Monthly Archives: December 2012

Where Are You Going?

Posted on December 31, 2012 by billmanzi

As the temper tantrums and recriminations fly back and forth in Washington on the fiscal cliff I have to say that I am, despite my low expectations, still amazed at what is nothing short of group dysfunction in American government. … Continue reading →

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Big-Footed

Posted on December 29, 2012 by billmanzi

And so the powers that be have anointed Congressman Ed Markey as the next U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, issuing a well choreographed series of endorsements to his new candidacy to replace John Kerry. Why, even the future Secretary of State … Continue reading →

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Holiday Cliff Diving

Posted on December 26, 2012 by billmanzi

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and holiday season. As we prepare for the New Year let us return once more to the dreaded “fiscal cliff”, which is being dealt with in Washington at quite a leisurely pace. As … Continue reading →

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Why Can't a Deal be Made? Watch This Video.

Posted on December 21, 2012 by billmanzi

As you wonder what happened to John Boehner in his caucus just watch this video. Rep. Tim Huelskamp went on Morning Joe this morning and essentially said that there is no compromise to be had. How do you deal with … Continue reading →

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These Guys Ain't LBJ

Posted on December 21, 2012 by billmanzi

As predicted here at the blog Speaker Boehner could not corral the votes in the Republican caucus to pass his own so called “Plan B”.I posted on this blog and through my twitter feed the prediction that the Speaker would … Continue reading →

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Production Tax Credit for Wind Power on Chopping Block

Posted on December 20, 2012 by billmanzi

The Fiscal Cliff is not the only thing facing Congress as the year winds down. The Production Tax Credit for wind power is set to expire on December 31, and although there is bipartisan support for its extension it appears … Continue reading →

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Republican Gun Control

Posted on December 19, 2012 by billmanzi

Here is the apparent idea that is now driving the GOP idea machine on how to deal with gun violence. What we used to laugh at is now the public policy position of the Republican Party.

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MMA Looks to Get in the Que

Posted on December 19, 2012 by billmanzi

The Massachusetts Municipal Association yesterday called for an increase in Chapter 90 funding for localities to bridge the gap between what is spent today, and what needs to be spent to bring local roads and bridges to a “state of … Continue reading →

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Boehner's Bluff

Posted on December 19, 2012 by billmanzi

Just when it looked like there might be some movement towards a fiscal cliff deal, with the President and Speaker engaging in a good negotiating give and take, the Speaker has once again blanched, threatening to go with “plan B”. … Continue reading →

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The Automaton Factor: Zero Sum Politics

Posted on December 17, 2012 by billmanzi

One of the more interesting political stories in the past two weeks has been the “right to work” controversy in Michigan, with the Republican Legislature there passing a (right to work)bill in the closing days of their session, and Republican … Continue reading →

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