The Democratic Governor Who Prevented Democracy

It’s fascinating to consider the irony infused within the closing days of Governor Mark Dayton’s shutdown of Minnesota. The resolution, such as it is, pleases no one. The rabid anti-capitalists on the Left didn’t get their coveted tax increase. The fiscally sane did not see a reduction in spending. In fact, the resolution is the worst of both worlds – increasing spending beyond projected revenue while putting the balance on a credit card. However, the resolution is not nearly as disturbing as the means by which it was reached.

Consider, Governor Dayton set the process up for failure. He refused to sign individual budget bills or work with the legislature on points of agreement. Instead, he insisted upon reaching total agreement on every facet of the budget before signing anything. Such unreasoned intransigence assured a shutdown from the start. Governor Dayton’s repeated refusal to “turn the lights on,” and continued insistence that a special session not be called until a behind-closed-doors agreement was reached, shut Minnesota constituents out of the process. Continue Reading The Democratic Governor Who Prevented Democracy…

How Should the Tea Party Respond to the Shutdown “Deal?”

The Minnesota state legislature is drafting the budget bills which will formalize the “framework” deal reached with Governor Dayton late last week. As you have no doubt heard, the compromise was reached without increasing income taxes.

Of course, there’s more than one way to skin a cat. An accounting shift and potential bonding bill only add to the structural tension which has underscored budget debates in Minnesota for years. As taxpayer Donald Lee succinctly put it, “Spending IS taxation.” Unless we plan on defaulting against ourselves, somewhere down the line, the piper will have to be paid.

It’s far from a perfect outcome for the Tea Party. But what should we take away from it? Many activists have expressed disappointment with Republicans for not rejecting Dayton’s offer. Many wish the GOP would have held out for a budget of $34 billion or less. Many view this outcome as more of the same, politics as usual, once again kicking the can down the road. Continue Reading How Should the Tea Party Respond to the Shutdown “Deal?”…