It seems we are destined to sit by the side of the legislative road, waiting for Godot to show up with a definitive explanation of the stimulus package.  Until then, as Estragon says, there is nothing to be done.  Well, then.  We may as well entertain ourselves with random thoughts and musings:

While on break between our winter and spring terms, I was able to read a couple of books that I would like to recommend to others.  In my old blog, I gave a book review each week so I thought this would not be a bad idea to try at least once. 

I have just sat through a 2 ½ hour meeting on the 2009-10 budget for part of the University.  The mandate was to develop three budgets, one for a 6% cut, one for an 8% cut, and one for a 10% cut.

The governor announced his bi-partisan “executive stimulus committee” that will review the proposals made by executive departments as to how the state government should use the money from the national government’s stimulus package.  The commission will have two weeks to go through the proposals and make recommendations to the governor.  My question is:  Why do we need this unelected commission to do the work that our elected officials are charged to do?

As probably everyone knows by now, 2009 is the bicentennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln continues to astound me, and the more I study him and try to figure him out (which is either a lot easier or more daunting what with the deluge of books this season on Lincoln), the more impressive he becomes. This past week the latest in the episodic ranking of presidents has Lincoln at the top of the list.  

During this legislative session, five of Idaho’s smartest political
experts will offer their perspective on what’s going on in Idaho
politics. Today’s post is from Gary Moncrief:

During this legislative session, five of Idaho’s smartest political
experts will offer their perspective on what’s going on in Idaho
politics. Today’s post is from Jasper M. LiCalzi:

Democracy is a messy process.  I don’t get credit for that profound observation, but we have all felt that way many times.  The current fiscal package that will be signed shortly, is a good example.

The economy is in a weak position and weakening.  There is general agreement that a huge increase in government spending or a significant cut in taxes would go a long way to alleviate the problems associated with rising unemployment and falling incomes.

The circulation among Republican lawmakers of a proposal to apply across-the-board cuts to the salaries of state employees, as yet another response to the economic woes confronting the state, is unfair and unwise. Its core reasoning and its train of thought, moreover, violate the principles of merit and would exact great harm on higher education.

During this legislative session, five of Idaho’s smartest political experts will offer their perspective on what’s going on in Idaho politics. Today’s post is from Gary Moncrief: