next discussion thread - grow revenues

[t.a. barnhart]

not sure when we'll be meeting, but i'm reading lots about all that
the Leg "has" to cut because of the budget numbers. it's like "must
cut" is the only option, but as progressives, whacking away at
schools, health, elders, etc is just wrong. what we should be hearing
a lot more of is "tax the greedy fuckers" and words to that extent.
the corporate minimum, the kicker, gas tax, tax equity, M5 (Don
McIntrye, ButtBoy Delux), etc.

i don't have a specific proposal, but can we talk about how PiM (we
need a "p" for the end of that acronym...) can address a topic/bill/
committee that produces revenue increases (significant ones, too) that
can be sold both to the Leg & the voters? there are way too many wets
in the Leg and not enough people with guts to do what's necessary.
progress in these areas must begin, and be pushed forward, by
citizens.

like us!

ideas?

thx.

t.a.

[Rick Vroman]

Hey, I like this idea. Has the budget been resolved already? I thought it had been, but I'm not tracking it. What course of action do you have in mind?

[t.a. barnhart]

sigh. i forgot the main policy aspect i was going to suggest.

yesterday, the WA Leg threw cap & trade under their bus, which isn't
surprising because they are the most stereotypical version of the
Democratic circular firing squad in the country. but throwing away
c&t because you don't understand it and it seems strange is both
stupid & cowardly. it's not that complex a concept -- it's a version
of pay to play -- but we have no lack of stupid & cowardly in Oregon,
either.

is c&t a suitable next topic? can we get to a place in our discussion
where we can participate meaningfully in the curnt legislative
process? putting off some necessary (necessary = do it or get ready
to die) changes because we're afraid of change or it's going to cost
some money is not smart. this seems wonky enough a topic for our
consideration.