LittleLightShining
02-12-2010, 02:42 PM
The ancaps have been helping me with some political activism :) We haven't been sitting around for 2 days bashing the Constitution. We've been crafting a pointed message to the VT legislature to limit the size and scope of government. This started as a local project, I shared the idea with MsD, others got involved and I think it turned out great.
This message will be sent to almost 600 Vermonters today. That doesn't include a similar email blasted out from the VT C4L interim State coordinator. I'm damn proud of this and I hope it inspires people to take a look at some of the ridiculous things your states are spending money on and taking a pro-active approach to changing it.
This is a prime example of political activism that can appeal to minarchists and ancaps alike. Not all political activism is electoral in nature.
Last April we came together as a united voice to tell the legislature “No new taxes, we’re taxed enough already.” Since that time our pleas have gone unrecognized. We have in front of us right now an opportunity to say it again. This time we have to be much more direct in what we mean when we say this. We can’t argue “no new taxes” unless spending is reduced. I’m offering a letter below, a collaborative effort from individuals across Vermont, to send a pointed message about what we mean when we say this. We have been accused of being greedy and uncaring, that if spending is reduced we will harm the “most vulnerable” people in our state. I’m asking everyone who receives this email to read and consider what is presented below. If you agree please send a copy to your legislator and the folks on the Ways and Means and Appropriations committees. Feel free to make changes as you see fit, or send it as is, but please send it. Please forward this to your friends so that they, too, can send it on if they agree with it. The legislature can’t hear us if we don’t speak up.
For liberty,
__________
**********************************************
As a citizen and tax payer of this State, I have become concerned that the Legislature is seriously considering a significant tax hike that will effect all Vermonters. I am writing to you and your colleagues to demand that before raising anyone’s taxes or fees that drastic and necessary action be taken to reduce the size of our state government and eliminate unnecessary agencies and programs. I suggest the following be considered for elimination from the current and future budgets:
Arts Council (http://www.vermontartscouncil.org/)- While a worthy undertaking in times of plenty the service the Arts Council provides is not essential.
Office of Chief Marketing Officer (http://cmo.vermont.gov/)- The purpose of this office is to market state agencies and services to other agencies and departments within the state. Why do we need an additional level of bureaucracy to assist the state in marketing itself to itself?
Office of Economic Opportunity (http://dcf.vermont.gov/oeo/) - This bureaucracy is self-perpetuating. Increasing taxes on Vermonters who are now just able to squeak by will increase the customer base this agency serves.
Department of Education (http://education.vermont.gov/)- This department has more to do with bureaucracy than it does direct education. Cut the red tape that local school boards must comply with by cutting the makers of that tape!
Elevator Board (http://www.dps.state.vt.us/fire/elevator/)- This appointed board purports to assess safety of elevators by employing an elevator manufacturer representative and an elevator service technician. Each major city has a safety inspector/housing inspector who could certify an inspection. For industrial buildings, vosha/osha can inspect. Remember, licensing doesn't equal safety.
Film Commission (http://www.vermontfilm.com/)- This a duplication of efforts in marketing and has no quantifiable benefit in terms of additional revenue brought into the state. It does, however, give a couple of people a job hob-nobbing with the Hollywood set.
Commission on the Future of Economic Development (http://www.snellingcenter.org/cfed/)- Is a "make work" project akin to those study groups and "environmental consulting" businesses that survive only by the grace of government grants.
Department of Information & Innovation (http://dii.vermont.gov/)- Do we really need to increase taxes on Vermonters in order to duplicate services already provided by the telephone companies and internet service providers?
Department of Libraries (http://libraries.vermont.gov/)- Most functions of this department can now be done for little to no cost utilizing the internet and telephone, and can easily be streamlined into an existing department.
Council on Physical Fitness & Sports (http://www.state.vt.us/gcpfs/)- Physical fitness programs are instituted in schools, and localities have various sports leagues for children and adults. Private charitable organizations often set up community runs/walks, etc. Fitness is ultimately the responsibility of the citizen.
Vermont Scenic Preservation Council (http://www.vermont-byways.us/)- How is this necessary given the number of local and state boards overseeing land use that already exist?
Department of Tourism & Marketing (http://www.vermont-byways.us/)- Tourist attractions should be encouraged to utilize other marketing endeavors which provide private sector jobs and additional tax revenue to the state. These businesses can and will survive without subsidization.
Vermont Life Magazine (http://www.vtlife.com/)- Most magazines are supported by advertising and sales.
Vermont Public Television Grant- Most television stations rely on advertising and fund raising.
The Council on the Humanities, Early Education, the numerous (and often ignored) legislative studies, and land use planning grants are more examples of luxuries that we simply cannot afford.
When families face a reduction of income due to a lay-off or cut hours they are forced to make unpleasant changes to their spending habits. Most people do not have the option of reducing their expenditures in the areas of mortgage, rent, car payment or auto insurance. Instead they cut out the little luxuries—the $2 coffee they buy on the way to work, the expanded basic cable, the new shoes, the weekly pizza night.
The State of Vermont has been micro-managing functions which belong to local government and subsidizing specific businesses and industries. Not only does this hamper the health of communities, but discourages competition and innovation. As this budget crisis indicates we can no longer attempt to pay for everything under the sun. The present course is not sustainable.
I included a list of all of the committee members and links to all of the Representatives and Senators.
This message will be sent to almost 600 Vermonters today. That doesn't include a similar email blasted out from the VT C4L interim State coordinator. I'm damn proud of this and I hope it inspires people to take a look at some of the ridiculous things your states are spending money on and taking a pro-active approach to changing it.
This is a prime example of political activism that can appeal to minarchists and ancaps alike. Not all political activism is electoral in nature.
Last April we came together as a united voice to tell the legislature “No new taxes, we’re taxed enough already.” Since that time our pleas have gone unrecognized. We have in front of us right now an opportunity to say it again. This time we have to be much more direct in what we mean when we say this. We can’t argue “no new taxes” unless spending is reduced. I’m offering a letter below, a collaborative effort from individuals across Vermont, to send a pointed message about what we mean when we say this. We have been accused of being greedy and uncaring, that if spending is reduced we will harm the “most vulnerable” people in our state. I’m asking everyone who receives this email to read and consider what is presented below. If you agree please send a copy to your legislator and the folks on the Ways and Means and Appropriations committees. Feel free to make changes as you see fit, or send it as is, but please send it. Please forward this to your friends so that they, too, can send it on if they agree with it. The legislature can’t hear us if we don’t speak up.
For liberty,
__________
**********************************************
As a citizen and tax payer of this State, I have become concerned that the Legislature is seriously considering a significant tax hike that will effect all Vermonters. I am writing to you and your colleagues to demand that before raising anyone’s taxes or fees that drastic and necessary action be taken to reduce the size of our state government and eliminate unnecessary agencies and programs. I suggest the following be considered for elimination from the current and future budgets:
Arts Council (http://www.vermontartscouncil.org/)- While a worthy undertaking in times of plenty the service the Arts Council provides is not essential.
Office of Chief Marketing Officer (http://cmo.vermont.gov/)- The purpose of this office is to market state agencies and services to other agencies and departments within the state. Why do we need an additional level of bureaucracy to assist the state in marketing itself to itself?
Office of Economic Opportunity (http://dcf.vermont.gov/oeo/) - This bureaucracy is self-perpetuating. Increasing taxes on Vermonters who are now just able to squeak by will increase the customer base this agency serves.
Department of Education (http://education.vermont.gov/)- This department has more to do with bureaucracy than it does direct education. Cut the red tape that local school boards must comply with by cutting the makers of that tape!
Elevator Board (http://www.dps.state.vt.us/fire/elevator/)- This appointed board purports to assess safety of elevators by employing an elevator manufacturer representative and an elevator service technician. Each major city has a safety inspector/housing inspector who could certify an inspection. For industrial buildings, vosha/osha can inspect. Remember, licensing doesn't equal safety.
Film Commission (http://www.vermontfilm.com/)- This a duplication of efforts in marketing and has no quantifiable benefit in terms of additional revenue brought into the state. It does, however, give a couple of people a job hob-nobbing with the Hollywood set.
Commission on the Future of Economic Development (http://www.snellingcenter.org/cfed/)- Is a "make work" project akin to those study groups and "environmental consulting" businesses that survive only by the grace of government grants.
Department of Information & Innovation (http://dii.vermont.gov/)- Do we really need to increase taxes on Vermonters in order to duplicate services already provided by the telephone companies and internet service providers?
Department of Libraries (http://libraries.vermont.gov/)- Most functions of this department can now be done for little to no cost utilizing the internet and telephone, and can easily be streamlined into an existing department.
Council on Physical Fitness & Sports (http://www.state.vt.us/gcpfs/)- Physical fitness programs are instituted in schools, and localities have various sports leagues for children and adults. Private charitable organizations often set up community runs/walks, etc. Fitness is ultimately the responsibility of the citizen.
Vermont Scenic Preservation Council (http://www.vermont-byways.us/)- How is this necessary given the number of local and state boards overseeing land use that already exist?
Department of Tourism & Marketing (http://www.vermont-byways.us/)- Tourist attractions should be encouraged to utilize other marketing endeavors which provide private sector jobs and additional tax revenue to the state. These businesses can and will survive without subsidization.
Vermont Life Magazine (http://www.vtlife.com/)- Most magazines are supported by advertising and sales.
Vermont Public Television Grant- Most television stations rely on advertising and fund raising.
The Council on the Humanities, Early Education, the numerous (and often ignored) legislative studies, and land use planning grants are more examples of luxuries that we simply cannot afford.
When families face a reduction of income due to a lay-off or cut hours they are forced to make unpleasant changes to their spending habits. Most people do not have the option of reducing their expenditures in the areas of mortgage, rent, car payment or auto insurance. Instead they cut out the little luxuries—the $2 coffee they buy on the way to work, the expanded basic cable, the new shoes, the weekly pizza night.
The State of Vermont has been micro-managing functions which belong to local government and subsidizing specific businesses and industries. Not only does this hamper the health of communities, but discourages competition and innovation. As this budget crisis indicates we can no longer attempt to pay for everything under the sun. The present course is not sustainable.
I included a list of all of the committee members and links to all of the Representatives and Senators.