I have been doing much thinking about the many problems which are being generated by Rhode Island's economic disaster. We now have so many bridges that have reduced weight limits; RIPTA has had to drastically change routes to accommodate these new weight restrictions. In fact, the Rhode Island Transit Authority with its already inadequate service will soon be making more cuts in routes and service because of funding. As a nation, we can bail out corporate entities, (private businesses) and yet not be able to save R.I.'s ONLY public transportation system? If my figures are correct (or if my memory serves me correctly) Rhode Island's debt is something like 450 Million Dollars.
(note) If I was a multi-millionaire or billionaire, it would be a far better thing I do, to invest in the economy of the smallest state in the U.S. than to continue to invest and reinvest in such failed banking and financial institutions.
As our two voices in the senate for our fine state, I am urging Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Jack Reed and all your fellow law makers to PLEASE help design a bill to help R.I. climb out of the deep debt we are facing.
Please consider what will happen if RIPTA cannot provide service to the growing numbers of public transportation users. With the gas prices soaring ever higher, Rhode Islanders are going to soon be depending more and more on public transportation. As their ability to get to and from work becomes too financially burdensome, they will not be able to use the states only public transportation as an alternative, if RIPTA continues on the "road" it is taking, with routes and times being cut. This is a time when we should be talking about expanding service, not cutting it. Disabled, handicapped and elderly riders who depend greatly on affordable passes are in jeopardy of losing their ability to access bus service on a daily basis as well. Even if they are only required to pay 25-50 cents per ride, it would cripple and stagnate them into staying home more often and/or not experiencing opportunities to expand their horizons by participating in self help and other programs, as well as health maintenance appointments.
We need to start caring about main street, side street, and ALL of us living here. (ALL Rhode Islanders)
WHERE'S THE PORK? Was there any "earmarks" dedicated to Rhode Islands failing economy within the financial bailout bill recently passed by congress?
What are some ways to generate revenue or to save taxpayer's money from government waste?
How will we be able to pay for programs to help the low income families, poor, elderly & disabled?
A THOUGHT WORTH CONSIDERING;
Medical marijuana is a useful tool in fighting many illnesses. Why not outright "LEGALIZE" marijuana for recreational use? This would help eliminate the overcrowding of our courts, and alleviate prison overcrowding. Keeping marijuana illegal only hurts more people than it helps. Our economy needs a NEW REVENUE SOURCE. If we allow marijuana use (for adults only) even if we couldn't find a way to tax it, the money saved by not fighting it's use, would surely pay for much needed programs, which makes much more sense than this military style approach now used to eliminate this natural herbal remedy.
I think we should (as a state and as a country) finally end this outrageous "war on drugs," or at least decriminalize the use of marijuana. With legal marijuana, these users would no longer be such a high cost to the state. LEGALIZED MARIJUANA would eliminate the cost to taxpayers by eliminating the state's huge amount of money it takes to combat its distribution, sales and use. Our courts and jails need to be used for serious criminal offenses which truly merit prosecution. This money could better serve our state if used more appropriately.
We face much greater adverse affects from obesity, alcohol use, tobacco use, speeding motorists, accidental prescription drug overdoses, FINANCIAL RUIN due to failed economic policies of an out of touch and OUT OF CONTROL CONGRESS.
To criminalize the use of ANY particular recreational activity solely because of a biased non proven theory or fact is against our constitutional right to the pursuit of happiness.
Thank you for your time, With True Sincerity, Herb Anthony
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