We love our football in Louisiana, and politics is often referred to as a sport in the Bayou State. We all have been that “Monday morning quarterback” in the office around the coffee pot, espousing what plays should have been called to win the game. It just seems so simple and clear. If only we had been calling the plays, the outcome would have been different.
Well, the new legislative session just kicked off. Game on. So let’s pretend for a moment you are called down out of the stands where you have been screaming the plays for years, and you are handed the headset and told you’re the coach (or governor)—you make the calls. What will you do? Hurry up … the offense is on the field ready to go. What is your first play?
You understand if you call a run and there is no gain, half the crowd will wonder why you didn’t pass. If you call a pass and the quarterback is sacked for a loss, you will hear a few boos and screams to “run the ball.” (That used to be you.) And if you have the QB throw an interception for a “pick six,” you might even hear a tipsy fan shout, “Fire the coach!” in the first quarter. It looks so much easier from the stands.
It’s the same way at the Capitol. What plays do you call to help higher education? Propose a tax and many will boo. Cut a program or rebate and others will scream for your head. Tough choices and the consequences that follow. Most citizens outside the Capitol have little idea of the pressure that comes with calling the plays.
It is a tough job and one you didn’t ask for or wish to have—so you’re off the hook.
But the situation is different for four potential “coaches” (gubernatorial candidates) with experience who are applying for the job and saying they are ready to step in with their game plan.
Great, it’s the first quarter and we want to win in 2015—so let’s hear the game plan now when the pressure is on. Can you handle it? Whattaya got to offer the team?
Judging from the series of recent forums, I am hearing a recurring theme. It seems you want us to hire you first, then you will call a team meeting next January (special session) and lay out your game plan. But this game is underway and we need you to share your plays now, not later. Do you have any real plays? Can you lead this team?
At the first candidate forum in January, “Coach John Bel Edwards” got it right when he said, “We cannot wait until January of 2016 to address our problems.” Edwards is in the Legislature and will have to spell out his issues, bills and votes; he’s not able to pontificate and speculate on what he can and will do in the future if we just elect him. He can’t say “it depends” or “I would have to analyze all the options” as a means to stall and avoid taking a position. Edwards will have to vote up or down for all to see. Isn’t it only fair that the other candidates should declare to voters how they would vote on tough issues this session as well?
In the forums thus far, the candidates have agreed on many topics in general terms, but the devil is in the details. How will you do it? The legislative session has begun and the election is just over six months away, but when you go to the candidates’ websites you find little detail on their platforms and agenda for the future. And where some steps are listed, it doesn’t say how or if it is possible—and where the funds would come from to accomplish it. No detailed plays.
All of the “coaches” say they want to score for K-12 and higher education, but what are their plays? Are they going to raise taxes (on who?) or cut programs (which ones?)? They are not saying. They are just promising to look at everything in a special session next January after you elect them governor. This is the game they are playing best.
It’s not like these four don’t have a copy of the state budget and constitution or experience in working in government. Read the “playbook” and tell us what you would change or call during this game we’re in now. Are these potential coaches who are asking you to hire them hiding their plays from the fans—or do they not have any winning ones? I suspect they all know that as soon as they share their playbooks, the critics will come and at least half the fans will disagree with them. So they will just keep talking about the budget problems and avoid specific steps to solve it—and just promise to “put Louisiana first for a brighter tomorrow.” (Works well for 30-second spots.) But is that leadership, and is it fair to those they are asking for support? Shouldn’t they be bold enough to put their playbook on the table—not just more platitudes?
The “coaches” who want to lead TEAM LOUISIANA for the next four years could exhibit why they are qualified and ready now by sharing their specific solutions, if they have any (besides calling a special session next January). Show us what you’ve got now for the action on the field. And if not, take a seat in the stands with the spectators and just holler.
U.S. GOVERNMENT TOO BIG
Our national debt is over $18 trillion. The federal government is spending $3.6 trillion a year (the 2012 fiscal year number). And then I read the Associated Press reports that 22 federal agencies made a total of $125 billion in improper payments last year, which included tax credits to people who didn’t qualify, Medicare payments for treatments that might not be necessary and unemployment benefits for people who were actually working.
The story was on a new report released by the U.S. Government Accountability Office. It showed the level of improper payments was a new high after several years of decline and that, in addition to fraud, the errors included overpayments and underpayments, as well payments made without proper documentation. Is it any surprise that hard working Americans are opposed to more taxes when they read such reports? I know some politicians or bureaucrats may say $125 billion is just a fraction of the budget—which just points out that government is TOO BIG. I just wonder how many of these government employees made any mistakes or overpayments on their own household bills? It’s different when it’s your money. That’s the problem with government; no one typically pays for these mistakes but you, the taxpayer.
DREAMS COME TRUE
It will finally happen—in my lifetime. The old, rusting city dock that has been an eyesore at the foot of the Mississippi River bridge, will soon be the site of a beautiful $20 million headquarters for the Water Institute of the Gulf. This building is one of three that will be started this year as part of the 33-acre Water Campus.
At the groundbreaking, which took place recently for the first building by LSU, Gov. Bobby Jindal said the Water Campus will become a hub of national and international experts focused on river delta issues and will create new jobs for the region. The research here will be shared around the world and a source of pride for many in our state.
Thanks to the governor and CPRA, the mayor and Metro Council; BRAF and CPRT, former Sen. Mary Landrieu and Congressman Garret Graves. This will be a beautiful riverfront landmark to enjoy and welcome visitors to the Capital City.
