House Majority Leader D.J. Bettencourt’s feelings were hurt when Gov. Lynch took on House members who believe the state shouldn’t have any responsibility for public education. “That’s absurd,” declared the Governor.
Bettencourt responded by dashing off a letter to Lynch criticizing his “negative comments.” Foster’s, the state’s most conservative newspaper this side of the Union Leader, agreed with Lynch, writing, “[I]t is absolutely, without question, absurd.” The paper concluded with some dismissive advice for Bettencourt: Got a problem? Write it down.
Given the tax structure in the state of New Hampshire and the mandates heaped on local school districts by past legislatures, it is absolutely, without question, absurd that Bettencourt and the rest of the Legislature should be allowed to go their merry way unencumbered by the need to help fund local education budgets.
As always, if the House Majority Leader Bettencourt would like to take exception to this newspaper’s use of the word “absurd” he can send his editorial response to letter@fosters.com — 750 words or less. We will gladly accept his public scolding.
Foster’s, the state’s most conservative newspaper this side of the Union Leader, opposes repeal of same-sex marriage. Those favoring repeal, says today’s editorial, have failed to make the case that harm is being done to society.
There may yet be a case for overturning gay marriage. But as yet Foster’s has not heard it. Gay marriage, where it has been allowed to stand, shows no signs of degrading civil society.
The bottom line is that, for gay marriage opponents, the ship has sailed. Public opinion, especially among the young generation — tomorrow’s decision-makers — has turned in favor of gay marriage. It is also making headway with those of middle age. This means, without evidence to the contrary, society will continue to be more accepting of a broader definition of marriage — which is as it should be given the evidence at hand.
Foster’s, the state’s most conservative newspaper this side of the Union Leader, predicts House Republicans will pay a price for their “attempt to drive government into the chasm of the absurd.”
Instead of concentrating on the economy as promised time and again, they have shifted their focus to social issues which were barely — if at all — on the radar screen for voters before the 2010 elections.
Sweeping deregulation of guns, the wholesale elimination of professional licensing, gay marriage, abortion, the Magna Carta, forcing youngsters to stand during the Pledge of Allegiance … this list goes on.
What the Republicans in the House don’t seem to understand is they represent a broader electorate than just the right-wing faithful. And come November, it they don’t accept the fact, House Speaker Bill O’Brien, Majority Leader Bettencourt and others will be thrown out on their ears.
The editors at Foster’s Daily Democrat, a self-described staunch Republican-leaning newspaper, take note of the “trouncing” Republican House candidates received in two special elections and conclude, “Republicans are doing something wrong.”
Gun rights, abortion, and voter I.D. are just a few examples of where Republican legislative desires missed the mark.
Had the Republican legislature stuck to the issues that concerned voters when they went to the polls last year — jobs and the economy — the GOP would not find itself in such dire electoral straights.
Frankly, we believe in some cases we were snookered. But based on Tuesday’s election results, it appears we are not alone.
Next year’s legislative agenda, says Foster’s, will determine whether Republicans can revive voter confidence or will return to minority status in November, 2012.
