REPUBLICANS ARE TOO CLEVER FOR THEIR OWN (AND OUR) GOOD

Over the next year, meaningful job creation does not lie within the power of Washington to fix. On the other hand, stemming the tide of additional job destruction does. Through the next presidential election, Obama’s jobs proposals, if passed, would have minimal effect on the unemployment rate.  This economy and its financial system are too large and too sick.  Time takes time, to unwind the credit and housing bubbles and heal the massive disruptions that have taken place.  

Conversely, the President’s proposals would provide a backstop against further job destruction, mostly in the state and local public sectors.  It would keep us from a double-dip recession.  It would permit those who remain employed to unwind their debt and provide some level of spending and demand for goods and services.

Conservatives may revel in the fact that their elected representatives are giving the President no rope to implement his jobs plan.  My view is that if conservatives were sure of their fiscal and monetary policy positions they would give Obama at least half the rope he is asking for, kicking and screaming to be sure, and let him hang his presidency.  If a second recession is avoided they can continue to hammer Obama with the high unemployment rate.  If the plan fails and we re-enter recession the Obama reelection would be dead on arrival.

This “I told you so” and “win-win” scenario for republicans will not happen because they want the economy to get worse and will take no bi-partisan action of any kind.  Apparently they believe if millions more must lose their jobs, so be it.  The irony is that without permitting a jobs plan republicans have bought responsibility for the inevitable job destruction and probable recession that will follow.

MY TAKE ON WASHINGTON PROTHONOTARY, DA & JUDICIAL ELECTIONS

The upcoming Washington County general election has a profound effect on my profession as an attorney.  The Prothonotary’s office because of its obscure name is the stuff of bad jokes and funny political cartoons.  Perhaps one out of 25 voters can tell you where to find the office or explain what it does.  Yet, in the legal community, this office is the procedural hub for every civil document we prepare and file.  Lawyers need a Prothonotary’s Office that is accessible, informative, friendly and professional.  In my experience, Washington County has one of the best in Southwestern Pennsylvania, under the auspices of Phyllis Matheny.  The office certainly does not require new leadership from a career politician looking to upgrade his take from the public watering hole or to advance his political standing.

            The District Attorney’s office, on the other hand, does require the proverbial “rearranging of the furniture.”  The office needs a stable long term professional DA, with extensive knowledge of criminal law and administration, who is not part of the existing regime.  The new DA must look under every rock (and desk) to determine the most effective and efficient way to run the office.  The candidate who deserves your support must keep the office transparent, free from political decision making and provide the public with dedication to “best practices” not “doing it the old way.”  I believe that David Dicarlo is the candidate who will bring sunlight and a broom to the office of District Attorney.

Lastly, is the race for Judge, Court of Common Pleas. Much of my practice is in family law.  My bias is for the candidate with a strong background in domestic relations law.  More citizens come into contact with the court through family and juvenile cases than any other area.  As the former Administrator of the Allegheny County Family Court, I would like to see a newly elected judge willing to make a career managing family law cases.  I believe that Gary Gillman is such a candidate.  He has the knowledge and energy to put programs in place in family court that will be well received by lawyers and the public.  He has the commitment to stay in family court to make sure there is consistency and longevity.

While I do not serve on the committees of any of the above candidates, I have contributed to their campaigns. No need to take my word on any of the above.  Simply ask any lawyer who practices in Washington County.  After all, the court house is where we work and we really do want the best for all of us.

THE POST LABOR DAY ECONOMY

Labor Day is behind us, the President’s employment speech is Thursday and electioneering is everywhere.  For anyone who has followed the excellent political and economic commentary over the long holiday weekend, three infallible points have emerged.

            First, the path for Obama to reelection is to improve the economy by lowering unemployment and returning the limping middle class to some semblance of health, in a world where easy credit and inflated housing no longer exist.  Conversely, those republicans focused only on politics rather than recovery, believe they cannot win in 2012 unless the President’s rescue mission is defeated and the middle class is placed on life support over the next 12 months.

            The second point is that, in the short run, the country cannot pursue immediate federal austerity measures through deficit reduction and expect to achieve any job creation.  Cutting off the limping unemployed worker’s leg is the quickest path to life support rather than full employment. Moreover, deficit surgery now, will guarantee that the middle class remains disabled and a ward of the government for years to come.

            The last point is that there is a middle road, where both political parties can act responsibly in the face of economic crisis and take the health of the middle class off the operating table.  The President and democrats must agree to long term deficit reduction efforts that are not smoke and mirrors.  Further, to kick start the economy, business, industrial and environmental regulations must be muted or deferred until we are running on all cylinders.  Any business activity that is likely to create jobs must be offered a tax break.

            For their part, Republicans must agree to short term federal spending for any program that will allow the middle class to keep buying goods and services on the one hand while creating jobs on the other.  They must agree to an immediate tax on the income, capital gains and inheritances of the wealthy.  Republicans will find that the sick and suffering 95% of Americans will thank them for calling on the 5% who hold most of the wealth, to contribute their fair share.  Moreover, the wealthy realize more than anyone that a rising tide lifts all boats and that this economy is threatening to beach their yachts.

            In this economic crisis, the United States has advantages and paths to recovery not available to other developed countries.  All we need is the political will to use them.