From my Boston Herald column today:
“I’m scared. I’m concerned.” — Gov. Deval Patrick on the impact of sequestration budget cuts on Massachusetts.
Be afraid, governor. Be very afraid.
Because if you’re “scared” and “concerned” about the impact of a 2.4 percent cut in the federal budget on the Massachusetts economy, you must be terrified over a $3 billion direct hit on Massachusetts businesses and workers.
Hey, waitaminute — that $3 billion gross tax hike is your idea, Deval. What gives?
Why is it that, as the Herald reported yesterday, “Patrick warned (the sequester) could lead to a slowdown in the economy and to crippling uncertainty in the private sector,” but hitting Massachusetts with $3 billion in new income and gas taxes is no big deal?…
I’d love it if some intrepid reporter would ask Patrick about his bipolar economics (he has steadfastly refused to appear on my radio show for seven years now). I’d like to hear him explain why less money in government’s pocket leads to disaster, but less money in your pocket is good times all around.
Alas, this is Massachusetts, where Democrats never have to explain themselves. Where the media never does the math. Where voters who collect are more than happy to vote themselves more money from the pockets of those who earn.
“Scared,” Gov. Patrick? Like every productive taxpayer in Massachusetts, I’m terrified.
Radio talk show host, columnist for the Boston Herald, stand-up comic and former GOP political consultant.