It has been nearly two years since I founded Vermonters for Economic Health and I began a series of "Town Meeting Forums" throughout Vermont. Using the format of a PowerPoint presentation - found at www.vteh.org - many of the economic statistics, challenges and warnings outlined at these “Town Meeting Forums” have come home to roost. Vermont’s entire legislature was invited. A few showed up. All were given access to the presentation.
The sense of urgency and concern that propelled my efforts has faded into a kind of cynical satisfaction, as I witness the flailing among Vermont's political class and its enabling media. Dismissiveness and hubris exacts its price.
Having laid down its markers in a decade-long spending, taxing and regulatory spree; Vermont’s legislature is poised to double-down on these bets, proposing further increases in spending, taxation and regulations. More should be demanded from our public officials than the rearranging of deck chairs.
The Big Picture and a dirty little secret: Political and human collectivism are not compatible with economic freedom and property rights. The latter two are necessary components of job creation and economic growth. It is the incompatibility of these tensions - between Vermont’s collectivist wants and its economic needs - that drives Vermont's current state-of-confusion. Meaningful progress as a State will require Vermont to bridge this gap of incongruence.
I hope I’m wrong. But if past performance is indicative of future returns, it’s time for Vermonters to buckle-up. Additional turbulence lies ahead.
Tom Licata
Burlington
