53 beers on tap

My generation will put it right!

This isn't just a lyric from the now-classic (classic?  REALLY???) Genesis song "Land of Confusion", which was admirably recently covered by Disturbed. 

Batgirl and I were recently discussing the generational attributes of a particularly obnoxious local elected official.  Batgirl attempted to pawn this person off on my generation, who is of course known as "Generation X".  I countered with the argument that this person's political persona is "Boomer" all the way-- characterized by ego, the accumulation (and possible abuse) of power, and just plain ol' doing shit because they can.  She conceded the point-- which is no mean feat!

Which led me, over burgers and barley wines, to contemplate my generation, and the current mess we're in as a country and as a society.  In my post yesterday I threw some stuff up against the wall, ways to stimulate the economy and hopefully make people feel better about their future.  But that's only part of the puzzle.  As a political culture, and as a society, we have to possess the discipline to not give in to easy ways out, to politically-expedient rhetoric.  Moreover, we need to sacrifice as a people to an extent-- truly, truly sacrifice.  Even if that sacrifice means taking a leap into the unknown.

How does this stack up on a generational level?  I think that Generation X is "that generation" who can get it done.  In fact, we already have started to do that.  We have sacrificed a greater potential to earn more and be upwardly mobile in our careers, for the desire to balance work life and family life.  We recognize the gross excess that characterizes the generation ahead of us, and the ambition of the generation behind us.  And we want a better life for those behind us to enjoy.

It is my hope that in this coming election cycle-- as the first members of Generation X hit their 50th birthdays-- that as we start to achieve our levels in life, that we will act not towards the accumulation of more "stuff", but for righting the wrongs that have taken things off track and made so many people of all generations disillusioned with our system and frankly, sick of our culture.  That we will demand responsibility and accountability of those who represent us and otherwise lead us in society.  That we'll stop being a society of rubberneckers; that we'll realize that the Federal deficit is slighty more important than the latest regarding Michael Jackson's estate, and that the two stories are in the exact opposite wrong order on the national news.

This is my hope.  Whether it comes to pass, whether we do have it within ourselves to appeal to our own higher angels-- we will see.

The middle class... forgotten again

Several days ago I was hanging out with Batgirl (the nom de blog I am giving a friend of mine, who I have enjoyed chatting with and shaking our heads commisseratively as we witness the spectacle that is Howard F'n County-- actually, fair to say, I didn't give her the name, she TOOK it).  Among other things we talk about, we discuss recent political history on all levels.  Our most recent conversation touched upon the lack of the Obama Administration's ability to connect wioth average Americans-- to communicate with average Americans how their initiatives affect THEM.  I brought up the contrast with Bill Clinton, who was a master at doing such.

Having worked on the Clinton campaign from it's beginning stages in 1991-- including working security at his three "Georgetown speeches" in which he outlined his campaign-- I can remember well the themes of opportunity, responsibility, and community that underscored his campaign.  I remembered his first campaign brochure, entitled, "Working for the Forgotten Middle Class".  I remembered his asking people my age, and a little older, if they were working longer and harder but still barely making ends meet, if they thought the American Dream was slipping away, and if they felt the American Dream was still achievable for their families?  I remember those questions striking a chord-- a chord that would resonate all the way to eight years in the White House.

Today, 20 years later, many of the same conditions persist.  Middle class Americans are working longer and harder, but not getting ahead.  It's getting harder to move up in one's career, or to switch careers.  It's getting harder to start a small business.  And middle class Americans are fearing that the American Dream is escaping them, and may not be possible for their children.

Someone needs to speak to this.  Honestly, I don't see anyone in the Republican field speaking to these concerns.  All I see there are retreads of 80s or 00s fiscal policy.  And Obama hasn't articulated much in the way of policy innovation as it pertains to tax policy.  Yes, there has been the stimulus and the health care plan, but people need the psychological benefit of seeing more money in their take-home pay, or seeing larger tax refunds come in the spring.

I'm not saying someone should run against President Obama in the Democratic primary, but I AM saying that someone earnest, dynamic and articulate who can stay on a message of "fighting for the forgotten middle class" could do well in a Democratic primary.  As to some ideas, I have a few:

1. Let the Bush tax cuts expire.  Obama's been faulty in having them continue.

2. Phase out the mortgage interest deduction.  This is a deduction a lot of homeowners-- including me-- benefit from.  But with interest rates so low and with mortgage lending still very slushy, keeping this deduction doesn't make sense.  So do away with it.

3. Make medical care cost deductions available to all-- even those who choose to take the standard deduction.  One hundred percent of all medical expenses should be tax deductible.  Keep the current regulations on what qualifies as acceptable "out of pocket" costs. 

4. Reduce the amount of standard deductions-- I'd say by half at least-- to encourage more taxpayers to use deductions.

5. Roll back the more recent restrictions on charitable deduction record keeping in an effort to encourage taxpayers to 1) donate and 2) record keep same for tax purposes.

In addition, someone has to speak to breaking the back of the cycle by which we borrow from China to buy oil from Saudi Arabia.  Green technology can and should be the new tech boom, but so far I don't get the sense that it's connecting on the consumer level.  To help achieve this connection, those who choose to purchase or lease solar power should receive a 2-for-1 dollar tax credit.  So a $10,000 purchase or lease equals a $20,000 credit, amortized over 5 years.  Give similar 2-for-1 credits to purchasers of hybrid or electric vehicles-- not based on the full cost of the vehicle, but a lesser figure.  And extend similar incentives to small businesses who become greener as well.

These are just a few ideas as to how we could truly turn into an innovation society again.  I have many more, but if nominated, I will not run, and if elected, I will not serve.  (That's actually BS; of course I would do both!)

2012...the new 1968???

Since we just had Thanksgiving, and we're a little less than a month from Christmas, given the propensity of society to rush the holidays, why not already talk about the New Year?

Our more freaky-deeky types claim that 2012 will bring the end of the world-- if memory servies, on November 21st.  So I hope everyone ate heartily on turkey day, because we just had our last one ever!  But while I don't think 2012 will bring the Apocalypse, I do think 2012 could bring a lot of political, economic and social upheaval that may make 2012 the most tulmultous year in Western civilization since, say, 1968.  Let's look at what we know is coming down the pike:

1. A US Presidential election where the national electorate is increasingly more polarized;

2. The rise of citizens' groups on the far right and far left who are going to put pressure on our elected officials, candidates-- indeed, our entire political system-- like never before;

3. The continued recession/sluggish recovery (depending on what set of economic indicators you believe);

4. The 2012 London Summer Olympics (the Olympic Games have frequently, and occasionally tragically, been a location for political demonstrations);

5. The continued peril the European Union finds itself in, economically and politically;

6. The continued US-led War on Terror

Wow.  Put in there a natural disaster or two-- God forbid, an act of terror-- and 2012 has the possibility of being one for the books.  But not the last one, I'm pretty sure.

Local redistricting moves forward

Those of you who are annoyed by the Councilmanic residtricting proposal put forth by the redistricting commission-- you better mark December 19 on your calendars.  For that is the date of the public hearing on the plan, which has been submitted as local legislation.  An article about the legislation can be found here.

I have said before that I really don't see much of a big whoop with the commission's plan, and the two main areas of contention that I see-- well, I think the Wheatfield people should take a chill pill, and I see the point of the folks in Dorsey Hall.  But a redistricting hearing is always apt to bring out the fruits and nuts.  It should be entertaining.

High School turf fields ain't dead yet!

Well, just when the entire county, from Mt. Airy to the suburbs of greater Burtonsville, thought that turfed high school stadium fields would be a luxury not seen in these lifetimes, comes this proposal from County Executive Ken Ulman.  Basically, the funds for the turf fields at all 12 county high schools would come from the Department of recreation and Parks, while the replacement costs for the fields (they need to be replaced about every 12 years, apparently) would be split by Rec and Parks and the Howard County Public School System.

OK, so I get why initially state funding was sought for this project-- after all, why should the county pay for something the state can pay for?  But does the Rec and Parks budget really have the approximately $700,000 per year in its budget (the cost total is $4 million, and the fields are scheduled to be installed over 6 years) to support the field construction?  Or... is this new funding to the Rec and Parks budget starting with FY13 in July?  The article is sketchy on the details, but I suspect the latter.

I support the installation of the turf fields for a number of reasons-- the long-term maintenance costs are less, turf fields are safer than grass, the fields could be used much more heavily than they are now, for three-- but I need to know more about the funding stream on this before I can wrap my arms around this one.  I am especially concerned about a project that spans more than one local administration.  What if, in year 2 or year 6 of this process, there's a change in local administration, and the new Exec/Council/School Board don't feel so warm and fuzzy about turfed school fields?  Then we could have as few as 2, or as many as 8, schools holding the bag without turf fields.  Which then leads to complaints about inequity between schools, and well, you know the rest.

Looking forward to seeing this one unfolding.  But for now-- more information, please.

Get your free park on in Ellicott City

For the fourth year running, Howard County Government is bringing you free parking in downtown Ellicott City for the holidays.  So, starting today and running through January 2, at those four areas in historic EC where there are meters to feed-- well, you don't have to.  The county will have signage to ensure that only the biggest idiots will forget and actually feed the meters.

So now there's no reason to miss Midnight Madness in historic EC next Friday, December 2.  December 2 will also mark the opening of the new and improved Howard County visitors' center at the site of the old Ellicott City post office.

The combination of free parking, a high concentration of retail, the opening of the visitor center, and just the reason that it's Friday night should make next Friday in Ellicott City the place to be.  I think this is where the holiday season kicks off with a bang in Howard County! 

In fact, I can just see our County Executive now, proclaiming Howard County open for business, and inviting all those from far and near to shop in Ellicott City and Howard County.  The word shall go out to the Oellans, Halethorpians, Eldesburgers, Arbutians, Damascans, and Olneyites to visit fair Howard County; to rejoice! and spend excessive amounts of money.

Happy Thanksgiving!

MM here-- happy Thanksgiving!  Taking a little bit of a break to enjoy the holiday.  And to gear up for tonight's Ravens game.  : )  More of the regular insanity over the weekend!

The Gansler - Ulman problem

Day before Thanksgiving-- what better time to write a post about something still 34 months (give or take) away, that being the Democratic primary for Maryland Governor?

So, a leading candidate in the primary is a Generation X white male-- photogenic, tenegenic, athletic, well-educated background, fast riser in Maryland politics, and currently an officeholder in a very prominent executive capacity.  And very capable in their job-- capability that may only be exceeded by their ambition.  Who am I referring to?  Howard County Executive Ken Ulman or Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler?

Trick question!  I could be referring to either.  And therein lies the problem.

Both Ulman and Gansler are "that guy" among the leading Democratic candidates for Maryland Governor.  For my money, Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown is "that guy" too, except he's black and a veteran.  Two important distinguishing characteristics in a Democratic primary where every vote is going to count.

State Comptroller Peter Franchot is most definitely not "that guy".  He's older and, for my money, much more liberal than any of the other three candidates I just mentioned.   And he is extremely high profile, thanks to his position on the State Board of Public Works.  If the election were held today, I'd consider it a close call between Brown and Franchot, with Gansler and Ulman a step behind.

But the election is in 34 months and there are political lifetimes to be lived between now and then.  I truly feel that any of the four candidates I mentioned above can win the primary, depending on a lot of factors-- the state and local economies, campaign fundraising, choices for Lieutenant Governor, to name just a few.  But how can the two candidates who seem the most cut from the same cloth differentiate themselves?

From Ulman's perspective-- a sound bet would be for him to make himself the candidate of the Baltimore area.  There are currently no serious candidates for Governor from Baltimore City, County, or Anne Arundel or Harford Counties.  Being from Howard allows Ulman the opportunity to be "that guy".   There's a lot of campaign cash in Baltimore and a lot of support to cultivate.  If he can carry the Baltimore area and the other three knock each other around in the DC suburbs, he can still rule the primary.

For Gansler, he has amassed a considerable campaign war chest-- he would do well to use some.  He will wind up splitting Montgomery County with Franchot, so he will have to scrounge for primary votes in every corner of the state.  And while again, that would suggest the drive up 95, Baltimore voters have always been skeptical of candidates from Montgomery and Prince Georges Counties.   Glendening was a bit of an exception of that because of the unholy "slots for tots" deal made with then-Mayor Kurt Schmoke.  But by and large, the average Baltimore voter doesn't go for candidates from areas outside of 695.

The Baltimore Beltway doesn't intersect Howard either, but the perception, politics and georgraphy match.  Howard is closer to Baltimore City than Montgomery County is, any day of the week.  Ken Ulman's primary hopes largely lie on convincing the 695 crowd that he can be a Governor who speaks for them.

Transgender bill picks up steam

So it looks as if Howard County's on the verge of becomong the third jurisdiction on the state to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identy.  A report on last night's Council hearing where the legislation was heard can be found here.

Unfortunately I couldn't attend the hearing or even watch it on TV-- family stuff and other obligations got in the way-- but I am glad to hear that the proponents of this legislation greatly outnumbered the opponents.  That's great stuff.

The Council is scheduled to vote on the bill on December 5.

Winner! Winner! Chicken dinner!!!

I got this cool little banner from the folks with the Mobbies:

Now, if I can just find a way to affix it permanently to my page--- good ol' Typepad's not exactly helping in that regard, and while often I can be very technically astute, on occasion I display the technical acumen of Curly Howard.