Other than some political TV reporting, I have not spent time at the Legislature since I left the state Senate in January 1977. My focus has been Arizona history and the 80-odd documentary projects I've produced.
This year, however, the Legislature captured my attention - and not in a good way. It makes my mind wander back and remember others who had qualities quite in contrast:
I was in awe of Sandra Day O'Connor and Burton Barr as they worked to create a school-tax equalization law
Now, we turn to that sad aggregation of today's legislative leadership. I wonder if any of the landmark legislation mentioned above would have been approved by the current cast. "Too expensive." So much for Arizona's future.
"Gotta get rid of government! What matters is this year's tax bills . . . and next year's election."
A real conservative takes a different approach:
Today, we struggle. We have to raise more revenue for a year or two perhaps. Revenue means taxes. It's the true conservative approach - balance the damn budget! It's in our Arizona Constitution.
And finally, this: If memory serves, Gov. Jan Brewer's very first political activity was campaigning door to door for my re-election to the House in 1972. Today, Jan and I would probably disagree on many issues. And that's just fine, for more importantly she has turned out to be a profile in courage.
She has stood up for her righteous beliefs - for schoolchildren, for the mentally and physically challenged. And stood up to pay for it!
This, in direct opposition to the small-minded powers of her own angry party. Politically, she has everything to lose. And, indeed, may well lose it.
But in producing Arizona history documentaries, I've studied the political career of every Arizona governor. Never before has one so consciously chosen to stand up and be counted, come what may.
We are witnessing a courageous, historic moment in Arizona history.
Bill McCune is a broadcaster, documentary maker and former state lawmaker. Reach him at McCunetv@aol.com
2 comments:
This (like all) is an ideologically-driven piece. The guy who calls Governor Brewer "courageous" almost sounds like a Democrat, at least a liberal. If the Governor is a hero, does that make all the Senate Democrats cowards?
One who believes that we need to tax more to sustain ever-increasing amounts of government spending (the ideology) believes that Jan Brewer is a hero for being committed to the idea that we should spend and tax more.
Governor Brewer's $3 billion tax increase, her opposition to spending cuts and her veto of property tax relief for Arizona ... is courageous? Is heroic? The tireless effort to increase taxes on our seniors, working families and small businesses is thus seen as courageous?
I come from a different perspective.
Clearly, other ideology-driven perspectives on heroism drives one to other credible, courageous heroes.
In the capitol scene, it is all too easy to succumb to the whims of all the special interests and their lobbyists. Even easier when the pot is sweetened with illusory and ill-conceived taxes for big corporations (while essentially ignoring the small businesses that drive our economy). It's easy to set people aside in and serve big-money, big-contributor, big-donor power brokers.
What about those that stand up to all those special interests? Some have stood up under extraordinary pressure and personal (often completely false and contrived) .
Some of those under pressure ... some under political attack ... have chosen that instead of giving in, they will stand by their principles (regardless of how it harms them politically) ... stand by their promise to the voters when they were elected ... and put the TAXPAYERS before the special interests, capitol insiders and insiders within their own party who threaten them unless they go along with the largest tax increase in state history?
My own opinion is that I find those that take the wrath of the media, the well-financed party insiders, the political insiders, the Governor ... and say "NO! I won't do it. I will NOT raise taxes" are the real heroes here.
OK Candyman let me try to explain exactly what is going on here.
NO ONE wants our taxes increased. Remember, in 2011, when the Obama led Dem Congress doesn't renew the Bush Tax Cuts of 2005 (the one's where EVERY Taxpayer got a cut)we will ALL recieve a significant increase in Federal Income Taxes.
What Gov. Brewer wanted to do was to allow the VOTERS of Arizona to choose and vote on this. What the hell is wrong with that? You & I both know it would go down in flames.
Now let me tell you what you aren't hearing from the 'just say NO crowd'. Every Municipality, city, county etc, etc, has automatic funding levels MANDATED by law such for things such as Schools, Fire & Police Departments. If the state does not fund these, then the additional costs WILL be passed on to each city.
Do YOU want your Fire & Police protection cut?
No one has talked about this. Look it up Candy. If you have specific ideas, I know the Governor is willing to hear them.
Post your ideas here. The Governor reads this blog everyday!
Lets stop the infighting (you want Terry Goddard as Gov?), pull up our pants and get to work to solve this budget mess...
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