Monday's Surly Snippets

What happened to Wampler?

I was suprised that Wampler was not re-elected to his mayoral post.  I surmise that it is this year's version of "it's the economy, stupid."  I believe that the mayor and council have been very pro-growth, forward thinking folks, which is fine, as far as it goes.  But this is a recession year.  Big time.  Folks are out of work, worried about the future--and yet our city leaders have continued to promote a very pro-growth, pro-development agenda despite community sentiments against it.

Against it?  Well, yes, I think so.  A question of timing--not the right time to do these things.  Sure, their agenda was "good for the city" but it would not soften the tax burden or make the economy improve.  So it was not a good time to proceed with non-critical spending.

Incumbent council members and county commissioners should take heed.

Left and Right May Agree on this one

Fox News reports today that the FAA is formulating procedures for reconnaissance drones to be used inside the United States by various government agencies--to keep an eye on all of us!  In my opinion this is just a bridge too far in intrusive government snooping.  The country is over-policed now, with too much adoption of military and spy technology for use in the local community. 

Fortunately voices from both sides (such as Rep. Joe Barton (R. Tex) to Rep. Edward Markey (D. Mass) are calling for banning this invasive technology.  Let the drones remain with the military for use outside of the United States.