Monique Chartier

As We Swing into Campaign 2010, Some Real Life Comportment “Don’ts” for the Candidate

By Monique Chartier | May 1, 2010 |

How not to interact with a member of the public. How not to interact with a member of the media. [Warning: language.] And an oldie but a goodie in the spirit of bipartisanship: how not to interact with another dignitary.

State Deficit 2012: $750,000,000

By Monique Chartier | April 30, 2010 |

This year’s deficit was $220 million. 2011 stands at $440 million. But three quarters of a billion dollars is the number for 2012. Gubernatorial candidate John Robitaille revealed this startling and grim projection last night at the East Providence Super Spring Spectacular. It’s being called the Medicaid Cliff. In two years, federal stimulus monies stop…

Two Cows: A Contrast of Political and Economic Philosophies

By Monique Chartier | April 29, 2010 |

One of those trouble makers in East Providence sent me this. SOCIALISM You have 2 cows. You give one to your neighbor. COMMUNISM You have 2 cows. The State takes both and gives you some milk. FASCISM You have 2 cows. The State takes both and sells you some milk. NAZISM You have 2 cows.…

“T” for Two? Mark Steyn Addresses Bill Clinton’s Fatuous Criticism of the Tea Party

By Monique Chartier | April 26, 2010 |

In Friday’s Orange County Register. Hence, Bill Clinton energetically on the stump, summoning all his elder statesman’s dignity (please, no giggling) in the cause of comparing Tea Partiers to Timothy McVeigh. Oh, c’mon, they’ve got everything in common. They both want to reduce the size of government, the late Mr. McVeigh through the use of…

One Emergency Begets Another: Guess Who’s Representing the Mayor ?

By Monique Chartier | April 25, 2010 |

In today’s Providence Journal, Mike Stanton and W. Zachary Malinowski do a thorough follow up investigation into the story, originally broken by the Hummel Report’s Jim Hummel, about outrageous board-up fees which were facilitated by the official action of that city’s mayor. In it, we learn that Mayor Charles D. Moreau has hired counsel. Moreau’s…

Re: Familiar Names, Familiar Practices

By Monique Chartier | April 25, 2010 | Comments Off on Re: Familiar Names, Familiar Practices

One of the more alarming aspects of the new revelations about the West Warwick pension fund is the lamentation by the Pension Board Chairman, Geoffrey E. Rousselle, that sunshine has been thrown on the matter. He suggested that the dispute should not have turned public. “It upsets me,” Rousselle said. “I don’t know how that…

Two Troubling Aspects of President Obama’s Reaction to the New Arizona Illegal Immigration Law

By Monique Chartier | April 24, 2010 |

… and all the more troubling because, as the Arizona law is a carbon copy of federal law, they reflect his views on the issue of illegal immigration. The first is the basis of his objection. Our failure to act responsibly at the federal level will only open the door to irresponsibility by others. ……

Daily Show with Jon Stuart’s Take on the Threats and Censorship Surrounding those South Park Episodes

By Monique Chartier | April 24, 2010 |

… is superb. If you’re time constrained, fast forward to minute 8:25. (“Revolution Muslim”, referenced in the screen cap below, is the name of the organization/website which posted the threats to the show’s producers.) The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c

Re: Cognitive Dissonance with Charlene Lima

By Monique Chartier | April 18, 2010 |

Justin, along with many of us avid watchers of the State House, was a little startled to learn that former Speaker Pro Tem Charlene Lima (D, Cranston) had not only dropped by the Tea Party Thursday but had offered expressions of camaraderie. Converted politicians are certainly welcome to the good government cause. It is difficult,…

Undoubtedly She Speaks Geomet and That’s What Matters

By Monique Chartier | April 17, 2010 |

Over at Rescuing Providence, as is his wont, EMT blogger Michael Morse reports on an interesting rescue call. Called to the local high school for a female having difficulty breathing. Arrive on scene to find the female lying in the nurses office, on the couch hyperventilating. I learned that she is a Geometry teacher who…