Andrew,

Thank you for the live blogging, which I found both interesting and depressing. One thing that was missing from your posts, however -- what bright ideas emanated from the attendees from the NEA, AFT, AFSCME, Ocean State Action, ACORN, Poverty Institute and similar organizations?

What are their ideas about how to get RI growing again, what the obstacles are, and how to remove them?

Isn't that the real issue here?

On the other hand, I'm surprised there are still people in RI from the business community who have the time and interest to even attend such a conference (as opposed, say, to meeting with Paul Arpin).

An informercial from the State of South Carolina would have made an appropriate finale.

I applaud Governor Carcieri and his efforts.

Rhode Island can be turned around - it has great potential - but the little minds that inhabit the Democrat General Assembly will never do what is necessary.

Just look at Springfield or New Bedford if you want to peer into Rhode Island's future.

Hah. How about Gary or Youngstown?
Guess what-you can already see it in parts of Providence.

-Hah. How about Gary or Youngstown? Guess what-you can already see it in parts of Providence.

Ah, the post with Springfield / New Bedford is probably more on the mark.

Gary / Youngstown are decrepit, but filled with Americans.

Springfield / New Bedford are increasingly populated with illegals and anchor babies.

Just like Rhode Island.

Rhode Island is rapidly turning into a rustbelt hacienda amigo, which is only going to get worse with Comrade Obama in the White House and Comrade Paiva-Weed as RI Senate Majority Leader.

Be quick to order your Rosetta Stone, so that you can learn to say in Spanish "how much is my tax bill up this quarter?"

Ragin:

"Por quanto va aumentar mis impuestos este ano?"

Gracias y saludos, mi amigo. Y recuerde: los beneficios en Rhode Island son los mejores en todos los Estados Unidos!

For translation, call Matt J.