Don Roach: 10 Things I Want for Christmas
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
It’s nearly Christmas and if you’re like me you’re a little tired of pushing random people out of the way to grab the last copy of The Hangover II for your 2nd cousin whom you haven’t seen since you were six. I’d like to take a pause from that and share with you my political wish list this year. Here are ten things I’m wishing for in 2012.
10. Voter ID implemented
Nothing says civilized Democracy than showing your ID when you vote. If you have to take off your shoes, be forced to buy new toothpaste, and/or justify why a spork is not a weapon at the airport then showing your (free) ID when you vote shouldn’t be a problem. Here’s to wishing it’s as easily implemented as it should be. Knowing our bureaucracy though, I have some fears.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
9. Angel Tavares to cast blame where it’s due.
This isn’t going to happen but it’s a Christmas wish nonetheless Mayor Tavares should have spent some time acknowledging how poorly Cicilline left the city’s finances. Not just saying that is was a category 5 hurricane, but saying that Mother Nature was actually David Cicilline. As a side note, Republicans would do well to learn from Tavares. He easily could have roasted the mayor but probably saved the Congressman’s backside in not doing so. Was it for political reasons? Of course. Yet, sometimes you have to take one for the team. I’m hoping Santa slips some truth serum into Tavares’ stocking so that we can ask him, “Did Cicilline leave the city in great financial shape?” and not get the canned response.
8. An RI GOP chairman more committed to General Assembly wins than congressional races.
Uh yeah, why do I feel like number 9 is more likely than this? Perhaps years of GOP ineptitude in this state? Perhaps.
7. A GOP victory in Providence.
One can dream right? Last year, the GOP believed they had a real chance with Dave Talan’s run for city council. Unfortunately, like many Republican races in the city of Providence, he lost. If my math is correct it’s been nearly two decades since Providence last elected a Republican. Maybe 2012 will be different.
6. Mitt Romney will not be the GOP presidential candidate.
In just about every region but New England this is what most Republicans hope. Romney, who would be better than Obama, does not inspire and most Republicans throughout the country let out a collective sigh when thinking about Romney’s run to the White House. Count me among them…
5. Travis Rowley run for something.
Calling you out Trav. Time to take the leap from pundit to politician.
4. Cooperation amongst congressional Democrats and Republicans
Look, Democrats and Republicans have real ideological differences. We both believe we have the answer to the problems our country, state, and city are facing. The country seems to be tired of partisan bickering so why not try compromise? Can it be worse than what’s gone on the last half decade? Maybe I shouldn’t ask that question because it could be worse.
3. GOP victories in the RI House & Senate
Here I am talking about bipartisanship and then I ask for GOP victories in the General Assembly. Well, the simple truth is the domination of the Democratic party in the General Assembly for 70 plus years has been detrimental to the state. Let me put it this way, the Republican contingent in the Assembly is like the tents in Burnside park, made irrelevant due to their lack of numbers. The state needs balance and hopefully you’ll make different choices in 2012.
2. The end of the car tax
*singing*
All we are saying…is give us a tax break!
If ever there was a nonsensical tax, it’s the car tax. No one likes it but because the middle class continues to foot the bill, we still have it. General Assembly do something right for the people in this state and get rid of the car tax in 2012. What do you say?
*crickets chirping*
1. ABC – Anybody But Cicilline
And finally – if none of the above come true, I am hoping with every part of my being that we elect a new Representative in Congress. If you’ve read my columns over the last year this should come as no surprise. I have no problem with politicians who are on the other side of the ideological scale. I do have a problem with politicians who try to pull a fast one on us AND get away with it. It’s time for Cicilline to meet accountability for his actions in Providence. 2012 must be that year.
After elections next year, I’ll reflect on my wish list to see what, if anything, came to pass. Feel free to use the comments section to tell me what you’re wishing for this year.
If you valued this article, please LIKE GoLocalProv.com on Facebook by clicking HERE.
Related Articles
- Don Roach: Are Beautiful White Females The Only Murder Victims We Care About?
- Don Roach: If Cicilline Wins In 2012, Voters Lose
- Don Roach: Newt Gingrich – Your Next U.S. President
- Don Roach: Obama Justified in Killing Americans?
- Don Roach: Occupy & the Tea Party – Twins Separated at Birth
- Don Roach: Too Many Vacancies in Occupy Movement
- Don Roach: Vote Republican in 2012
