Monday, March 22, 2010

Preserving Stupidity


This house is one of hundreds that the City of Saginaw wants to clear away with the help of $17.4 million in Obamacash.  Trouble is, this property is located within a formerly fashionable neighborhood which has long since fallen into ruin but still remains on a list of historic significance.  19th century homes have become 21st century crack houses.  In 2004, the city first requested permission from the State Historic Preservation Office to demolish this structure along with 40 others.  Six years later, this property and 30 more still pose a serious danger to area residents because the city cannot convince the preservationists that this house appeals to no one but druggies and prostitutes.

This story caught my eye not only for it's message of misaligned priorities and bumbling bureaucrats, but the inherent trouble that's always prevalent when dealing with government agencies and programs.  Several years ago, well-meaning citizens in search of loose and unregulated government change, appealed to well-meaning government bureaucrats for some extra dough to fix up rundown neighborhoods.  These places were special because rich people used to live there they claimed.  But like everything else that the government subsidizes, after their money had replaced any private investment, and well-meaning people lose interest, the government takes ownership of the remains.  I need the governments help and permission to fix my place up.....I need more government money, and again their permission, to tear my place down.  The cycle continues.

I know I'm just whistling in the dark here, since the Democrats have just further exploded our nation's debt with Obamacare, but please let's stop the insanity.  Let's turn things back around and make personal responsibility and homegrown solutions our path to progress.  Let's end the practice of seeking permission and answers from outside our own communities.  We know what's best for us so let's start demonstrating   it.

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