The Empire Strikes Out

September 3, 12:33 PMSnohomish County Progressive ExaminerChad Shue

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"Emperor" Rossi?

In his recent piece at the Examiner, “These Aren’t the Droids You’re Looking for”, Seattle Politics Examiner John Barnes (in the guise of Darth Vader) seems to be dutifully serving the emperor (played by Dino Rossi I guess) by attempting to recruit more subjects over to the dark side by continuing to cast us in the shadow of the Death Star (in this case the “real budget deficit.”) Unfortunately for “Darth Barnes” his argument fails under the weight of his own evidence.  I can’t believe he left himself open to all these great “Star Wars” references.

John Barnes or Darth Vader

Barnes, after citing certain cautionary actions recommended by the Governor (intended to address a current shortfall in gas tax revenues), infers that she is being disingenuous with the voters in her ‘denial’ of this “real” and looming budget deficit. He offers as background a link to a You Tube video of Governor Gregoire’s response to a question about the dreaded deficit.  In her response, Governor Gregoire once more points out that the state is currently in SURPLUS of some $800 MILLION and that the projected deficit is just that – a projection. (Of course this has been addressed here previously). The next link that John takes us to begins:

Attached is the June 2008 Six Year General Fund Outlook.

 

The information generally reflects the assumption that future revenue and spending corresponds to historical trends. However, due to the complexity and potential volatility surrounding the state's economy and factors impacting state expenditures, this estimate should be seen as a baseline estimate of the current budget outlook and aid in longer term fiscal planning.

 

As they have done in past, it is anticipated that the Governor and the Legislature will use available reserves and implement spending reductions and/or revenue changes to balance the 2009-11 budget.

Make no mistake. What you read above clearly states that ASSUMPTIONS have been made and that any and all of the information contained in the report are ESTIMATES. It also goes on to state that there is anticipation that the Governor and the Legislature will do their job and address the budget in the appropriate way in the appropriate time.

While it is hard for me to believe that a person who is employed as a Communications Director of a major policy think tank would have such a difficult time with the English language; confusing such words as “today” and “tomorrow” and “is” versus “might be” remember they thought the Death Star was invincible too.

Peace,

Chad Shue