Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Endowment Funds and Green Bumper Stickers

Governor Beshear of Kentucky announced last night his first budget proposal and the whining hasn't stopped since. The hardest hit, according to the one that is the supposedly hardest hit, is higher education. Lee Todd, the president of the University of Kentucky, is upset that that there will be a 12% reduction to the state's universities and community colleges. Meanwhile, fundraising was up again last year as the endowment fund for UK ballooned to a reported $831 million. Some dire straits they are in, huh? Tuition increases will be announced soon, along with cuts in campus security I'm sure. Meanwhile, in Bloomington, the endowment is just shy of a billion. That's right, with a B. $955 million makes it one of the top ten endowments in the country. No wonder they can contribute so much to the Baron Hill campaign. Bring on higher tuition so the students can start their careers with mountains of student loan debt. When they pay it off in twenty years they can contribute to the endowment.

Anyone remember seeing those green bumper stickers that were all the rage ten or fifteen years ago? They simply said "Build the Bridge." Now we all knew what bridge they were referring to - the east end bridge. Indiana had enough forward thinking to build 265 right up close to the river, because everyone knows that is where the bridge will be. Fast forward to 2008 and nothing has really changed. Countless environmental studies and design votes have taken place. Indiana has identified the houses it will remove and started the process of removing them. Kentucky has rebuilt one ramp on the Snyder. Yawn. Let me tell the 8664 guys one thing. I could care less if they remove it from the riverfront or not. It never should have been there in the first place. But, we all know that we definitely need and east end bridge. So let's get started already. And by the way, Mike Sodrel was blasted for even considering a toll to pay for the bridge. Now the democrat leaders in Kentucky say it is the only way to get it done. Wow, now that's full circle. We can get it done without the toll, just take a look at how other states have gotten it done. Either way, can we just start building it already? And does anyone know where I can find one of those green bumper stickers?

Monday, January 28, 2008

Christian Roots - Conservative Branches

My upbringing and unwavering faith in God have attributed to my view of the world as a whole. I consider the book of Proverbs to be the book of wisdom for daily life. Proverbs 6 provides examples of what God hates, yes it says hates, and also a fantastic story of an ant.

Proverbs 6:6-11 (The Message) You lazy fool, look at an ant. Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two. Nobody has to tell it what to do. All summer it stores up food; at harvest it stockpiles provisions. So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing? How long before you get out of bed? A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy - do you know what comes next? Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, poverty your permanent houseguest!

I understand there are those that simply cannot, and that is what welfare was meant for. I understand there are those that won't, and that is a shame.

2 Theselonians 3:10b If a man will not work, he shall not eat.

Back to Proverbs, in chapter 6, verses 17-19 explains the things God hates. Haughty eyes - being proud
Lying tongue - enough said
Hands that shed innocent blood - life is sacred and a gift
A heart that devises wicked schemes
Feet that are quick to rush into evil
A false witness who pours out lies and a man that stirs up dissension among brothers.

I know there will be some of you that will twist these words and remove them from their context, but it will not move me.

My earlier posts explained my views and here is the basis. Give Caesar what is due him, but love thy neighbor as thyself. Take care of the widows and orphans, for this is the true religion. This is our responsibility. Do not shed innocent blood. Life comes from God and is not up to us to end it early.

Now that the left side of New Albany knows my theology, let's talk policy. I will try to the best of my ability to stay on topic, but no promises. This faith is woven into me. I expect the comments to be plentiful and heavy handed, so bring 'em on.