The Capital City was abuzz and in the national spotlight last week with the first presidential visit to Baton Rouge by Barack Obama and the inauguration of new governor, John Bel Edwards.
“Because of their historic nature, these events created much excitement in the state and city,” writes Business Report Publisher Rolfe McCollister in his new column. “You could certainly see the smiles and sense of pride on the faces of those at McKinley High School, especially minority residents, while the president spoke.”
But while McCollister says we should all respect the offices of the president and governor, he adds we also have the right to disagree with what they say and the philosophy or policies they promote.
“From the beginning of his inauguration speech, it became clear that Gov. Edwards’ team jersey would be Democratic blue. Forget any idea of ‘purple’ or ‘one Louisiana’ bipartisan rhetoric,” McCollister writes. “From Edwards’ inaugural speech to his attempt—and failure—to name a Democrat as speaker of the Republican-majority House of Representatives, the lines are being drawn and we are seeing what we can expect.”
McCollister says Edwards espoused some of the same ideas Obama championed on his subsequent visit, such as raising the minimum wage, equal pay and expanding Medicaid and Obamacare.
In other words, “more government,” McCollister writes. “I am sure Edwards enjoyed his visit with the president from the airport last week, chatting about Medicaid and other such entitlement programs. Obama gave Edwards a ‘shoutout’ at McKinley for his actions to expand Medicaid. But I think kudos from Obama will only make his jersey a darker blue. One wonders what message the national coverage of our new Democratic governor being praised by Obama will send to corporate execs around the nation.”
Read the full column, in which McCollister also touches on the president’s recent State of The Union address, as well as the recent “Decision America Tour” stop in Baton Rouge by Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham.
Send your comments to editors@businessreport.com.
