Why State Spending Is Enigmatic

Many Conservatives have clamored that spending is excessive and problematic in the state of Connecticut. This is true, at least somewhat, but there are omissions that are being ignored for political pageantry. Conservatives would have us believe that there is too much wasteful spending, and certainly they are not entirely wrong. But, it is important to note that this is true of every governing body across the country, and the argument is nothing new.

We all are keenly aware that there is always a way to get things for less, perhaps privatize more of government, and certainly cut those social programs that have earned such a terrible record.

Well no one doubts that spending needs to be streamlined, especially during hard economic times when government and the deficit grows in tandem with poverty. Sadly what is being overlooked is the paradox of tax cuts during a Recession/Depression (depending on your view of the current economy.)

The paradox in state spending today is accompanied by its rhetoric. Rhetoric that reminds voters that people are hurting, there are few good jobs out there and several other preventable conditions exist that are agitating poverty. With the spread of rich to poor now at at record 14.5% Connecticut, and many other states for that matter, has to factor this increase in poverty into its budget. We also have to consider the cost of Un-employment (at a record 99 weeks for some) , food aid, and a record level of need as requested by the Connecticut Department of Social Services. Lets also factor in the interest on our debt, accompanied by inflation and the associated cost of dealing with increases in crime and punishment, and then it becomes easy to understand how our state ran some record deficits.

Connecticut has the highest debt to person ration in America and a pension fund set to run out by 2019 because of negligent cuts that are threatening everyone. The disingenuous nature of economic repair men is dangerous and irresponsible. Once again we have a tax paradox in Connecticut, whereby we all overwhelmingly agree that the poor should be helped, children deserve health care, and that the tide of poverty must be reversed. But few dare offer a genuine solution by way of new jobs and economic opportunity.

There are several places where money can still be saved in government but those cuts will hardly match the money that is needed to solve the basic humanitarian issues we have incurred in our state. For this reason I question the MRTC produced graph as little more than a political ploy emblematic of a half truth. A half truth that will become self evident in time when all cuts that have been made get made. Then it will become clear that such a graph accompanied by more conservative tax rhetoric will amount to severe austerity losses. Austerity losses accompanied by the unwelcome sight of homeless people living on the street, children being left uninsured, and pension funds being denied to new employees while older employees receive less.

The answer is as I stated in previous articles, and that is Connecticut needs to challenge the monetary policy of the Federal Government, resist austerity measures, challenge the supremacy clause of the Federal Government, sue the Feds against all job killing treaties and consider rebuilding our state from the vantage point of the sovereign position of individual states rights. This may require us to pass new "xeno-tax" laws that specifically target the Federal Government and the glut of outside slave produced goods dumped on our markets. Lastly and most importantly we need to embrace the green economy and protect our remaining jobs from export. Connecticut cannot "fix the world," but Connecticut can independently work to fix its economy from within our own borders by not allowing "the world" to "drag us down."

Andrew White Independent Nominee for State Treasurer 2010

The Founding Fathers envisioned a government perhaps best described years later by Abraham Lincoln: “[a] government of the people, by the people, [and] for the people.” They founded the united States with the Declaration of Independence, lost life and fortune, and constructed a Constitution for Citizen Legislators - not a permanent ruling class. Throwing off the yoke of one despot to take up chains of hundreds of tyrants was not their plan. Almost 250 years later, though, America has lost the Founder’s ideals in a very bad way - but all is not lost. Indeed, our darkest hour may precede a Renaissance of the Individual American for our next 250 years. At home, that is a Connecticut Renaissance.


I am Andrew White, and I am running for Treasurer of the great state of Connecticut. I am also a common man - not unlike you. Son of US Army captain, educated in a standard way and married with two (if I may say) cute girls. I’m not rich, not a lawyer, not a politician nor famous. I am also a highly concerned citizen. But appearances can be deceiving. I’m a naturally-born US citizen who entered the world on the Rein Mein US Base in Frankfurt, Germany. I grew up in Huntsville, Alabama (home of NASA and the last 1950’s upbringing by a non-indigenous extended family - thus no accent). I later attended The University of Alabama (think ‘Gone with the Wind’). My self-programmed “major” was broadly classically liberal infused with finance/economics (mentored by two College Deans and a senior businessman). I graduated with a Bachelor of Finance (summa cum laude). Soon thereafter, I earned a Master of Economics and a Chartered Financial Analyst designation – gold standard for investment analysts.

While a Senior in college, I met a…different…kind of girl, at least in Tuscaloosa: a violinist from Berkeley, California, complete with tye-dye, blonde hair down past her rear and a violin "hickey." My proper, Prince Edward Island-raised mother was not pleased. After graduation, I followed HER to San Francisco where I worked at Sumitomo Bank. Coincident with her graduation from UC Berkeley, we married (going on 14 years now) and moved to London, England for her professional performance violinist fellowship. Six months turned into six years. She rose to play with the Royal Philharmonic, toured with European orchestras and once rocked with Eric Clapton. I worked my way up through Citibank into UBS, where I was a global equity strategist and manager amid a material turn-around in $400 billion investment assets. Along the way, I also served as Vice Chairman of Republicans Abroad (UK).

Post 9/11, we wished to return to America, but there were no jobs to be found. Despite having a Top 1% GMAT globally, I did NOT go US Ivy League to bide my time in the recession. Instead, I looked deep within myself and reached back into my college studies. In particular, a previously unknown impregnable, 20-year emotional wall (related to my own parents' divorce decades ago) crashed down upon me, leaving a new questing decade in its rubble. Long story short, we left England and our institutional 20’s (1990's) behind, put everything in storage, and eventually drove the classic US road trip journey of 30,000 miles through 48 states over 15 months to get back in touch with the real America. Chronicled on Homecoming2002.com, it was the beginning of a creative explosion that would lead me away from Wall Street-style money management into the world of entrepreneurial alternative asset management.

I am Andrew White, and I have experienced global highs and personal lows. Three times. I know the cycle - personally and professionally - and how to recover (e.g. specific answers, not platitudes). Times are so serious today that we can no longer ignore factors affecting us near-term AND long-term. They are increasingly one in the same. Our current circumstances, however, directly relate to the major parties' dominance (especially the Democrats). Over 30 years, they took America's richest state with the 17th lowest tax rate and turned it into the 3rd highest tax rate while accruing $70 billion debts (or about $70,000 per household).

Business as usual is OVER. It is time to Take Our State Back in the 2010 election. Most importantly, it's time to also implement specific solutions after the election that will unleash a bull market in economy and liberty like you’ve never experienced. Like almost all today, I too want to echo Martin Luther King Jr. in one day saying, “Free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty, we’re free at last!”

Returning Connecticut to Constitutional limits will NOT be easy. BUT, it IS possible. There are 3.5 million of us, only a few of them, and the dignity of human freedom on OUR side. It is also beyond necessary. We face a horrendous Sophie’s Choice wherein one half of our State will live in ruin or the other half will die early. That’s not opinion; it’s mathematical certainty. We owe it to our ancestors, to our families, and to our towns to ensure that that day never comes to pass. If we continue the Statist path of the last 30+ years, though, YOU and I WILL both walk through that Valley.

There are those who understandably deride me for many reasons. That’s ok. Many instead focus on who's talking platitudes/career advancement and who's talking solutions. As Gandhi once said, “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."

I’m willing to do the heavy lifting and take the arrows, but I need YOUR help to do so. This is YOUR opportunity to finally have a Treasurer in YOUR image; a Treasurer OF, by and for The People to lead all of State back to Constitutional governance.

Give me an inch, I'll jog a mile. Give me a mile, and I'll run all the way to the Hartford. It's quite likely the difference between having to again choose between the lesser of two evils amidst societal ruin or a bull market in economy and liberty the likes you've never seen. Thank you for your time and consideration. Time to REcreate our future! Onward and upward!

Cheers,
Andrew White


Visit Andrew Whites Campaign Website by Clicking HERE

Dr. Mertens, Vows To Fight Media Bias Toward Independents

I wanted to share a story about this: the two media outlets that deliberately and premeditatedly excluded any mention of Tom Marsh’s participation in the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities debate on October 6 in their coverage were the Hartford Courant and Channel 8, the ABC affiliate.

Here’s the print story that ran in the Courant on Oct 7:

http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-ccm-gov-candidates-1007-20101006,0,195356.story

Channel 8 set up cameras at the debate so that they could carefully shoot it without ever having Tom in any shot, and during their TV coverage, they never mentioned that Tom participated (despite the fact that I’ve heard from attendees that Tom won the debate).

These facts have made me more angry at the media than any of the rest of their actions this year. So, here’s my story: I was at an event on Saturday that included a presentation by the news director of Channel 8. It was a one hour interactive presentation and discussion of news and media coverage. Half way through he started talking about the importance of trust in media. I interrupted, and told the story of what Channel 8 did. This resulted in a passionate discussion for the remaining 30 minutes about ethics in journalism. The news director defended Channel 8 strongly at first, but the crowd beat him down. At the end of the session, the news director told me that he would investigate, and “if we blew it, I’ll be as upset as you are.” We’ll see about that.

I’ve been talking about this at every campaign event since: the fact that Tom Marsh has essentially been invited to every debate EXCEPT the televised debates, and that many of the major media outlets have made a point of not mentioning his participation in those he’s been invited to, has caused audible gasps in the audiences. We need to hammer this beyond the election. I’m planning op-ed pieces to all CT newspapers (they won’t print op-eds from candidates, so I have to wait until after Nov. 2), detailing what has happened, and I encourage others to do the same. Mike Telesca and I have discussed the possibility of a lawsuit as well, to raise awareness. This is our biggest problem; the media is complicit in the degradation of our democracy, and we need to fight to repair it, beyond November!

Best,

Dr. John Mertens
Professor of Engineering, Trinity College

Rocco Frank Personal Statement

The world in which we live is increasingly moving toward Globalization, and with those painful changes our small State, and our small Town, is in the process of enduring difficulty while attempting to find its place in the world.

Connecticut’s workforce has already endured several challenges. Challenges, that in my opinion, are the result of many failed Federal economic treaties, broken promises, and terrible economic policies that originated from all levels of government. The key issues in Connecticut right now is not who to blame, it’s who to embrace… its jobs, the debt abatement of our states children and our new place in an emerging nation. Connecticut’s legacy must never be defined by its failures or the World’s problems. Connecticut and its people must be defined by our mutual resilience and our willingness to succeed where all others have failed.

As a State Representative I would proudly introduce and co-sponsor legislation that stimulates the economy from the bottom up. This means putting money back in the working persons pocket while streamlining government to pay for only essential services. This also means encouraging and rewarding those state workers who are most productive and find ways to save essential Dollars in deficit years.

Temporary tax cuts for the middle class, in my opinion, is the best way we can begin to deal with the interim economic changes. We must also encourage our citizens to save, and eliminate personal debt by dissuading the very predation of usury and inappropriate lending. I will also work hard to hold irresponsible lenders accountable and protect our borrowers.

Looking toward our mutual future, I will also work to address the green economy as a way of producing future jobs while responsibly serving the needs of our environment. It would be my honor and privilege to introduce and co-sponsor legislation that begins this states transition away from non-renewable fossil fuels to the future of sustainable living. The future of our economy must be rooted in Smart Growth, and it must mandate that all public and state buildings begin the gradual process of converting to the “Netzero” “Leeds” certified standards.

The future is here now, and our state has been slow to respond. Our state has been challenged to find the answers and provide the leadership, direction and programs on too many occasions. Moving forward, we must learn to rely on ourselves and less on our handicapped Federal Government.

As it stands Connecticut is the most indebted nation in America, and as such responsible change can only occur by way of organized and voluntary compliance. The cost of not addressing our issues will only move us closer to the embarrassing austerity measures imposed by virtue of “bankruptcy” and the need for the emergency aid of our Federal Government.

Should the people of Milford elect me, I will work tirelessly, relentlessly, and feverishly to do all that I can, with everyone I know to move our state into a position of strength. A very wise man once told me that it is the responsibility of the “previous generation to make the next generation stronger.” While I am just one person, in this quest I promise to confer and continue to seek out only those individuals who embrace the vision and wisdom for a better future for our people and our state.

Rocco J. Frank Jr.
Candidate Milford State Representative 118th District
(203) 247-4357

Milford McMahon Rally Ends With Park Trees Damaged

Environmentalists said Tuesday that the tops of several "heirloom" trees were removed from a small park in front of City Hall that were part of the Milford Legacy Arboretum.


Although some said they'd heard that the tree tops were cut to improve access for television cameras during a weekend rally by U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon, a campaign spokesman said it had nothing to do with it. "The campaign never asked anyone to trim trees," Ed Patru said.

"I don't know why it happened or by whom, but it was a shock to me; a distressing one," said Letitia Malone, chairman of the Open Space Advisory Committee. The small park in front of City Hall, which includes the World War I "Doughboy" monument, is part of the newly established arboretum. The continuous line of graceful, mature trees continues along the Green and includes native hardwood species.

Continue Reading Story at CT POST CLICK HERE

Milford's Linda McMahon Rally Turns Into A Disaster

Video Courtesy of CT Bob. Videographer and Dedicated Democrat Bob Adams has a penchant for getting perspective on local events here in town. Bob attended the Republican Hyped McMahon Rally and showed us an angle that I am certain the Milford Republicans would like us to forget. Since they will certainly not brag about the events that took place I thought that in the spirit of "Veritas" the Milford Independent Party owes you the information you missed.

Fear And The Lunacy of State Government Repair Men

There is no doubt that there is cause for concern when it comes to the financial health of government on all levels. There is even less doubt that those trying to get re-elected will tell you the economic health of our city and state are just great! Except when it no longer can be hidden or denied that there is a serious problem.

This year is no different than any other year, one group blaming another group who is blaming some other enigmatic abstract of the reality of government insolvency. Sadly the general public has taught our candidates for office that fear works, so opponents in state and local races are often compelled to scare the public into taking action.

Much to the chagrin of organized party politics, the public has become disgusted, apathetic and fed up with the barrage of constant lying and blaming that goes on every election year. Since the candidates for office do not have the courage to speak the truth I will, and should my critics disagree with me, then they are free to do their own research and prove me wrong.

Personally I do not blame people for being grossly disinterested in donating to campaigns, attending rallies and supporting our wide spectrum of perverse candidates for office. What is really frightening and disheartening is that our candidates for office really believe they can fix anything. The only thing our candidates for office can do is dismantle the government and put up obstacles to special interest groups. They can also address unfunded mandates by complaining loudly they are unfair.

Well what is the problem you may ask? The biggest problem and obstacle to the state prospering is the Federal Government, the supremacy clause, the Federal Reserve, Quantitative Easing, failed treaties, theft, crony bailout capitalism, and obstacles to getting value out of our tax dollars.

Little to none of this can be addressed by a state leader, and even less can be done by one state to fix it. As a case in point lets take a look at the Federal Governments "wild card" dubbed Obama Care. The bill is not even in force yet and insurance companies are taking a defensive stance. States are trying to block Obama care and business are seriously concerned about it. We can add "cap and trade" and of course Linda McMahon who would have you think that its a Democrat "Job Killer."

These are just some of the recent bills that are on the table but there has been several others that also have already passed that are not likely to be repealed. These include GATT, NAFTA, and several others. Personally I do not know the impact of these mistakes on the overall economy and to me that does not matter. What matters is that a serious amount of damage has been done to our economy for abstract reasons that rarely make any sense to the average person.

Should any of our local disingenuous politicians really take up the gall to fix our state, they should begin by learning about the the states Charter Oak Tree and consider perhaps finding a new one to hide our charter in. Because what needs to be done is surely going to send someone looking for it again.

To fix Hartford, Connecticut needs to rebel against Washington and its state killing ways. The state can rebel by  challenging the Supremacy Clause of the Federal government in court. Many states are already doing this on the precept that the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution takes precedent.

The next thing we can do is have our Attorney General sue the Federal Government over every economic injury Congress committed against commerce in our state. Next our Governor needs to get on board and start amping up the rhetoric against the Federal Governments economic policies and start demanding remedies to their repeated injuries against us. I would also be so brazen as to attempt state tariffs or equivalents on imported slave goods from other countries.

Lastly, it is our right under the U.S. constitution to coin our own money either in Gold or Silver. Should the Federal Government continue to debase our dollar with Quantitative easing, debt, and international economic warfare, it then becomes our legal right to coin our money. This will most likely be Silver since Gold is "off the charts." At the present rate of monetary abuse by the federal government, it will be a few short years before the Dollar is replaced under protest at the next G20 meeting. Expect something like a Breton Woods Two and a global SDR note as the new world reserve currency.

As Americans continue to aimlessly consume and take up the mike in Washington, the world is not going to stand idly by as our leaders are talking up a good game. Eventually it will be time to "pay the piper" and when that happens expect the global medium of trade, the U.S. Dollar, (abused into oblivion by Congress) decoupled from Oil and commodity purchases world wide. As Hillary our Secretary of State even admitted our escalating debt is approaching a level now so serious as to be called a national security risk. The sooner our state distances itself from the Federal Government and its associated problematic instruments of control the sooner our state can get on with our business.

What Hartford needs is a not a "happy go lucky" "local yokel" with a "Fix Hartford Sign" what we really need is someone out there with a few Quadrillion Dollars and a "Fix The World" sign.