You're On Your Own - Part II

 "There are no end of commentaries on the recent murders in Arizona, resulting in the usual debates. Pundits argue over whether there should be stricter gun laws, whether talk radio, the movies, or “extremism” contributed to the tragedy, and, most obtusely, what the government should do to prevent a similar incident from occurring again. What is lost is the fact that this tragedy provides yet more proof of something that has been demonstrated to Americans repeatedly over the past decade. The government cannot protect you from the harsh realities of life.  Most people are good people, most of the time. Under normal circumstances, most people would rather cooperate with their fellow human beings in order to achieve their goals rather than steal from them or kill them. However, some people, at least some of the time, do not “live and let live.” During every moment that we are alive, someone somewhere is committing a crime. Someone is experiencing hardship, whether due to their own bad judgment, laziness, or just plain bad luck. Worst of all, someone is planning to commit an act of violence. These truths are confirmed by all of human history.  What is unique about the time that we live in now is the extent to which people believe that the government can shield them from these challenges. Never has a society had such high expectations of their government to ensure their security - both personal and economic security. The early 21st century is truly a high-water mark in terms of belief in government to eliminate all risk from the game of life. Over and over, we are offered proof of how foolish this misplaced faith is."
Source: Tom Mullen (The Daily Paul)
Reading this article made me think of Hurricane Katrina and the videos of the police looting the stores with the hoodlums.

Tidal Update

"This historic unfolding event can be examined and observed on many scales: individuals, cities, counties, states, regions, countries, and continents. The weakest stumble first."
Random Roving, February 3, 2009

"The city of Camden annually appears on a bunch of Top 10 lists—just not the good ones. In fact, this year Camden was ranked the second most dangerous city in the United States, which unfortunately is a step up from 2009 when the New Jersey city earned the uncoveted No. 1 spot.  Yesterday, the crime-ridden city of Camden, New Jersey was forced to let go of 167 of the 373 members of the city’s police department.  CQ Press’s 17th annual crime city rankings show that Camden has the nation’s worst rape and robbery rates in the country, while ranking No. 2 in assault, and No. 4 in murder. The deindustrialized port city has become a harbor for drug trafficking and anything else illegal."
Source: DT

"Half of Detroit’s schools would be shut down and high school class size would rise to 62 students under a deficit reduction plan proposed by Detroit Public Schools Emergency Manager Robert Bobb this week.  The Detroit News reports that Bobb says these changes will be needed if the legislature does not act to restructure DPS finances. The school system has a $327 million deficit."
Source: Michigan Messenger

"The Syracuse school district needs to cut 425 jobs, including 140 teachers, to help close a projected $47 million budget gap next fiscal year."
Source: Syracuse.com

"Fresh from his third inauguration as California's governor, Jerry Brown is proposing a state budget that would slash spending-- including half a billion dollars from the California State University System.  'These cuts will be painful, requiring sacrifice from every sector of the state, but we have no choice,' Brown said during his introduction of the budget proposal.  Brown spoke of a new fiscally responsible era that would end budget gimmicks and cut spending enough to close California's $26 billion budget shortfall. The governor's proposal cuts $12.5 billion and effects all state agencies including Medi-Cal, welfare-to-work programs and developmental services. State employees would suffer a 10 percent pay decrease."
Source: The Lumberjack

"When the tide lowers, we'll find out who's skinny dipping."
Warren Buffet