Topics
City/Town Government
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 21: Comings and Goings in Sinking RI
Will a deceptive budget season put Rhode Island over the edge?
Theodore Vecchio: Charter Schools Are Like Public School Cake
The idea behind charter schools may be sound, but Ted Vecchio argues that their balance between public and private disadvantages the public.
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 20: That Which We Choose to Build
Shootings in two dimensions, the risks of building, and the budget cometh.
Civil Rights
Yorke, Cicilline, and “Nothing to See Here”
Is there no reason whatsoever to challenge David Cicilline’s quick jump from fearmongering rhetoric to protestations that he has Republican friends?
Giving Civic Principle Its Due
When we consider questions of government policy, we too often lose sight of the principles behind the question of what government should do.
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 19: The Tides of Liberty and Attraction
What is government for? What turns me off about libertarianism, and what turns some men on about lesbianism? And a poetic response.
Congress
Yorke, Cicilline, and “Nothing to See Here”
Is there no reason whatsoever to challenge David Cicilline’s quick jump from fearmongering rhetoric to protestations that he has Republican friends?
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 20: That Which We Choose to Build
Shootings in two dimensions, the risks of building, and the budget cometh.
Would the RI News Media Please Start Challenging Our Congressional Delegation?
Cicilline and Whitehouse shouldn’t get away with banal statements of “shock” that a fellow traveler would resort to violence under the urgent mandate to stop politicians whom they have described in such demagogic terms.
Culture & Family
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 21: Comings and Goings in Sinking RI
Will a deceptive budget season put Rhode Island over the edge?
Being One of the Demons Leading to Somebody’s Suicide
We need to work out the gray line at which a girlfriend “goading” her boyfriend to suicide can be an act of incitement (with a nod toward the GOP-baseball assassin).
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 20: That Which We Choose to Build
Shootings in two dimensions, the risks of building, and the budget cometh.
Economy
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 21: Comings and Goings in Sinking RI
Will a deceptive budget season put Rhode Island over the edge?
State House Report with John DePetro, No. 14: Making Chafee Look Good
For my weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WADK 1540 AM show, last week, the topics were Lincoln Chafee’s recent commentary, Gina Raimondo’s budget negotiations, and a state employee takes advantage of us all.
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 20: That Which We Choose to Build
Shootings in two dimensions, the risks of building, and the budget cometh.
Education
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 21: Comings and Goings in Sinking RI
Will a deceptive budget season put Rhode Island over the edge?
School Incentive Matters in Education
Blackstone Valley Prep and Achievement First perform far better than similar public schools, but even among charters, it looks like direct accountability is key.
The Lesson of Charter Schools
The odd position of charter schools should bring us back to fundamental questions about government and our objectives.
Energy & Environment
Energy Legislation Not as Advertised
Lieutenant Governor Dan McKee’s op-ed overstates the significance of his “legislative package,” not the least because it leaves out three of five bills.
A Useless, Self-Promoting Executive Order
Governor Raimondo’s executive order “reaffirming” progressives’ environmentalist agenda will have a net-negative effect on the environment.
The Practical and Fantastical in Climate Change
If our priorities were humanity, first, and then the environment, our conversation about climate change would be different.
Gambling
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 16: The Light of the World
Awards, earned and maybe not yet earned; Fight Club; Twin River; and it’s my birthday.
Tiverton Casino: Live by the Government, Die by the Government
Thanks to efforts to restrict the development of a piece of land in Tiverton, a government casino and hotel became its best use.
A Society in Which the Casino and the Government Must Always Win
A gambler under scrutiny for having found ways to tilt the odds in his favor is a good metaphor for taxpayers who are never permitted to win in the rigged game that politicians, labor unions, and other special interests have built.
General Assembly
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 21: Comings and Goings in Sinking RI
Will a deceptive budget season put Rhode Island over the edge?
State House Report with John DePetro, No. 14: Making Chafee Look Good
For my weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WADK 1540 AM show, last week, the topics were Lincoln Chafee’s recent commentary, Gina Raimondo’s budget negotiations, and a state employee takes advantage of us all.
State House Report with John DePetro, No. 13: Prospects for a Race and for More Spending
For my weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WADK 1540 AM show, last week, the topics were Mayor Fung’s first forays and government spending out of control.
Government
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 21: Comings and Goings in Sinking RI
Will a deceptive budget season put Rhode Island over the edge?
The Lesson of Charter Schools
The odd position of charter schools should bring us back to fundamental questions about government and our objectives.
Intelligence, and the Quirky Consistency of Lincoln Chafee
Lincoln Chafee’s declarations of intelligence community “lies” regarding Russia and Iraq help illustrate an excellent point (although that wasn’t his intent).
Governor
State House Report with John DePetro, No. 14: Making Chafee Look Good
For my weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WADK 1540 AM show, last week, the topics were Lincoln Chafee’s recent commentary, Gina Raimondo’s budget negotiations, and a state employee takes advantage of us all.
State House Report with John DePetro, No. 13: Prospects for a Race and for More Spending
For my weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WADK 1540 AM show, last week, the topics were Mayor Fung’s first forays and government spending out of control.
A Useless, Self-Promoting Executive Order
Governor Raimondo’s executive order “reaffirming” progressives’ environmentalist agenda will have a net-negative effect on the environment.
Healthcare
One Hundred New State Jobs Would Only Perpetuate Failures & Failed Approach
Both the proven failure of a budget-centric approach and Governor Raimondo’s dismal public policy track record should give the General Assembly real pause when considering her reported request for one hundred new state hires – and other initiatives, past and prospective.
State House Report with John DePetro, No. 9: We’re All Gonna Die!
For my weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WADK 1540 AM show, the topics were the Democrats’ health care scare mongering and the early political campaigning of two Republicans.
Umm, Folks, There Is No Medicaid “Cut” in the AHCA
The overheated partisan rhetoric over the American Health Care Act (AHCA) has everybody talking about a fictional piece of legislation as if it’s what the House actually passed in Washington.
History
Worth Remembering on Memorial Day
The proper mood of Memorial Day may be less important than taking the memorialized as the model and the measure.
Plywood and Hemlock Each in Its Place
Plywood has its place in construction, as populism has its place in religion.
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 5: Changing the Heart of Evil
Slut-shame-shaming Voldemort, credentials versus competence, and the tsar’s numbered days.
Open post for podcast.
Immigration
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 21: Comings and Goings in Sinking RI
Will a deceptive budget season put Rhode Island over the edge?
Compassion and Why You Got Trump
Westerners are figuring out that their compassion is being abused and that the abusers’ preferred policies bring about outcomes that are an affront to the compassionate.
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 11: Keep an Eye on Your Incentives
You’ll find out what I’m talking about as I do, because I’m just making it up. Probably something about immigration, some drug dealing going on, attacks on Christians, and letters to the editor.
Infrastructure
Giving Civic Principle Its Due
When we consider questions of government policy, we too often lose sight of the principles behind the question of what government should do.
One Hundred New State Jobs Would Only Perpetuate Failures & Failed Approach
Both the proven failure of a budget-centric approach and Governor Raimondo’s dismal public policy track record should give the General Assembly real pause when considering her reported request for one hundred new state hires – and other initiatives, past and prospective.
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 18: Making Space for Prosperity & Time for Beauty
Tuition, taxes, energy, the way to fix poverty, and the need to enjoy your state.
Legislation
The Lesson of Charter Schools
The odd position of charter schools should bring us back to fundamental questions about government and our objectives.
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 20: That Which We Choose to Build
Shootings in two dimensions, the risks of building, and the budget cometh.
Energy Legislation Not as Advertised
Lieutenant Governor Dan McKee’s op-ed overstates the significance of his “legislative package,” not the least because it leaves out three of five bills.
Media
Yorke, Cicilline, and “Nothing to See Here”
Is there no reason whatsoever to challenge David Cicilline’s quick jump from fearmongering rhetoric to protestations that he has Republican friends?
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 20: That Which We Choose to Build
Shootings in two dimensions, the risks of building, and the budget cometh.
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 19: The Tides of Liberty and Attraction
What is government for? What turns me off about libertarianism, and what turns some men on about lesbianism? And a poetic response.
Musings & Announcements
Announcing AFF-RI: Progressivism is not cool.
Progressivism is not cool. Let me repeat that, because it is worth repeating: Progressivism is not cool; it is the opposite of cool. They want to control how you think, what you can say, what you can and cannot do. Progressivism is about dogma, it is not a political movement. It is a cult.
The cult of Progressivism is running rampant in Rhode Island. Unchecked or aided by the powers that be, the Progressives are gaining strength.
In Rhode Island, they have marched on the home of a defenseless Barrington resident and his partner, and brigaded a local town councillor … all for the grave crimes of daring to tell off-color jokes. Those are just two of the countless Progressive sins. SAD.
They have tried to silence peaceful rallies. They control the universities, even the Catholic ones, and they control the entertainment industry. But, most importantly here in Rhode Island, they are trying to trick you into believing they can control everything.
Progressives hate human life. Liberty is about human life. Liberty-minded millennials, like me, believe in human activity. We believe that individuals are capable of accomplishing great things, if only they were allowed to have a chance. We believe in big ideas, ideas like sales tax reform and school choice, that will unleash the power of human potential. These smart ideas will allow Rhode Island families to achieve their dreams. The progressive agenda is a sterile lifeless world of grey — a nightmare.
But, we are not without hope. Time and time again, I have seen the real people of our home state stand up and tell the progressives enough is enough. The regular people of our state have carried the torch of freedom, when our so-called political leaders have sat back and watched.
Now, it is time for a new generation to carry the torch of freedom. It is time for Rhode Island millennials to ditch the safe-spaces and coloring books, because there is a better way.
The America’s Future Foundation (AFF) is for conservative and libertarian young professionals who believe that they know how to better run their own lives than some bureaucrat.
We will be launching the Rhode Island chapter on June 2, 2017, at the Jake Speakeasy Lounge in Providence. (133 Douglas Avenue #1 Providence, RI 02908) Be there from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for our huge launch party. This event will be free to attend, we will have a free appetizers, and there is ample free parking.
Our featured guest speaker is Rep. Blake Filippi, Rhode Island’s first millennial House Minority Whip.
The stakes could not be higher. While progressivism is spreading like a disease across our country, here in Rhode Island, we are their petri dish. We aren’t the front line, we are deep within enemy territory. Unless they are stopped, they will continue to experiment on the normal people of our state with their radical social engineering schemes to try-and-fail at their “utopian” delusions.
AFF-RI will work to advance individual liberty, personal responsibility, free-markets, and clean government. In short, the opposite to the progressive agenda that is poisoning the Ocean State.
We are the counter-culture. We are the resistance. Join the brand-new AFF Rhode Island chapter for our huge launch party on Friday, June 2, 2017. Kickoff at 6:30pm at the Jake in Providence! I want you there.
A Shameless Plug
This is a shameless plug. Two, actually. But it’s for two terrific organizations: the Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity and the Gaspee Business Network.
Word Choice, Boundaries, and Finding Ways to Communicate
The reasoning behind my use of the word “slut.”
National Security
Intelligence, and the Quirky Consistency of Lincoln Chafee
Lincoln Chafee’s declarations of intelligence community “lies” regarding Russia and Iraq help illustrate an excellent point (although that wasn’t his intent).
Government as Weapon
As it becomes clearer that the Obama administration abused its access to spy technology, the next question is whether the Left and mainstream press will pivot in their favor or hold to principle.
Former Administration, Current Spies
News of domestic spying and the continued activities of anonymous “former officials” ought to raise concerns and return everybody (including progressives) the the lesson that loyalties can change.
On a Lighter Note
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 19: The Tides of Liberty and Attraction
What is government for? What turns me off about libertarianism, and what turns some men on about lesbianism? And a poetic response.
Deception and War in Walking Dead
Avoiding war (or entering it justly) requires actively working to bring about and maintain peace, and a willingness to acknowledge when a state of war already exists.
Katz’s Kitchen Sink: #WeKnowBetterRI
As part of its 100-year anniversary self-promotion, the Rhode Island Foundation has been spreading around a video by Nail Communications that is slap-in-the-face offensive. It begins by putting swear words in the mouths of children reading statements from (quote) actual Rhode Islanders; it tells Rhode Islanders to (quote) stop complaining and if they don’t have anything nice to say, well, be quiet.
Let’s be blunt, here. Given Rhode Island’s parade of corrupt officials and its stagnant economy, we would be shirking our responsibility as citizens if we didn’t complain. Now, if Nail Communications were to make another video about the view of Rhode Island’s insiders, it might go something like this.
[Advisory: In keeping with the original Nail Communications/RI Foundation video, the following contains bleeped swears.]
Pensions
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 13: In Whom Do We Trust?
Trust in Trump (versus the elite), trust in intelligence gathering, trust in pensions and economic development, and trust in the police
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 8: Your Meaning, Their Madness
Missing the kiss (and the point), teacher union fantasy, charity for them, and stuff for you
Open post for podcast.
Anomalies or the Tip of the Radical Iceberg in Public Schools?
The evidence continues to appear that government schools are drifting from their educational mission and toward left-wing indoctrination.
Political Theory
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 21: Comings and Goings in Sinking RI
Will a deceptive budget season put Rhode Island over the edge?
Yorke, Cicilline, and “Nothing to See Here”
Is there no reason whatsoever to challenge David Cicilline’s quick jump from fearmongering rhetoric to protestations that he has Republican friends?
Being One of the Demons Leading to Somebody’s Suicide
We need to work out the gray line at which a girlfriend “goading” her boyfriend to suicide can be an act of incitement (with a nod toward the GOP-baseball assassin).
Politics
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 21: Comings and Goings in Sinking RI
Will a deceptive budget season put Rhode Island over the edge?
State House Report with John DePetro, No. 14: Making Chafee Look Good
For my weekly call-in on John DePetro’s WADK 1540 AM show, last week, the topics were Lincoln Chafee’s recent commentary, Gina Raimondo’s budget negotiations, and a state employee takes advantage of us all.
Yorke, Cicilline, and “Nothing to See Here”
Is there no reason whatsoever to challenge David Cicilline’s quick jump from fearmongering rhetoric to protestations that he has Republican friends?
Science
Hey, Let’s Try Public Debate and Open Inquiry
With resistance to climate alarmism still high, maybe the solution is a new approach for scientists to address the subject and present it to the public.
Excluding Religion from Government Schools Effectively Establishes Religion
Young Catholics find secular education pushes them away from their faith, which proves that government schools are not truly neutral on the most fundamental question of our lives.
Using Climate Change to Bring in a Tide of Activism
Three Brown faculty members traffic in questionable statistics in an apparent push to end the deadly scourge of days that are “merely warm.”
Sports
On Losing the PawSox
Losing the PawSox seems mainly to be a worry of RI’s decision-making elites, but the best thing Rhode Island could do is to make it clear that it has decided to get back to basics and get itself onto a better path.
More Thoughts on the PawSox Stadium Deal (Including a Compromise Proposal)
Many Rhode Islanders are simply not going to believe the PawSox deal is not a subsidy; advocates should look for new, innovative ways to prove that it isn’t.
Thoughts on a Baseball Stadium
Even the best argument for government involvement in a new PawSox stadium reasons backwards; why is it government’s role at all to ensure that we have entertainment and will absorb the risk for private investments?
Taxation
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 21: Comings and Goings in Sinking RI
Will a deceptive budget season put Rhode Island over the edge?
The Lesson of Charter Schools
The odd position of charter schools should bring us back to fundamental questions about government and our objectives.
Theodore Vecchio: Charter Schools Are Like Public School Cake
The idea behind charter schools may be sound, but Ted Vecchio argues that their balance between public and private disadvantages the public.
Unions
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 21: Comings and Goings in Sinking RI
Will a deceptive budget season put Rhode Island over the edge?
School Incentive Matters in Education
Blackstone Valley Prep and Achievement First perform far better than similar public schools, but even among charters, it looks like direct accountability is key.
The Lesson of Charter Schools
The odd position of charter schools should bring us back to fundamental questions about government and our objectives.
Welfare
Last Impressions Podcast Episode 21: Comings and Goings in Sinking RI
Will a deceptive budget season put Rhode Island over the edge?
Giving Civic Principle Its Due
When we consider questions of government policy, we too often lose sight of the principles behind the question of what government should do.
Government That Primarily Seeks To Grow Itself
We know that that the high levels of taxation and over-regulation imposed for the sake of the state budget are the primary culprit in causing the Ocean State’s stagnant performance. Put another way, overspending by a government that primarily seeks to perpetuate and grow itself, actually works against the best-interests of the very people it is supposed to be serving. Instead of seeking to grow prosperity, government seeks to grow itself.
