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Jens 'n' Frens
Idle thoughts of a relatively libertarian Republican in Cambridge, MA, and whomever he invites. Mostly political.
"A strong conviction that something must be done is the parent of many bad measures."
-- Daniel Webster
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Thursday, May 29, 2003 :::
Nebraska Lawmaker Proposes War With Iowa (link from How Appealing)
A Nebraska lawmaker is so fed up with constituents crossing the state border to gamble that she proposed going to war with neighboring Iowa.
"I've been cautioned that the members of the Iowa Legislature might not take it kindly,' said Sen. Pam Brown of Omaha.
Brown's proposed amendment read: "The sovereign state of Nebraska declares a state of hostility with the sovereign state of Iowa until such a time as the state of Iowa ceases the unjust and relentless appropriation of the resources of the citizens of Nebraska."
To be fair, she goes on to make it clear that this is a publicity stunt. In other words, this isn't conclusive proof that she's been licking toads.
But look at the way that's worded -- "unjust and relentless appropriation of the resources of" people who deliberately, of their own free will, buy a portion of their entertainment out of state. The notion that the state of Nebraska has a prior claim to its citizens' "resources" is appalling.
I admit that this is pure speculation, but I can't help but suspect that she would characterize a tax hike as "just", if not "relentful". Some taxes are necessary, but few are voluntary, and almost all are more regretable than allowing people to spend their money out-of-state. It all goes back to the question of whether the state owns its citizens, or vice versa. Senator Brown and I appear to hold opposing positions on that question.
::: posted by Steven at 4:03 PM
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