Publisher: President Obama digs in his heels

Did you watch President Barack Obama’s State of the Union speech in January? If so, what was your reaction?

I couldn’t believe the spin on how great everything was with our economy at home and foreign affairs abroad. Really?

As for Obama’s agenda, it is like he ignored the midterm elections and said, “Damn the torpedoes.” Even though Republicans have control of the Senate and the House, Obama seems determined to dig in his heels and push his failed liberal agenda through the use—and abuse—of executive privilege, speeches and the veto.

While we could predict the Republicans’ reaction, what about those involved in specific areas such as small business or K-12 education? Let me share a comment on each topic:

From Kevin Chavous, executive counsel for The American Federation for Children: “President Obama’s remarks on education were a great disappointment to those of us working to help kids struggling in failing schools across America. The president has long expressed interest in helping children attend pre-K, and today he wants to help more kids go to college—all of which is laudable. But the obvious question is: What about the millions of kids in between?

“As a former elected official who saw the benefits of school choice in D.C., I find it heartbreaking that the president remains stubbornly in line with those who oppose any meaningful reforms to an antiquated education system. By ignoring the needs of children between K-12 who are stuck in schools that do not meet their needs, the president runs the risk of being on the wrong side of the most important civil rights issue of this generation.”

Then there’s Raymond J. Keating, chief economist of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council: “The president’s proposals to raise taxes on investment, entrepreneurship and business development by further raising the capital gains and dividend taxes are particularly destructive for economic growth and job creation. The poor economy of the past eight years has been overwhelmingly about a dearth of private investment. Such investment has been discouraged by anti-growth tax and regulatory policies, and now President Obama serves up a host of proposals that would make matters worse. If he wants robust economic growth, then President Obama should not be trying to raise taxes on the sources of such growth. Instead, he should advocate for reforms that make our tax system the most competitive in the world to ensure investment dollars stay here, and are attracted to come here.”

Fueling immigration debate

When you hear about the story of Apolinar Altamirano in Arizona, you can understand the opposition to illegal immigration and amnesty. Altamirano, an illegal immigrant, is in jail now for reportedly murdering a 21-year-old store clerk over a pack of cigarettes. Federal immigration authorities have been on his case for two years, and he was convicted of burglary. He was facing deportation but was released on a $10,000 bond, and that is when he allegedly killed Grant Ronnebeck.

Because the federal government didn’t do its job of securing the border to keep this illegal alien out of Mesa, Arizona—and then didn’t deport him after he was caught or when he was convicted of a felony, but instead released him on bond—an innocent, young American citizen is dead. What does the federal government say to Ronnebeck’s parents and family now?

Our government can’t deport Altamirano because justice must be served. So we will protect his right to a fair trial (though the murder is on camera), and pay for an attorney, and house and feed him in prison for years at taxpayers’ expense, while his case winds through the courts.

Legal immigration has been critical to America’s growth. And most illegal immigrants are not felons. But the failure by the feds in this case should make us all very angry.

A day for free speech

I was on Louisiana’s flagship university campus on Jan. 24, and it was a day on which many different views were expressed in a very civil manner. That day on the LSU campus there was a prayer rally, a pro-life march, protesters, and forums on gay and lesbian issues. It seems appropriate that a college campus would be the site for such diverse views and expressions. Isn’t that what tenure was created to allow—not to mention our First Amendment to the Constitution?

I attended the prayer rally at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center along with thousands who worshipped by singing and praying for our city, state and nation.

I have to say I was perplexed that a group of LSU faculty tried to deny others free speech on the campus while most of them cling tightly to their tenure and expect to be protected if others disagree with their views. But this is America, and I will respect their right.

I admire President F. King Alexander’s handling of this entire situation. His experience in such matters was evident. While everyone on campus that day did not agree, they all had a chance to be heard. And that is what makes America the greatest nation on earth.

More on public notices

In my last column I discussed the issue of The Advocate’s recent coverage of economic development incentives and tax breaks for businesses, but said the daily forgot to mention what I consider a “subsidy” for the newspaper business: public notices. The Internet has made such print postings an archaic practice and an unnecessary expense for the state, cities and private businesses.

It seems I stepped on some toes with my column, as attested to by the response of two high-ranking officials serving at successful publications that run public notices. They told me in personal emails that I don’t understand this “service” and that my comparing the notices to a tax break or subsidy is ridiculous.

We disagree.

They also took issue with the dollar total of such ads and notices that I had cited from a story in The Lens, which reported that $7 million had been spent on the ads in New Orleans. It’s a number I cannot verify, and The Lens did not respond to my email to confirm the number, so I accept the criticism and apologize for using the figure.

However, I still stand by my position that we are talking about millions of dollars statewide for all parishes and that the decades-old practice of posting legal notices primarily serves the newspaper industry and is protected by that industry.

And, as newspapers report and editorialize on the state budget and ways to address the deficit, all options should be on the table.

Remembering their smiles

Baton Rouge lost two special people last week who always had a big smile and a kind greeting for others: Rev. Than Ngoc Vu, pastor and diocesan vicar general for St. Aloysius Parish, and Christina Bannister, owner of Christina’s restaurant in downtown. Their lives touched many, and they will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends.