Yeah, I just got back from vacation, but I'm in the middle of some rather contentious projects and I just don't get around to updating as much as I'd like.
LUCKILY, NO MULE
First off, Mom and Dad have apparently put an offer in for 40 acres of lovely views in Pinedale, Wyoming. There's apparently another offer on the property, so nothing is clear at this point. But I'll report if something is announced. In the meantime, below is a photo of the most compelling aspect of the site. Pretty compelling, I'd say!
THE FLAVOR OF ALASKAN PORK
Instapundit.com, one of my favorite blogs, has been a leader in pushing for the recent Federal transportation bill to be reconsidered in light of hurricane disasters and the federal cost affected areas will incur. I applaud and support his and others' efforts to push Congress to repeal and cut some of the pork.
Alaska, specifically Rep. Don Young, has been a major target of scorn because of at least two audacious pork projects he recently secured. The projects seem a bit much to me, but at the same time I do understand the psychology that explains Young, Sen. Ted Stevens and Sen. Murkowski, Jr.
I distinctly remember a moment of my youth in Anchorage before the triumph of President Reagan over the Soviets. It was a viewing of the movie War Games. Remember that one, with Matthew Broderick as the nerd that nearly starts a nuclear war between the U.S. and the CCCP?
There's a moment in the movie where a computer illustration shows Alaska to be the first and perhaps the hardest hit of U.S. territory should nuclear war break out. I realize it's a Hollywood production, but there enough reality about Alaska's strategic military position to make the thought of nuclear annihiliation hit home.
So, this morning I sent an email to Professor Glenn Reynolds (Instapundit) providing my two cents' worth.
However, there is an underreported side to this story that I think provides context, but not necessarily justification for Alaska's appetite for largess.
During WWII and particularly the Cold War, Alaska was the front line of defense for the United States. During WWII, the Aleutians became the only "mainland" U.S. to actually be invaded by Japanese troops. During the Cold War, Alaska was the pre-eminent location for U.S. nuclear missiles aimed at the Soviet Union. Conversely, Alaska was the first and closest target for Soviet nuclear weapons should war occur due to our silos and Alaska's rich oil reserves. Finally, the vast majority of land mass of Alaska is owned by the Federal Government and regulated/controlled/restricted from development of most kinds that would enable greater economic expansion and possible diversification to make the State more self-sustained.
In other words, Alaska has much more in common with some of the South Pacific territories that per capita are just as subsidized - if not more so - than Alaskans. And like Alaska(ns), the South Pacific territories are shaping up to be (again) highly exploited by the U.S. military to project sea and air power into Asia if China becomes more belligerent.
Prof. Reynolds is barraged by email everyday, so I don't know that he'll respond. I just thought the above context was worth mentioning.
WAL-MART
One of the reasons I've been so busy is that one of the projects I have been working on includes the economic and fiscal impacts of Wal-Mart superstores when they propose to open a store, specifically in Washington state. Because of my findings, my analysis and testimony typically support Wal-Mart in their site planning applications. But as most people know, Wal-Mart is highly controversial and so it's not a simple matter.
The application of proposed store in Yelm, Washington was legally upheld recently that included some of my analysis and public testimony.
At that website, if you scroll down, Exhibits 102 and 103 are my resume and analysis, specifically, in case you're interested. The following is the text of the legal decision. In case you're interested, the issue of my testimony, economic impacts of Wal-Mart and blight, begins in the .pdf decision document on Page 21 (extreme bottom of the page) and continues through Page 26.
GABRIEL DOING WELL AND HALLOWEEN PHOTOS PENDING
Gabriel is now pretty well recovered from his recent ailments and full of the P&V. On Halloween, he dressed up like a little scarecrow, homemade costume courtesy of his Gramma Dianne. He was very cute and I promise photos are forthcoming.
RETURN OF THE GRAMMAS
After a multi-week hiatus, both Grammas are now back in town to spoil the you know what out of our lad. Gramma Dianne was on the road for a couple of weeks, but returned recently in time for Halloween. Gramma Judy flew in last night from Connecticut where she was enjoying a three-week visit with her sisters Sandy and Diana. Welcome Home!
TOM'S CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Tom is exploring a number of legal career opportunities right now, particularly in probate law. He's starting up his own practice to provide legal advisement on trusts, wills and other matters for people, hopefully in California and Oregon. He'll soon be attending a training on the matter in Portland. He also met with an established attorney in Sacramento for whom he might work to learn the ropes. But he's already signed onto a month-to-month lease of an office for his own practice so he's got some decidin' to do.
A revelation about the attorney he met with yesterday may be a deciding factor: her office is 50 footsteps from an In N Out Burger!
