Froma Harrop: "Let's turn Louisiana over to the federal government"

[Richardo]

Ms. Harrop makes some excellent points I think. :think: :applause: :patriot:

By FROMA HARROP

June 17, 2010, 9:44PM

A modest proposal: The federal government should take over Louisiana. Might as well, at this point.

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Louisiana has had more than its share of tragedies in recent years, and some, such as Hurricane Katrina, could be deemed acts of nature. But whatever the cause, every calamity that befalls Louisiana is made worse by its corrupt civic culture. A protectorate could provide the structure of governance its people need.

It's hardly news that Louisiana's political class is not all it could be. But there comes a time when the U.S. taxpayer can no longer write blank checks to cover its dysfunction.

Louisiana should be a rich state. It has the climate, location, waterfront and all-around beauty that any director of economic development would die for. But Louisiana doesn't seem able to move beyond its dependence on oil.

Texas did it. Today, it is a major force in high-tech research, medical services, trade and manufacturing. Even its energy business is modernized. The West Texas plains are home to an enormous wind power corridor, as entrepreneurs seek clever ways to make natural gas and wind work together.

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But in Louisiana, it's oil all the time. Mix a wealthy extractive industry with easily corrupted politicians, and you have makings for a Third World economy. (New Orleans has been called the best-run city in the Caribbean.)
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Much much more at http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/outlook/7059501.html

[RB TexLa]

1. No thank you. Yes we know, you in America are smart and we in Louisiana are stupid and should just

do as you want us to do. Sorry, but we are in fact equal to you. As far as federal tax dollars being spent here, let us tax oil and gas on federal land in the same manner every other state is allowed and we wouldn't need any federal dollars. So Louisiana will continue to operate the way we wish to operate with no concern at all for what you want.

[KamaAina]

2. "Heckuvajob, Territorial Governor Brownie!"

:scared: :scared: :scared:

[Child_Of_Isis]

3. oh my! Easily corrupted politcians, huh?

It's not like we don't have plently of those in Washington.

[Richardo]

4. See, I saw the words 'a modest proposal' and said: "Hey, satire!"

It's not like she REALLY wants to cook and eat Irish babies.