In an effort to turn the economy around here in RI, I offer the following Progressive Platform:
1) Pass a law allowing gay marriage - really, what do you care if a couple of guys, or girls want to get married to each other? They're not hurting anyone. If you are against gay marriage, then don't get married to a gay person, or don't let them marry in your church, or don't acknowledge the marriage when they come to visit you at your house. Set your own bigoted personal, religious beliefs aside and recognize that the state has no right to deny gay people the same rights under the law that you have.
Besides, think of all the money the state could make on the marriage license fees!! I say jack them up to $100.00 a pop. That will stimulate the economy - that and all of the lavish weddings sure to follow! Gay marriage is both fair and good for the economy!
2) Decriminalize Marijuana - over 50% of the criminals in the ACI are there for non-violent drug related offenses. Legalizing marijuana would save a TON of money on legal proceedings and incarceration.
Besides, think of the huge boon this will be to convenient stores throughout the state. Put a "munchies tax" on any and all snack food sold after a certain hour. This could be big!
3) Create a funding formula for our public schools - nothing funny here, it's just common sense. We have a General Assembly all claiming to be Democrats and yet, we are like a third world nation when it comes to funding schools. What a bunch of bafoons!
Maybe if we stop looking like an ass-backward state people will be more likely to come and visit and spend their money.
4) A Statewide Socialized - yes, I said socialized! - Health Care System. Put every RIer in the same pool, and have Insurance companies give us a massive group rate. If you are rich and the thought of being in the same health care system as poorer folk makes you squeamish then you can augment the system with your own.
Heck, if you want to buy two family plans at roughly $20,000 a piece, go right ahead.
How is this fiscally responsible you might ask - wait, just wait until you see the savings. It turns out it's much less expensive to insure everyone, than it is to have so many uninsured who still need care. The uninsured cost those of us with insurance a TON of money. Insure everyone, and watch the premiums drop.
But wait, without Health Insurance costs to argue about what will contract negotiations be like? Pretty damned good I bet!
5) While we're at it, free higher education, and an expansion of the pension system so that all RIers have a safety net. Imagine if we threw in huge tax breaks for child care as well.
I know, I know, I'm going way off the deep end now, but indulge me for a minute or two.
How would we pay for all this? Easy, by taxing the massive influx of businesses that will be starting up and moving into RI.
Think about it, what business wouldn't want to be based in a state in which all of its employees already have free health care, higher ed., a pension, and child care. I mean, if the State is taking care of its citizens then all the employer has to do is pay a decent wage. NO benefit package at all. Even Jack Welch can't argue with that! Seriously, imagine the savings to the employer.
Instead of being based in another state and paying it's workers $15 an hour, and providing a 401K, child-care centers, and a health plan, a company can come to RI and pay $12.50 an hour and NO benefits at all and it's employees would still be happy!
Especially the gay, pot smoking ones!
