Minnesota Government Shutdown Flag Photo courtesy David Erickson
So our state government has shut down due to failure to reach a compromise to bridge the gap in our budget.
I blame the Republicans completely and without reservation.
Their insane instance against raising taxes (even though they are perfectly happy to impose fees but a tax by any other name…, you know), even for merely the most well-off amongst us (who have made out like bandits since the Clinton Administration), is unreasonable by any standard.
Further, philosophically, conservatives are opposed to government so seeing it shut down ain’t no thing to them. Democrats, on the other hand, believe in government, believe in its ability to serve people and do good. For that very reason, they want the government to remain open.
I gotta believe Governor Dayton went the last mile in an effort to keep the ship of state sailing.
UPDATED: 5/28/11: I participated on the Civil Rights, Civic Discourse & Civic Responsibility in a High Tech World panel for the Hubert H. Humphrey Centennial Reunion & Policy Discussion held May 27, 2011, at Minneapolis City Hall.
Hubert H. Humphrey Civil Rights Speech Before The 1948 Democratic National Convention
One of the greatest speeches ever given: Hubert H. Humphrey’s 1948 Civil Rights Speech at the Democratic National Convention. Found at YouTube from AmericanSpeeches.
Kathleen Sebelius: Health & Human Services Celebration Of Hubert H. Humphrey
Health & Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius discusses Hubert H. Humphrey’s legacy and a screening of excerpts of The Art Of The Possible, a documentary about Humphrey, and a discussion with filmmaker Mick Caouette. Found at YouTube from USGOVHHS.
