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Now, I've met my State Senator several times. I invited her to speak about repairing our esplanade infrastructure at the beginning of a 70-person bike ride I co-led with my fellow biking advocates. I met her with Public Banking advocate Ellen Brown and we convinced her to co-sponsor public banking legislation in New York state. I've appeared before a panel she was in on jobs in New York and on implementing Land Value Taxation to combat inequality and recycle land rent back to the community whose demand created it.
In short, she is my Senator and I hope to get great things from her in the future. Nevertheless, I had to respond strongly and negatively to her as follows:
No way will I be sending any money to Texas or supporting them in any way.
Have we forgotten Texas Senator Ted Cruz denying NY and NJ the money it needed after Hurricane Sandy? Even Republican Governor Chris Christie accused Texas of "hypocrisy" - his word - over that just yesterday. He's right, but he's more willing to forgive them than I am.
And scientists tell us that Houston overbuilt without providing for proper flood control. They neglected their infrastructure and are paying the price. And whatever happened to small government and self-reliance? That's what they're always preaching in Texas as they slash funding for FEMA and local agencies that could help in times like this.
Worse than that, Texas was instrumental in electing a climate-change denying, infrastructure-budget slashing, man-child in the White House. It hasn't dropped below 73 degrees in southeaster Texas all YEAR. This is unprecedented in modern times. If that election taught us anything, it's that we're on our own and can't afford to be generous with anyone (I'll make exceptions for my friends and family, but not for people who act against me and my fellow New Yorkers).
Texans love their Bible. Well, the Bible says you reap what you sow. Time to start reaping...
Scott Baker
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