Daniels shows pragmatic side

Opinion

Discussion

September 2, 2010

Anonymous Kokomo Tribune The Kokomo Tribune Thu Sep 02, 2010, 12:00 AM EDT

THE ISSUE: Mitch Daniels’ request for stimulus money.

OUR VIEW: Governor was right to put aside personal beliefs for the good of the state.

“Now we continue our summer series of interviews with some of the prime contenders for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination. Joining us from Indianapolis is the governor of Indiana, Mitch Daniels.”

It was Sunday morning, Aug. 8. Chris Wallace was just beginning his interview for “Fox News Sunday.”

“What about more stimulus?” Wallace asked. It was his second question. “They are going to pass in the House and send to the president this new bill – I think it’s $26 billion – more state aid, keep teachers hired. ... Do you support that kind of stimulus?”

“Really don’t,” Daniels replied. “You know, the – it amounts at this point in time to asking citizens of responsible states like ours to subsidize those places who have been more reckless. It’s probably not going to help the economy.

“It’s this notion, sort of a trickle-down government. You pour a few more bajillion dollars in the top of the funnel and maybe a little demand and a few private sector jobs will fall out the bottom. It’s really not the way to do it.”

The governor likely ruffled some feathers. After Congress appropriated the money, word came from the Obama administration that Washington wasn’t going to just issue each state its share. Governors would have to ask for it.

Daniels asked Friday. The more than $435 million in federal aid will give Indiana about $227 million for Medicaid and $207 million for education.

To his credit, the governor is not an ideologue. He’s a pragmatist. During a visit near Corydon last week, Daniels said he still questions the wisdom of another stimulus. But because Congress approved it, he would take it.

Indiana continues to nurse a jobless rate of more than 10 percent. The last thing we need is to kick more teachers to the unemployment line. Daniels was right to put aside personal beliefs for the good of the state.

But the next time federal spending comes up during an interview, we hope he thinks before he speaks.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Opinion

Cheers and Jeers Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012
Like ‘a member of our family’

Former Russiaville resident Sheryl Simpson, of Fort Worth, Texas, sends this Cheer for Stout and Son Funeral Home:

February 10, 2012
Cast a vote for centers
The issue: Vote centers in Howard County.

Our view: Centers are less expensive to operate and more convenient for the average voter.

February 9, 2012
White shouldn’t return to office
The issue: The conviction of Indiana’s secretary of state.

Our view: Charlie White’s ouster from office should be permanent.

February 9, 2012
Editorial - Feb. 8, 2012: Grand success for Indianapolis
The issue: The Super Bowl.

Our view: Indianapolis left a great impression on thousands of visitors.

February 8, 2012
Letters to the Editor: Feb. 8, 2012
As Hoosiers celebrate the conclusion of a truly remarkable Super Bowl experience, there is even more good news that should fill us with pride. More Indiana students are graduating from high school than ever before.

February 8, 2012
Which religions will we include?
The Indiana Senate last week approved a bill that would allow public schools to teach creationism, as long as they include theories from multiple religions.

February 6, 2012 1 Photo
If you say so
In an opinion piece we published Thursday, state Rep. Mike Karickhoff announced why he voted against “right-to-work” legislation. His reason: The community told him to.

February 5, 2012
Cheers and jeers - Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012
Karickhoff acted ‘cowardly’

The Rev. Robin Wentworth Mayer and Horst G. Mayer of Kokomo send the Jeer for state Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s silence during the “right-to-work” debate:

“Mr. Karickhoff, for someone who’s new to office, you’ve certainly learned the art of talking out of both sides of your mouth.

February 3, 2012
Let’s drug test our lawmakers
Perhaps it’s appropriate that a measure passed by the Indiana House this week would ask not only welfare recipients but Indiana lawmakers to consent to a drug test.

February 3, 2012
Editorial - Feb. 2, 2012: Peru delivers a message
The issue: Peru’s collection of $20,000 last year from property owners who failed to keep their yards mowed.

Our view: Aggressive enforcement can help a city’s finances, but the benefits go beyond dollars and cents.

February 2, 2012
More Opinion Headlines

Opinion

Search Results

Discussion

Daniels shows pragmatic side

Site Map

Contact Us