Let's branch out from something I read in last week's "Democratic Dish." So, if we head to Indy, one day really soon we're going to be finding thousands of angry farmers camped out on the front steps of the State House. These farmers will be there because they're protesting high taxes and because politicians are buying their way into office, not being elected.
Well, we might see that happen. But, friends, it won't be because of any Republican. Don't be mistaken. If you want to talk about "heavy burdens on the backs of small farmers," don't look to the Democrats for any tax relief, especially in Indiana.
As far as Republicans buying their way into power, what if there is a chance that the nearly 80 percent of the Republican electorate voted their candidate into office? Statistically, Democrats just don't seem to want to vote in Indiana. All the money in the world could be spent on financing a campaign, but voters wouldn't elect a candidate who didn't promise something tangible in return. When we talk about tangibles in Indiana, let's look at all Uncle Frank has taken from us in the past year.
We're facing hard times, so let's raise taxes to make it even harder. This sounds more to me like the stance of Democrats in Indiana. How about we suggest cuts in spending before we ramrod tax increases through the House next time.
We all make mistakes, though, and I can appreciate that. However, be more thoughtful on who you punish for those mistakes. What I don't care for, and neither does the majority of the state, is suggesting increases to taxes when it was the Democrats and their "super surplus spending" mentality that got us to where we are today.
Perhaps the rest of Indiana will join with me when I say that I'm tired of seeing Democrats get that lost look on their faces in times of need or in crisis. There aren't easy decisions to be made these days, especially with our state budget.
Even here at Ball State we will be feeling the effects of cutbacks. We know they're coming, but we'll deal with it. Making the decision to raise taxes, however, raises voter suspicions on whether this move is simply a characteristic of a governor who knows he won't have to dance come election time.
B.J. Paschal, professor emeritus of psychology, will probably be the first to tell you there is no way that I, or any other Republican, can possibly believe Indiana's Democrats have anything to do with the state's current budgetary deficit. I assure you these are strong beliefs among many who will be clearly seen in due time.
Maybe there will be a revolt of sorts coming soon. I doubt, however, it will be quite like it was drawn out in the column I read last week. In fact, I'd be bold enough to say Indiana won't re-elect a Frank O'Bannon-type for quite some time. That's just a hunch, I guess.
Write to Justin at jtsyndram@bsu.edu
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