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4.7.18

Independence Day, 2018

This column publishes every Sunday through Thursday around noon U.S. Central Time (maybe even after sundown on busy days, or maybe before noon if things work out, or even sometimes on the weekend if there's big news) except whenever a significant national holiday falls on the Monday through Friday associated with the otherwise-usual publication on the previous day (unless it is Thanksgiving Day, Independence Day, Christmas, or New Year's Day when it is the day on which the holiday is observed by the U.S. government). In my opinion, in addition to these are also Easter Sunday, Memorial Day and Veterans' Day.

With Wednesday, Jul. 4 being Independence Day, I invite you to explore the links connected to this page.

3.7.18

Peterson increasing liability for LA Democrats

Louisiana’s Democrat head honcho state Sen. Karen Peterson has become more tiresome – if that’s possible – than ever, perhaps even to the point the party leadership should jettison her.

Peterson, not exactly known for her tact, subtlety, or deep knowledge of the issues, has a history of making extraordinarily partisan, half-baked statements. She has flown into a rage over a birthday cake and manufactured stories about it, rudely treats fellow legislators in violation of decorum, and gets into a huff about perceived sexism by a Republican legislator yet could not bring herself to condemn unconditionally the actions of a fellow Senate Democrat who admitted to violent behavior towards a woman.

Her latest individual moment of brilliance comes surrounding statements made by Democrat Rep. Maxine Waters. The almost-octogenarian from California recently called upon activists to harass publicly political opponents, specifically those working for the Republican Pres. Donald Trump Administration.

2.7.18

ITEP triage doesn't help LA economy

Trying to make the symptoms less severe doesn’t cure the disease.

Last week, the Gov. John Bel Edwards Administration rolled out new guidelines regarding the Industrial Tax Exemption Program. This offers to alleviate relatively high property tax rates paid by business when it expands in a parish by offering abatement for a certain period.

For decades prior to Edwards entering office, the Board of Commerce and Industry that oversees granting the break routinely would forward to governors a recommendation that the company enjoy a 100 percent deduction for five years, with the possibility of five more. Early in his term he promulgated an executive order saying he would grant only partial relief for three years after the initial five years, and that four kinds of local governments involved could opt out.