state government has produced. If you want to talk about business as usual, well here it is.
An Educational Opportunity Ripe for the Taking
Our state and its education system were far from stable when the pandemic hit, and we can create something good from our current predicament if make this a period of transition, rather than of making due until we can get back to the same old, dysfunctional thing.
Politics This Week with John DePetro: Coming at Insiders from Two Sides
My weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WNRI 1380 AM/95.1 FM show, for September 14, included talk about:
- Progressive wins (and a loss) in Democrat primaries
- Bristol-Warren and Providence teacher unions stoke unease
- The AWOL GA
- The Secretary of State mails it in on ballots
I’ll be on again Monday, September 21, at 12:00 p.m. on WNRI 1380 AM and I-95.1 FM.
Welfare
Apparent Unemployment Insurance Letters Sent to Mississippi
Apparent unemployment insurance correspondence from the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT) sent to an address in Mississippi joins the list of examples of problems handling the government program.
Priorities During the Great Loosening
The desire to open up the economy isn’t selfish or reckless; it’s humanitarian.
The Independent Man Needs YOU: Consider This Call To Civic Action
Is it time for you to get involved… to save our state? If we are ever going to change the policies that are driving away families and crippling businesses, the sad truth, my friend, is that we are going to have to change the players.
Rhode Island’s political class is so beholden to so many special interest groups and agendas, that they are paralyzed when it comes to considering common-sense, pro-growth policy reforms.