Friday Round Up

     President Obama this week designated three new National Monuments, which promptly prompted Congressman Ken Buck (R-CO) from calling the president "King Barack". No, President Obama is not acting like a king, he's doing the job the people elected him to do...twice. Teddy Roosevelt (a Republican) started this land preservation over a century ago, and every president since has used it. What's wrong with preserving wilderness from time to time? I don't think I will ever understand how someone could look at the immense and powerful beauty of the natural world, only to want to dig it up to make a buck.

photo by John Murray

     Governor Scott Walker has made almost $2 billion in tax cuts since becoming Governor of Wisconsin in 2011. Now, the state faces a shortfall next year that will most likely reach--wait for it--$2 billion! (Governor Walker is skipping state debt payments due this coming May, which he is allowed by the terms of the loan to do one time.) It helps cash flow right now, but it could come back to bite them in the ass next year, when the shortfall is expected to grow. In order to make those initial tax cuts, Walker cut spending to education, public media and--SURPRISE!--the Department of Natural Resources, among others. I know balancing budgets is important, as well as controlling costs. But why is it always schools, clean water and NPR that have to cut back?

Photo: Forbes

     The Lenten Fast for Climate Justice is a 40 day fast during Lent, and many Catholics using the opportunity to demand action on the climate crisis. Catholics from around the world will be fasting in hopes to raise awareness and get people to take climate change seriously. It warms my heart to see the Catholic Church be all in on the subject of Climate Change. See, everyone, there is hope!  Even Pope Frank is on board!

 
Thanks to #ThinkProgress for giving me such great articles to read everyday.