SoCo Magazine - May 2008 - (Page 31) seem to go away, like the nightmare project called the Big Dig. “That should’ve collapsed under the weight of inefficiency and the political mindset [running it], but it created jobs and revenue,” she says. “Personal incomes are high because construction, the investment field, and high-tech [and other] executives get a lot of money. That doesn’t make the middle class any better off than it does in other states. It makes them want to leave, which they’re doing.” So who is the Barbara Anderson for this generation? Who’s really afraid of Big Government, aside from those who’ve seen the inside of the beast? “Today people don’t use the ‘Big Government’ phrase,” Anderson says. “They’ve gotten used to it. I don’t think they like it; people pay really high taxes. You can’t get your own money back and be providing services for the poor. That’s why charitable giving is low in Massachusetts. We’re paying the highest taxes in the country. Meanwhile, our kids’ education provides inadequate values. “We have the second highest per capita debt in the country. That’s why big business [such as banks and insurance companies] is on the other side, as well as big labor and big church [more so in the past for the latter]. They’re all against the little guy. Big business and big labor were also against the income tax rollback. “Public employee unions are at the root of our fiscal problem,” Anderson says. “They’re closely aligned with the Democratic Party. They’re a one-party system, giving them more power than they would have in other states. Big business benefits from big government. They were on other side of Proposition 2½ and the income tax rollback.” In that kind of environment, ultimately, everyone “wants theirs” perhaps. But, paradoxically, sometimes even unions give in to reform. “Police and fire unions give in [to compromises] to keep their jobs,” says Anderson. “But the MTA [Massachusetts Teachers Association] seldom does. And we’re the only state in the union that does police details. That’s a symbol of what’s wrong in Massachusetts, the poster child we use when resisting a tax increase.” Anderson mentions that other interesting voting block, of which she is now a member at 65 years old: senior citizens. “They pay taxes all their lives and want nice senior centers. It’s hard to argue the point. But then there’s nothing left over.” Having a Republican governor sitting in office since the post-Dukakis era certainly helped Anderson and Citizens over the years. But what does she expect from Deval Patrick’s administration and his Municipal Partnership Act, also known as “New Tax Revenues for Hacks in Government Act”? “Patrick ran on property tax relief,” she says. “But the media never pushed him on it; they fell flat on their faces. The Boston Globe reporters are the best in the business, but the Herald and the Globe never asked. Deval sees dollar signs in casinos, a meal tax, and other side-saddle methods of taxing the already over-taxed. Non-moonbat voters were supporting Patrick for the promise of property tax Continued on page 93 Make a lasting impression at work! A Full Service Salon & Spa There is every reason to look your best—and we can help. Our selections include uniforms for the Medical and Food Service Industries. We carry shoes and accessories, too. Laser Hair Removal CHI Straightening System Creative Hair Shaping Services Expert Color Services All Nail Services Alternative Therapies, Facials, Body Treatments, Day of Beauty Call Today For Your Consultation Fashion Corner Uniforms 832 State Road North Dartmouth, MA 508.997.5259 170 Main Street, Wareham, MA 508.295.4204 Tuesday-Thursday 8:30 am-8:00 pm Friday 8:30 am-5:00 pm Saturday 8:00 am-2:00 pm M ay 2 0 0 8 | s o co m a g azi ne . i nfo | 31 http://socomagazine.info
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