Bigoted or American?
Monique Chartier
Yesterday on the Helen Glover Show, discussing the $100,000,000 workforce reduction, Governor Donald Carcieri had the following exchange with a caller:
Asked by a caller why the state needs interpreters in the courts and other state agencies, Carcieri said: “Amen to you, buddy.”
In the hunt for expendable jobs, Carcieri said he found one department with eight Spanish-speaking interpreters, and “I said why are we, at taxpayer expense, providing interpreters for people who want benefits from us? It seems completely illogical to me because you’re right,” he told the caller. “My grandparents immigrated from Italy. My grandmother didn’t speak English. She learned it…”
“But the point is if they needed somebody … they got somebody, a friend or relative who spoke English, right?
This afternoon, Chair of the Rhode Island Democrat Party issued a press release responding to those comments:
Rhode Island Democratic Party Chairman Bill Lynch is demanding an immediate retraction and apology from Gov. Don Carcieri today after a comment he made Wednesday on a local talk radio call-in program provided insight as to his opinion of people who are not fluent in English. ...
“Don Carcieri was elected to be the governor of all Rhode Islanders, not just the people who look and speak as he does. Is the governor really saying that Rhode Island citizens should be denied certain rights and benefits simply because they may have a difficult time understanding English? That’s simply outrageous, and I’m calling on the governor to immediately retract his hurtful remarks and issue an apology,” Lynch said.
The Governor accurately described what was until recently the universal, self-sufficient approach of all non-speaking immigrants to America (and which, it should be noted, many immigrants still take today). Translators were not provided at government expense. If a translator was needed, a family member or neighbor stepped in. It is, therefore, a little puzzling to have Mr. Lynch describe as un-American what has unquestionably been a very American experience.
UPDATE
Thanks to Tim Staskiewicz, producer of the Helen Glover Show, for alerting us to the audio available at WHJJ's website. It includes the question and answer between Buddy of Johnston and Governor Carcieri that provoked the Chair of the RI Democrat Party to request an apology of the Governor.
Specific to the question of court interpreters, which is not what the Governor and Buddy were discussing, I concur that this is one of the services which a just and civilized government should provide to immigrants, both documented and undocumented. And probably most people could be persuaded of that, also.
We would be persuaded reluctantly, however. Part of the source of the exasperation and even anger for which Mr. Lynch has become the focus is that the list of government services and accommodations provided to undocumented immigrants is too long, costly and completely unmatched in any other country. These include social programs, Medicaid and education, for which it is now becoming clear there are costs on multiple fronts.
So we add up in our heads these billions of tax dollars. We observe the haphazard, sometimes non-existent, efforts by our government to control our borders and enforce our immigration laws. We cogitate with some disdain the not so public-spirited motives behind these tepid enforcement efforts. And that is how government paid translation services, which should be a priority, instead become the last straw.
UPDATE II - more audio
On Friday morning, Governor Carcieri called WPRO's John Depetro Show and declined once again to apologize.
Also Friday morning, Mr. Lynch called WHJJ's Helen Glover Show for a ... chat.
People take what is given to them. Stop giving, they stop taking. My extremely proud ancestors would have been first in line if somebody offered them something for nothing. Perhaps had everything been given to them they wouldn't be quite so proud.
We've made the audio and press release from Bill Lynch available on our website:
http://www.920whjj.com/pages/governor_interpret.html
Hope it's informative... Planning to have Bill Lynch on the program tomorrow morning... And one of our news reporters is out getting the Governor's reaction as I type this...
Tim Staskiewicz
Producer - The Helen Glover Show
Talk Radio 920 WHJJ
I predict that if the Governor stands his ground and on principle over this, his numbers will go UP!
If he apologizes, we're looking at a Democrat Governor, guaranteed in 2010.
That's why the Dems want him to apologize because they know an apology will weaken him.
Kudos to Gov. Carcieri for speaking the honest and plain truth. Nothing bigotted about his remarks. Just heard Lynch on with Dan Yorke. Mr. SmartMouth was awfully tame and docile. lol Think Lynchie knows he just stepped in a steaming pile of Democratic party dung? You bet!!
This has opened an important PR door for the governor. To call him bigotted is to attack him personally. Time to turn the tables and call out these elitist Democrats who use people of color as political chits. After Lynch is on with Helen tomorrow I want Steve Kass to appear on the show. Want Kass to demand an apology from Lynch for his outrageous and inappropriate comments and then I want Kass to comment on how Lynch and his elitist Democrats block any attempt at public education reform which most negatively affects people of color in the urban core as these same immoral phonies who claim to embrace people of color send their own children to private schools. Lynch wants to get personal then get personal.
Lynch has opened the door and the governor need to drive a tractor trailer through it. The governor needs to take the GD gloves off and go after these frauds.
The people are overwhelmingly with the governor. Been listening to talk radio for a long time and I have never heard such an overwhelming response in support of any one person over a single issue.
Lynch has handed the governor an early Christmas present and he needs to take that gift and beat Lynch and the Democrats right over the head with it.
Simply one more reason proving Bill Lynch is irrelevent and only his lemming will agree with him!
Heaven forbid someone with little or no english speaking skills bring a friend or relative to look out for their best interest in such matters.
Where I work, which I guess I would call "the real world", such a person is asked to bring a friend, family member or other trusted employee when there is a need for an interpreter for any reason.
Can anyone name a private company that hires interpreters for their non english speaking employees? Funny, the company I work for is a large RI company and we have none! Maybe I should demand an apology from management???
All Lynch could talk about on Dan Yorke's show, when it came to an interpreter was the court system, evidently he doesn't talk to his lil bro? Not to worry Billy, your little spidey brother isn't cutting ANYTHING from the AG's office anyway.
Are the two Tims in this thread the same person or two different people. Just curious.
Two different people. I'm not media employed and am the semi-regular poster here. Tim the II is employed by WHJJ and stopped by to add some links and promotional sizzle to the Bill Lynch is the genuine real life bigot story which started on his radio station.
So what say you oh Democrats? Your silence is deafening and speaks mega-volumes.
It's so out of character for you Democrats! lol
Lynch, the GA and the unions are the gifts that keep on giving. Thanks to them the most Democrat state in the US continually elects Republican governors.
The problem is the legal system has exact demands to protect rights. Please see Matt J's post on RIFUTURE.COM. Not that I mind the sentiment of Disaster Don in this case.
This state elects many DINOs. Both parties are responsible for the current mess. In any event, neither party looks out for America's (or RI's) best interests in my opinion.
Lynch shouldn't hold his breath waiting for Carcieri to apologize. This is the kind of arrogance we've gotten used to seeing from our governor, and I don't expect him to start apologizing now.
Billy, you know righty Italo-American Democrats (like the ones my town keeps electing) aren't behind you on this one. You've got a better chance of getting an apology out of the Cheneys.
There is absolutely nothing at all for Gov. Carcieri to apologize for. If anything, the governor should be demanding an apology from Mr. Lynch for totally miscontruing his very common sense remarks. I hope the governor keeps on repeating it, because it's a winning issue that crosses party lines. Of course, being one of the most arrogrant people in the history of Rhode Island public discourse, I would never expect him to do that. Let him be the defender of the illegals -- it will help us better paint the Democrats for what they are.
As I conveyed to Monique earlier today (thanks for coming to E.P. by the way), this is a 90-10 issue, where in excess of 9 out of 10 people are in complete agreement with the governor's common sense approach.
With the exception of when courts are informing non-english speaking defendants of their rights in a criminal proceeding (of course, if we do a better job of securing the borders, the need for that should naturally decrease), I cannot think of any other instance where it should be the federal or state government's obligation -- we're talking about an obligation; not providing a convenience -- to use our tax dollars to subsidize non-essential services which could just as easily be carried out through a friend or relative. At minimum, I fail to see any need whatsoever for any government department to be employing 8 people for the sole purpose to translate.
Just to be completely clear, I'm referring to Mr. Lynch in these remarks. I don't want any ambiguity!
"Of course, being one of the most arrogant people in the history of Rhode Island public discourse, I would never expect him to do that."
Will,
Democrats have handed Gov. Carcieri a big big winning issue. He needs to couple his remarks with those of Col. Doherty who stated after the illegal Hispanic alien bogus licence ring was busted up at DMV, 'we are not a sanctuary state'. Funny how we never saw SmartMouth Lynch calling Col. Doherty out for that 'bigoted' statement. lol
People across the spectrum are with the governor on this issue. Would love to see polling done of the non-Hispanic minority communities. Think they're more than a little tired of the pandering to Hispanics to the exclusion of all other minority groups?
Rhody,
Nice talking points! Italo-American Democrats, the Cheney...
Any original thoughts to offer? lol
Rasputin,
Not talking about the legal system and neither was the governor. Talking about the sublime to ridiculous taxpayer funded pandering to the Hispanic/Latino community so Spanish speaking illegals and the garden variety moochers and looters can access benes that we pay for.
Stop insulting us by proffering anything from Matilda and RIDEMISE.COM. The ladies have no credibility here or anywhere else.
Btw nice try but no both parties are not responsible for the downward spiral of this state. Belongs squarely in the lap of Democrats who've had overwhelming control of the state budget amd most municipal budgets for the past 60 years.
Just for laughs I decided to check out the hierarcy of the Rhode Island Democratic party. Knowing how they care (lol) so deeply about the minority community here in Rhode Island (Lynch to Yorke that minorities are the backbone of Rhode Island) I figured I'd find the Dem party version of a Rainbow coalition. Looks more like a Klan rally! lol
Party Leadership & Staff
Democratic State Committee Officers
William J. Lynch, Esq.
Chairman
Edna O'Neill Mattson
Vice Chair and National Committeewoman
Joseph DeLorenzo - 2nd Vice Chair
The Honorable Elaine Coderre - 3rd Vice Chair
The Honorable Arthur Corvese - Secretary
Allene Maynard - Corresponding Secretary
Milton Bronstein - Recording Secretary
John J. McConnell, Jr. Esq. - Treasurer
Marcia Reback - Assistant Treasurer
Frank Montanaro, Sr. - National Committeeman
Edna O'Neill Mattson - National Committeewoman
RI Democratic Party Staff
Timothy Grilo - Executive Director
Gabriel Amo - Field Director
To Democratic good 'ol boys, Italians are the diversity.
Arthur Corvese...now there's a progressive (once again, I request sarcasm font).
Despite your spin, Buddy's comments and the Governor's reaction in fact WAS about the courts:
Asked by a caller why the state needs interpreters **in the courts** and other state agencies, Carcieri said: “Amen to you, buddy.”
And the Gov was clear that he didn't understand why we had to dole out taxpayer money to pay for an interpreter for someone looking to steal MORE taxpayer funds.
Since nobody gets a benefit check from the courts, the context of his statement is clear. Of course, everyone that listens to what he said would know that and you have Billy have decided to try to make a mountain out of this molehill. Unfortunately for you both, the vast majority of taxpayers agree with the Gov .
Tinkerbell,
The governor has no control over interpreters in the court system. Keep 'spinning' girlfriend! lol
Monique,
Could you please link the audio of Helen Glover's abuse of Bill Lynch from this morning. A highly entertaining exercise.
I wonder how they managed to make it all the way here from Guatemala and Mexico without taxpayer-provided interpreters?
No doubt Lynch will have the answer, since he's the he spokesperson for the union thugs and welfare whores that are his Party's constituents.
So whatsya say Billy boy?
Tim your ignorance is amazing. I knew Disaster Don was not talking about the legal system, but was pointing out where it is important even though my sentiments were with Disaster Don on this one statement.
Disaster Don should apologize not for his comments, but for his demonstrated lack of leadership and failing our state. He, like the other CEO he admires, Bush, is a failure. And yes Tim, both parties are responsible. I would focus on the Dems as I am sure your partisan nature will fill you in, but....
Disaster Don with his lack of leadership and vision is a large part of the blame. Deserted mining towns are becoming high tech meccas, cities emptied of factory jobs are growing. We have an educated work force. Yet RI is has not progressed. Where is the vision? Our strengths in the marine area have not been utilized. Where is the vision? How about Health Care, another strong area in RI and growing everyday needs nationwide. Where is the vision/research/growth?
Yes RI has high taxes, but a recent study showing the overall costs of taxes and fees puts RI in the middle. Many high tax places are growing, but it takes VISION and LEADERSHIP, not whining and divisiveness. Sell a real vision that is doable and worthwhile and the state will march forward by LEADERSHIP. The Republicans have been involved in the decision making process for years, especially in the executive branch since Bruce left. Where is the vision? How could Bruce do furloughs and Disaster Don fails? Where is the LEADERSHIP?
The numerous DINOs in RI are a disgrace. Government is NOT A BUSINESS and the running of government like a business insures failure. CEO's can cut staff and can cut product lines and society will be picking up the cost. Cutting state employees and services provided does NOT diminish the needs of the people in the state nor provide the same inherent savings one would expect being from a business background.
And Priorities!!! It is more important to eliminate 1200 jobs or so now, even after RI State government has decreased 4.4% in the last few years, than to effect a repeal of a capital gains tax? Let a few pay 15% on their investment income and continue doing so, while those who work to earn income pay, in general, much more. If that tax were repealed then 150 Million would be generated in income according to the RI Policy Reporter. Let the working middle class suffer more, cut them more, so those tax cuts may be preserved even though these saving ($150 Million) amount to what Disaster Don projects the state will save from cutting the jobs and the benefits. It is class warfare upon the middle class and workers and both parties are more interested in their own pocketbooks and their own savings. Only one in ten has $500,000 plus in investments, but what of those other nine?
All would be better served by a policy of growth, than a policy of doom, cut, and deny. RI deserves better!
Rasputin-Khlyst,
You lament the lack of a business climate and in the very next paragraph you talk favorably of raising the taxes of the very people who would OWN the businesses that would add serious growth to the local economy.
Which is it?
"It is more important to eliminate 1200 jobs or so now, even after RI State government has decreased 4.4% in the last few years, than to effect a repeal of a capital gains tax?"
Dealing with the second item first, your question needs to be directed to Martineau, Alves and a few other Democrats in the G.A. It was they, apparently at the urging of Tom Ryan (and possibly the commission from the sale of 10 million bags), who first contemplated a capital gains tax cut for the top 1% tax bracket.
As to the size of the state work force, there are easily 1,000 state jobs to be cut. A big source of the over-staffing of our state government are contracts with terms that are simply not to be found in the private sector, where dollars are valued more highly. Terms aside from the fabulous bennies.
For example, if someone calls in sick at the DMV (... ahem, or is arrested for allegedly selling drivers licenses to criminals), his/her replacement must be from within that DMV location. It cannot be from any other DMV office. While we're on this subject, what's with the 35 hour work week? And there are many other such examples throughout our state gov't. The Executive Director of the Dept of Administration, Beverly Najarian, said she spent the first six months of her job attempting to implement what in the private sector would have been perfectly reasonable cost cutting restructuring measures, only to be told, no, that can't be done because the contract dictates that it must be done this more expensive way.
Rasputin-Khlyst, you have claimed to be a libertarian. Most libertarians are not fans of big government. Is it not somewhat inconsistent, then, for you to defend the current size of Rhode Island's state government, which no one not employed by the state (or receiving dues from them) believes is too small or even just right?
"Could you please link the audio of Helen Glover's abuse of Bill Lynch from this morning."
Yes, both the Governor and Mr. Lynch hit the radios again this morning. Tim, it's not up yet but I'll keep an eye out for it.
Audio from Helen's show on Friday - including the "abuse of Bill Lynch" - someone else's words, not my own... is available on the WHJJ website at:
http://www.920whjj.com/cc-common/podcast.html
Tim - Producer of the Helen Glover Show
920 WHJJ
Bill Lynch should spend more time with his corrupt dem GA members instead of spewing his nonsense. The Governor is the only elected official in higher office looking out for us. Instead of fighting him for the last five years, you should have helped and maybe we wouldn't be the moral and finacially strapped state we are today.
Kathy
Bill, get a life, and try to keep you AG brother out of trouble. It's people like you who bring down this state and cause our young to leave.
This state has become an unofficial illegal refugee camp. The producers in this state have had enough and are leaving. Be the cure instead of the disease.
Good point, Kath. Mr. Lynch is the leader of the party that has, over the course of the last couple of decades, put this state in its present fiscal straits.
Is he, for example, comfortable that we have been offering maxed out (five years) social benefits while the public pensions have been neglected and we have achieved the dubious spot of seventh highest taxed state in the country? Was it altogether wise that the G.A. cashed in the last of the tobacco settlement to plug repetitive operating shortfalls, and didn't even spend the proceeds to obtain matching federal highway money? With the considerable money we spend on education, why aren't students achieving more academically? Is it really best "for the children" that teachers are retained solely on the basis of longevity?
Possibly Mr. Lynch's time would be better spent on substantive issues like these which impact the state budget, the taxes of hundreds of thousands of Rhode Islanders and the future of our children.
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People take what is given to them. Stop giving, they stop taking. My extremely proud ancestors would have been first in line if somebody offered them something for nothing. Perhaps had everything been given to them they wouldn't be quite so proud.
Posted by: michael at October 18, 2007 4:36 PMWe've made the audio and press release from Bill Lynch available on our website:
http://www.920whjj.com/pages/governor_interpret.html
Hope it's informative... Planning to have Bill Lynch on the program tomorrow morning... And one of our news reporters is out getting the Governor's reaction as I type this...
Tim Staskiewicz
Posted by: Tim at October 18, 2007 4:39 PMProducer - The Helen Glover Show
Talk Radio 920 WHJJ
I predict that if the Governor stands his ground and on principle over this, his numbers will go UP!
If he apologizes, we're looking at a Democrat Governor, guaranteed in 2010.
That's why the Dems want him to apologize because they know an apology will weaken him.
Posted by: George at October 18, 2007 5:53 PMKudos to Gov. Carcieri for speaking the honest and plain truth. Nothing bigotted about his remarks. Just heard Lynch on with Dan Yorke. Mr. SmartMouth was awfully tame and docile. lol Think Lynchie knows he just stepped in a steaming pile of Democratic party dung? You bet!!
Posted by: Tim at October 18, 2007 5:55 PMThis has opened an important PR door for the governor. To call him bigotted is to attack him personally. Time to turn the tables and call out these elitist Democrats who use people of color as political chits. After Lynch is on with Helen tomorrow I want Steve Kass to appear on the show. Want Kass to demand an apology from Lynch for his outrageous and inappropriate comments and then I want Kass to comment on how Lynch and his elitist Democrats block any attempt at public education reform which most negatively affects people of color in the urban core as these same immoral phonies who claim to embrace people of color send their own children to private schools. Lynch wants to get personal then get personal.
Lynch has opened the door and the governor need to drive a tractor trailer through it. The governor needs to take the GD gloves off and go after these frauds.
The people are overwhelmingly with the governor. Been listening to talk radio for a long time and I have never heard such an overwhelming response in support of any one person over a single issue.
Lynch has handed the governor an early Christmas present and he needs to take that gift and beat Lynch and the Democrats right over the head with it.
Simply one more reason proving Bill Lynch is irrelevent and only his lemming will agree with him!
Posted by: Jake at October 18, 2007 6:04 PMHeaven forbid someone with little or no english speaking skills bring a friend or relative to look out for their best interest in such matters.
Where I work, which I guess I would call "the real world", such a person is asked to bring a friend, family member or other trusted employee when there is a need for an interpreter for any reason.
Can anyone name a private company that hires interpreters for their non english speaking employees? Funny, the company I work for is a large RI company and we have none! Maybe I should demand an apology from management???
All Lynch could talk about on Dan Yorke's show, when it came to an interpreter was the court system, evidently he doesn't talk to his lil bro? Not to worry Billy, your little spidey brother isn't cutting ANYTHING from the AG's office anyway.
Are the two Tims in this thread the same person or two different people. Just curious.
Posted by: Thomas at October 18, 2007 7:17 PMTwo different people. I'm not media employed and am the semi-regular poster here. Tim the II is employed by WHJJ and stopped by to add some links and promotional sizzle to the Bill Lynch is the genuine real life bigot story which started on his radio station.
Posted by: Tim at October 18, 2007 7:45 PMSo what say you oh Democrats? Your silence is deafening and speaks mega-volumes.
It's so out of character for you Democrats! lol
Lynch, the GA and the unions are the gifts that keep on giving. Thanks to them the most Democrat state in the US continually elects Republican governors.
Posted by: Mike at October 18, 2007 8:36 PMThe problem is the legal system has exact demands to protect rights. Please see Matt J's post on RIFUTURE.COM. Not that I mind the sentiment of Disaster Don in this case.
This state elects many DINOs. Both parties are responsible for the current mess. In any event, neither party looks out for America's (or RI's) best interests in my opinion.
Posted by: Rasputin-Khlyst at October 18, 2007 9:55 PMLynch shouldn't hold his breath waiting for Carcieri to apologize. This is the kind of arrogance we've gotten used to seeing from our governor, and I don't expect him to start apologizing now.
Posted by: rhody at October 19, 2007 12:39 AMBilly, you know righty Italo-American Democrats (like the ones my town keeps electing) aren't behind you on this one. You've got a better chance of getting an apology out of the Cheneys.
There is absolutely nothing at all for Gov. Carcieri to apologize for. If anything, the governor should be demanding an apology from Mr. Lynch for totally miscontruing his very common sense remarks. I hope the governor keeps on repeating it, because it's a winning issue that crosses party lines. Of course, being one of the most arrogrant people in the history of Rhode Island public discourse, I would never expect him to do that. Let him be the defender of the illegals -- it will help us better paint the Democrats for what they are.
As I conveyed to Monique earlier today (thanks for coming to E.P. by the way), this is a 90-10 issue, where in excess of 9 out of 10 people are in complete agreement with the governor's common sense approach.
With the exception of when courts are informing non-english speaking defendants of their rights in a criminal proceeding (of course, if we do a better job of securing the borders, the need for that should naturally decrease), I cannot think of any other instance where it should be the federal or state government's obligation -- we're talking about an obligation; not providing a convenience -- to use our tax dollars to subsidize non-essential services which could just as easily be carried out through a friend or relative. At minimum, I fail to see any need whatsoever for any government department to be employing 8 people for the sole purpose to translate.
Posted by: Will at October 19, 2007 1:04 AMJust to be completely clear, I'm referring to Mr. Lynch in these remarks. I don't want any ambiguity!
"Of course, being one of the most arrogant people in the history of Rhode Island public discourse, I would never expect him to do that."
Posted by: Will at October 19, 2007 1:06 AMWill,
Democrats have handed Gov. Carcieri a big big winning issue. He needs to couple his remarks with those of Col. Doherty who stated after the illegal Hispanic alien bogus licence ring was busted up at DMV, 'we are not a sanctuary state'. Funny how we never saw SmartMouth Lynch calling Col. Doherty out for that 'bigoted' statement. lol
People across the spectrum are with the governor on this issue. Would love to see polling done of the non-Hispanic minority communities. Think they're more than a little tired of the pandering to Hispanics to the exclusion of all other minority groups?
Rhody,
Nice talking points! Italo-American Democrats, the Cheney...
Any original thoughts to offer? lol
Rasputin,
Not talking about the legal system and neither was the governor. Talking about the sublime to ridiculous taxpayer funded pandering to the Hispanic/Latino community so Spanish speaking illegals and the garden variety moochers and looters can access benes that we pay for.
Posted by: Tim at October 19, 2007 6:56 AMStop insulting us by proffering anything from Matilda and RIDEMISE.COM. The ladies have no credibility here or anywhere else.
Btw nice try but no both parties are not responsible for the downward spiral of this state. Belongs squarely in the lap of Democrats who've had overwhelming control of the state budget amd most municipal budgets for the past 60 years.
Just for laughs I decided to check out the hierarcy of the Rhode Island Democratic party. Knowing how they care (lol) so deeply about the minority community here in Rhode Island (Lynch to Yorke that minorities are the backbone of Rhode Island) I figured I'd find the Dem party version of a Rainbow coalition. Looks more like a Klan rally! lol
Party Leadership & Staff
Democratic State Committee Officers
William J. Lynch, Esq.
Posted by: Tim at October 19, 2007 7:32 AMChairman
Edna O'Neill Mattson
Vice Chair and National Committeewoman
Joseph DeLorenzo - 2nd Vice Chair
The Honorable Elaine Coderre - 3rd Vice Chair
The Honorable Arthur Corvese - Secretary
Allene Maynard - Corresponding Secretary
Milton Bronstein - Recording Secretary
John J. McConnell, Jr. Esq. - Treasurer
Marcia Reback - Assistant Treasurer
Frank Montanaro, Sr. - National Committeeman
Edna O'Neill Mattson - National Committeewoman
RI Democratic Party Staff
Timothy Grilo - Executive Director
Gabriel Amo - Field Director
To Democratic good 'ol boys, Italians are the diversity.
Posted by: rhody at October 19, 2007 10:50 AMArthur Corvese...now there's a progressive (once again, I request sarcasm font).
Despite your spin, Buddy's comments and the Governor's reaction in fact WAS about the courts:
Asked by a caller why the state needs interpreters **in the courts** and other state agencies, Carcieri said: “Amen to you, buddy.”
Posted by: Matt Jerzyk at October 19, 2007 12:46 PMAnd the Gov was clear that he didn't understand why we had to dole out taxpayer money to pay for an interpreter for someone looking to steal MORE taxpayer funds.
Since nobody gets a benefit check from the courts, the context of his statement is clear. Of course, everyone that listens to what he said would know that and you have Billy have decided to try to make a mountain out of this molehill. Unfortunately for you both, the vast majority of taxpayers agree with the Gov .
Posted by: Greg at October 19, 2007 3:50 PMTinkerbell,
The governor has no control over interpreters in the court system. Keep 'spinning' girlfriend! lol
Monique,
Could you please link the audio of Helen Glover's abuse of Bill Lynch from this morning. A highly entertaining exercise.
Posted by: Tim at October 19, 2007 4:01 PMI wonder how they managed to make it all the way here from Guatemala and Mexico without taxpayer-provided interpreters?
No doubt Lynch will have the answer, since he's the he spokesperson for the union thugs and welfare whores that are his Party's constituents.
So whatsya say Billy boy?
Posted by: Ragin' Rhode Islander at October 19, 2007 4:05 PMTim your ignorance is amazing. I knew Disaster Don was not talking about the legal system, but was pointing out where it is important even though my sentiments were with Disaster Don on this one statement.
Disaster Don should apologize not for his comments, but for his demonstrated lack of leadership and failing our state. He, like the other CEO he admires, Bush, is a failure. And yes Tim, both parties are responsible. I would focus on the Dems as I am sure your partisan nature will fill you in, but....
Disaster Don with his lack of leadership and vision is a large part of the blame. Deserted mining towns are becoming high tech meccas, cities emptied of factory jobs are growing. We have an educated work force. Yet RI is has not progressed. Where is the vision? Our strengths in the marine area have not been utilized. Where is the vision? How about Health Care, another strong area in RI and growing everyday needs nationwide. Where is the vision/research/growth?
Yes RI has high taxes, but a recent study showing the overall costs of taxes and fees puts RI in the middle. Many high tax places are growing, but it takes VISION and LEADERSHIP, not whining and divisiveness. Sell a real vision that is doable and worthwhile and the state will march forward by LEADERSHIP. The Republicans have been involved in the decision making process for years, especially in the executive branch since Bruce left. Where is the vision? How could Bruce do furloughs and Disaster Don fails? Where is the LEADERSHIP?
The numerous DINOs in RI are a disgrace. Government is NOT A BUSINESS and the running of government like a business insures failure. CEO's can cut staff and can cut product lines and society will be picking up the cost. Cutting state employees and services provided does NOT diminish the needs of the people in the state nor provide the same inherent savings one would expect being from a business background.
And Priorities!!! It is more important to eliminate 1200 jobs or so now, even after RI State government has decreased 4.4% in the last few years, than to effect a repeal of a capital gains tax? Let a few pay 15% on their investment income and continue doing so, while those who work to earn income pay, in general, much more. If that tax were repealed then 150 Million would be generated in income according to the RI Policy Reporter. Let the working middle class suffer more, cut them more, so those tax cuts may be preserved even though these saving ($150 Million) amount to what Disaster Don projects the state will save from cutting the jobs and the benefits. It is class warfare upon the middle class and workers and both parties are more interested in their own pocketbooks and their own savings. Only one in ten has $500,000 plus in investments, but what of those other nine?
All would be better served by a policy of growth, than a policy of doom, cut, and deny. RI deserves better!
Posted by: Rasputin-Khlyst at October 19, 2007 8:33 PMRasputin-Khlyst,
You lament the lack of a business climate and in the very next paragraph you talk favorably of raising the taxes of the very people who would OWN the businesses that would add serious growth to the local economy.
Which is it?
Posted by: Greg at October 19, 2007 8:54 PM"It is more important to eliminate 1200 jobs or so now, even after RI State government has decreased 4.4% in the last few years, than to effect a repeal of a capital gains tax?"
Dealing with the second item first, your question needs to be directed to Martineau, Alves and a few other Democrats in the G.A. It was they, apparently at the urging of Tom Ryan (and possibly the commission from the sale of 10 million bags), who first contemplated a capital gains tax cut for the top 1% tax bracket.
As to the size of the state work force, there are easily 1,000 state jobs to be cut. A big source of the over-staffing of our state government are contracts with terms that are simply not to be found in the private sector, where dollars are valued more highly. Terms aside from the fabulous bennies.
For example, if someone calls in sick at the DMV (... ahem, or is arrested for allegedly selling drivers licenses to criminals), his/her replacement must be from within that DMV location. It cannot be from any other DMV office. While we're on this subject, what's with the 35 hour work week? And there are many other such examples throughout our state gov't. The Executive Director of the Dept of Administration, Beverly Najarian, said she spent the first six months of her job attempting to implement what in the private sector would have been perfectly reasonable cost cutting restructuring measures, only to be told, no, that can't be done because the contract dictates that it must be done this more expensive way.
Rasputin-Khlyst, you have claimed to be a libertarian. Most libertarians are not fans of big government. Is it not somewhat inconsistent, then, for you to defend the current size of Rhode Island's state government, which no one not employed by the state (or receiving dues from them) believes is too small or even just right?
Posted by: Monique at October 19, 2007 9:56 PM"Could you please link the audio of Helen Glover's abuse of Bill Lynch from this morning."
Yes, both the Governor and Mr. Lynch hit the radios again this morning. Tim, it's not up yet but I'll keep an eye out for it.
Posted by: Monique at October 19, 2007 10:20 PMAudio from Helen's show on Friday - including the "abuse of Bill Lynch" - someone else's words, not my own... is available on the WHJJ website at:
http://www.920whjj.com/cc-common/podcast.html
Tim - Producer of the Helen Glover Show
Posted by: Tim - WHJJ at October 20, 2007 1:17 PM920 WHJJ
Bill Lynch should spend more time with his corrupt dem GA members instead of spewing his nonsense. The Governor is the only elected official in higher office looking out for us. Instead of fighting him for the last five years, you should have helped and maybe we wouldn't be the moral and finacially strapped state we are today.
Kathy
Bill, get a life, and try to keep you AG brother out of trouble. It's people like you who bring down this state and cause our young to leave.
This state has become an unofficial illegal refugee camp. The producers in this state have had enough and are leaving. Be the cure instead of the disease.
Posted by: kathy at October 21, 2007 8:16 PMGood point, Kath. Mr. Lynch is the leader of the party that has, over the course of the last couple of decades, put this state in its present fiscal straits.
Is he, for example, comfortable that we have been offering maxed out (five years) social benefits while the public pensions have been neglected and we have achieved the dubious spot of seventh highest taxed state in the country? Was it altogether wise that the G.A. cashed in the last of the tobacco settlement to plug repetitive operating shortfalls, and didn't even spend the proceeds to obtain matching federal highway money? With the considerable money we spend on education, why aren't students achieving more academically? Is it really best "for the children" that teachers are retained solely on the basis of longevity?
Possibly Mr. Lynch's time would be better spent on substantive issues like these which impact the state budget, the taxes of hundreds of thousands of Rhode Islanders and the future of our children.
Posted by: Monique at October 21, 2007 11:15 PM