Unions

Image of Police Line tape.

Identity politics is a distraction from uncomfortable reality.

By Justin Katz | April 19, 2021 |

The Providence Journal’s headline on a Katherine Gregg story draws attention to an important point about what is hidden: “RI lawmakers ask: Should police face stricter discipline?”  Put simply, the bright spotlight on race makes conspicuous what the politicians, unions, and activists are trying to keep off to the side, in the dark. International Brotherhood of Police…

Monkey hear no, see no, speak no evil statues

Politics This Week with John DePetro: Many Ways to Ignore Core Problems

By Justin Katz | April 19, 2021 |

For their weekly conversation, John DePetro and Justin Katz discuss Governor Daniel McKee avoiding the underlying problems at Zambarano, the media ignoring the underlying violence of BLM rallies, Providence ignoring the underlying issues with public safety, and the implications of fundraising results from Congressmen James Langevin and David Cicilline.

Zambarano Hospital deteriorating

What about the mental health of RI government?

By Justin Katz | April 19, 2021 |

One way of looking at Governor Dan McKee’s decision to hold off on implementing his predecessor’s plans for the state-run Zambarano psychiatric hospital is as a battle of union interests.  Raimondo’s plan to spend $65 million (initial asking price) for a new facility would have made construction unions happy, whereas McKee’s move serves the service…