By Warner Todd Huston ——Bio and Archives--January 8, 2010
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Of all times, of all things, the Democrats in the Oregon Legislature chose now, in the throes of one of the worst recessions in history, to make business an enemy. They chose this moment to pit business against schools, the private sector against public unions, employers against the jobless.Hear, hear. Granted in 2003 The Oregonian didn’t support Governor Ted Kulongoski when he was candidate Ted Kulongoski, but the paper is not a paragon of conservative values, to be sure. The most salient point here is that between 2000 and 2009 Oregon’s state expenditures have grown by over $10 billion with $2 billion of that in 2009 alone. It is estimated that Oregon will have a $1.6 billion shortfall for 2010 and Governor Kulongoski hopes that this giant tax hike will fill in that hole. But isn’t that just like government? Instead of looking to trim the sails of profligate spenders, instead of telling the illicit union thugs that the taxpayer’s just can’t afford their high lifestyle any more and cuts will have to be made… instead of doing what every real-world business and household has to do to make ends meet in tough times, Governor Ted Kulongoski and his tax hogs in Salem want to dip into the pockets of the people by imposing a tax that will negatively affect their very livelihoods. So, folks here is the perfect opportunity to tell an out of control state government that enough is enough. Vote “no” on measures 66, and 67. For more information of Measures 66 and 67, visit BallotPedia.org’s excellent, information packed website.
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Warner Todd Huston’s thoughtful commentary, sometimes irreverent often historically based, is featured on many websites such as Breitbart.com, among many, many others. He has also written for several history magazines, has appeared on numerous TV and radio shows.
He is also the owner and operator of Publius’ Forum.