By Sylvia Gurinsky
Florida Atlantic University student Slavi Gorgoski had it right when he asked Miami Herald columnist Fred Grimm, ''They're going to raise our tuition 15 percent. Does that mean the college programs will be improved 15 percent?''
No, but it likely means the state of Florida will shirk its responsibility to its higher education students by 15 percent.
A low-to-moderate tuition increase - between three to seven percent - might be necessary. Fifteen percent in this economic climate is outrageous.
Gov. Charlie Crist proposed the increase, plus a plan that would shift tuition responsibility more from the Florida Legislature to the Board of Governors - that's the good news - but would also allow as much as a 40-percent hike in tuition over a three-year period.
Former Sen. Bob Graham, who has been a champion of better higher education, is rightfully worried that tuition increases will prompt the Legislature to play its usual game of cost-shifting.
So, Governor Crist, would you like to explain where the students, many of whom attend these schools because they can't afford any others, are going to get the money to pay for such hikes in a bad economy? And after such moves as Florida International University slashing 22 programs, are you going to explain why it's even worth paying that much more? It's certainly not going to improve the quality of education, or the salaries of any faculty members who don't coach football teams.
(Full disclosure: I am an FIU alumnus.)
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Nov. 24: Don't Be Shy About Reigning In Corporate Bigwigs
By Sylvia Gurinsky
Maybe this is where New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg can use his vaunted expertise.
That's because, let's face it, there is no way Citigroup should still be contributing financially to the New York Mets' new stadium if it's so far in the hole that it requires a $326 billion federal bailout. For the time being, Citigroup is still in the partnership.
AIG, which is quickly becoming the poster company for how not to behave after a federal bailout, is keeping its corporate partnership with the British soccer team Manchester United.
Last week, members of Congress got very upset at the chief executive officers of the Big Three U.S. automakers for flying to Washington in separate corporate jets. O.K., Congress, how about turning that anger into action? How about holding CEOs to a higher standard of behavior?
More than a century ago, Congress began to crack down on abusive businesses with antitrust laws, child labor laws and more. Other regulations were put in place a few years ago, after the collapse of Enron. Congress shouldn't be shy about stepping in again - and reigning in the companies that are still living it up at the public's expense.
Maybe this is where New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg can use his vaunted expertise.
That's because, let's face it, there is no way Citigroup should still be contributing financially to the New York Mets' new stadium if it's so far in the hole that it requires a $326 billion federal bailout. For the time being, Citigroup is still in the partnership.
AIG, which is quickly becoming the poster company for how not to behave after a federal bailout, is keeping its corporate partnership with the British soccer team Manchester United.
Last week, members of Congress got very upset at the chief executive officers of the Big Three U.S. automakers for flying to Washington in separate corporate jets. O.K., Congress, how about turning that anger into action? How about holding CEOs to a higher standard of behavior?
More than a century ago, Congress began to crack down on abusive businesses with antitrust laws, child labor laws and more. Other regulations were put in place a few years ago, after the collapse of Enron. Congress shouldn't be shy about stepping in again - and reigning in the companies that are still living it up at the public's expense.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Nov. 20: Sniglets On Private Jets, Celebrity Children, Christmas Carols - and the Presidential Puppy
By Sylvia Gurinsky
The question of the week comes from U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman of California:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75wiH6Qiqf4
Amen.
************************************************************************************
Shame on Forbes, or at least its Web site, for picking up the media craze with the children of celebrities. They've put out a "Top 10" list of the best-looking celebrity tykes.
Since when did those children become public figures, unless they're doing a movie? It's a violation of their privacy - and an invitation to possible harm.
************************************************************************************
A little something on the lighter side: Christmas carols.
I like Christmas carols - when they're played after Thanksgiving.
I understand people want a little cheerfulness in their lives. But please, can't we - or at least radio stations - wait another week?
************************************************************************************
I don't know whether this would fit President-Elect Barack Obama's criteria for a puppy for his daughters, but here's a shout-out for the dachshund:
http://www.akc.org/breeds/dachshund/index.cfm
And they look so cute walking around in the backyard.....
The question of the week comes from U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman of California:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75wiH6Qiqf4
Amen.
************************************************************************************
Shame on Forbes, or at least its Web site, for picking up the media craze with the children of celebrities. They've put out a "Top 10" list of the best-looking celebrity tykes.
Since when did those children become public figures, unless they're doing a movie? It's a violation of their privacy - and an invitation to possible harm.
************************************************************************************
A little something on the lighter side: Christmas carols.
I like Christmas carols - when they're played after Thanksgiving.
I understand people want a little cheerfulness in their lives. But please, can't we - or at least radio stations - wait another week?
************************************************************************************
I don't know whether this would fit President-Elect Barack Obama's criteria for a puppy for his daughters, but here's a shout-out for the dachshund:
http://www.akc.org/breeds/dachshund/index.cfm
And they look so cute walking around in the backyard.....
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Nov. 19: Discussing the Economy Amid Spa Treatments
By Sylvia Gurinsky
Oh, those Republican members of the Florida Legislature.
How sweet must be the oblivion of knowing they still have a massive majority in both state houses, and that they're still free to do whatever they please. How sweet must be the oblivion of believing that Floridians who are losing their homes and their jobs won't care if their state senators and representatives spend several days at the WaterColor Inn & Resort - not exactly Econo-Lodge - in Destin:
http://www.watercolorresort.com/resort_home.aspx
And how ironic that they talk about the economy:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20081119/APN/811190638
Isn't it awful, how those poor Florida residents suffer, while we come to a resort with snorkeling and spa treatments?
Isn't it nice to know that they get it?
And wouldn't Florida voters like to go back two weeks and really give it to them at the ballot box?
Oh, those Republican members of the Florida Legislature.
How sweet must be the oblivion of knowing they still have a massive majority in both state houses, and that they're still free to do whatever they please. How sweet must be the oblivion of believing that Floridians who are losing their homes and their jobs won't care if their state senators and representatives spend several days at the WaterColor Inn & Resort - not exactly Econo-Lodge - in Destin:
http://www.watercolorresort.com/resort_home.aspx
And how ironic that they talk about the economy:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20081119/APN/811190638
Isn't it awful, how those poor Florida residents suffer, while we come to a resort with snorkeling and spa treatments?
Isn't it nice to know that they get it?
And wouldn't Florida voters like to go back two weeks and really give it to them at the ballot box?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Nov. 18: Rescuing One American Icon and Saluting Another
By Sylvia Gurinsky
Who has the blame for the U.S. auto industry drowning? Try everyone.
That would include the politicians who spent the 1980s taking away energy and mileage standards for cars, the car executives who worried about today's bottom line and their bonuses instead of the future of their companies, and motorists who spent the 1990s and most of this decade buying polluting, gas-guzzling SUVs.
Now, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler are asking to be part of the federal government's bailout package. Advocates have a point when they say the wipeout of the auto industry would do further damage to the economy. But those who say the companies need to start from scratch also have a point. The chances seem to be better that it will snow in South Florida this week than that Congress will approve $25 billion of the bailout money for the Big Three in its lame-duck session.
(Of course, Republican members of Congress who are now balking at giving money to the car companies weren't so particular when the workers they were bailing out were on Wall Street.)
The automakers had enough imagination to duck and dodge those who were trying to better their standards, both in carmaking and treatment of their employees. Here's one thought that they can find enough imagination to make it to January relatively intact. And when they do, that's when Congress should craft a well-thought out package that helps the auto industry survive - but holds them to specific standards on cars that are well-made and energy-efficient, as well as better treatment of industry workers.
The American auto industry practically invented U.S. industrial success in the 20th century. It needs to reinvent itself for the 21st.
************************************************************************************
Today, an American and world icon celebrates his 80th birthday. Here's a link to his greatest performance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD8HDta7Z_4
Happy Birthday, Mickey.
Who has the blame for the U.S. auto industry drowning? Try everyone.
That would include the politicians who spent the 1980s taking away energy and mileage standards for cars, the car executives who worried about today's bottom line and their bonuses instead of the future of their companies, and motorists who spent the 1990s and most of this decade buying polluting, gas-guzzling SUVs.
Now, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler are asking to be part of the federal government's bailout package. Advocates have a point when they say the wipeout of the auto industry would do further damage to the economy. But those who say the companies need to start from scratch also have a point. The chances seem to be better that it will snow in South Florida this week than that Congress will approve $25 billion of the bailout money for the Big Three in its lame-duck session.
(Of course, Republican members of Congress who are now balking at giving money to the car companies weren't so particular when the workers they were bailing out were on Wall Street.)
The automakers had enough imagination to duck and dodge those who were trying to better their standards, both in carmaking and treatment of their employees. Here's one thought that they can find enough imagination to make it to January relatively intact. And when they do, that's when Congress should craft a well-thought out package that helps the auto industry survive - but holds them to specific standards on cars that are well-made and energy-efficient, as well as better treatment of industry workers.
The American auto industry practically invented U.S. industrial success in the 20th century. It needs to reinvent itself for the 21st.
************************************************************************************
Today, an American and world icon celebrates his 80th birthday. Here's a link to his greatest performance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD8HDta7Z_4
Happy Birthday, Mickey.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Nov. 17: G.O.P. Feudin' About Its Future
By Sylvia Gurinsky
Last week's meeting of the Republican Governors Association looked a little bit like a family reunion in which the family members don't really want to be together.
They all had different ideas about what it would take for them to get back on track after this year's election. In fact, if the late, great humorist Will Rogers had seen them, he might have changed his description of an unorganized political party from Democrat to Republican.
There were tiffs over strategy, focus and ideology. And there was Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska.
One firm conclusion from Palin's appearance: Her ego is as big as her hairstyle. She has already begun her presidential campaign for 2012, at least in her own mind. She is now what Sen. John McCain, who picked her as his running mate, accused President-Elect Barack Obama of being: A celebrity.
And that leads to another conclusion: The G.O.P. has to work on its female bench strength in the post-baby boomer generation. If Palin, who counters the big ego with a lack of intellectual curiosity, is the best they've got, they're in more trouble than they realize.
Many people have made the point that the Republicans lack diversity. Want proof? Look in the special election issue of Newsweek at the picture of Sen. John McCain's concession speech. Just about every face is white. That's why the Republicans hold up Gov. Bobby Jindal, of Indian descent, as their version of Obama.
Jindal, Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota and Florida Gov. Charlie Crist may really represent the future the Republicans want - pragmatic workers who reach across party lines. That's what Obama did in winning the presidential election. If this year's results mean that the era of red states and blue states and selective campaigning and governing is at an end in both parties, so much the better.
Last week's meeting of the Republican Governors Association looked a little bit like a family reunion in which the family members don't really want to be together.
They all had different ideas about what it would take for them to get back on track after this year's election. In fact, if the late, great humorist Will Rogers had seen them, he might have changed his description of an unorganized political party from Democrat to Republican.
There were tiffs over strategy, focus and ideology. And there was Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska.
One firm conclusion from Palin's appearance: Her ego is as big as her hairstyle. She has already begun her presidential campaign for 2012, at least in her own mind. She is now what Sen. John McCain, who picked her as his running mate, accused President-Elect Barack Obama of being: A celebrity.
And that leads to another conclusion: The G.O.P. has to work on its female bench strength in the post-baby boomer generation. If Palin, who counters the big ego with a lack of intellectual curiosity, is the best they've got, they're in more trouble than they realize.
Many people have made the point that the Republicans lack diversity. Want proof? Look in the special election issue of Newsweek at the picture of Sen. John McCain's concession speech. Just about every face is white. That's why the Republicans hold up Gov. Bobby Jindal, of Indian descent, as their version of Obama.
Jindal, Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota and Florida Gov. Charlie Crist may really represent the future the Republicans want - pragmatic workers who reach across party lines. That's what Obama did in winning the presidential election. If this year's results mean that the era of red states and blue states and selective campaigning and governing is at an end in both parties, so much the better.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Nov. 13: Flippers Are Part Of the Housing Problem
By Sylvia Gurinsky
A couple of years ago, "flipping" was being reported as a phenomenon. A person buys a house, apartment or townhouse and then turns around and sells it, at a profit.
The question is: How much has the abuse of flipping contributed to the current housing market crisis?
It's a legitimate question for one reason: The effect flipping has on the value of other properties in an area, possibly artificially inflating the value of other homes and making it more difficult for homeowners, or prospective buyers, to afford those places.
In drafting laws to help those whose homes have been foreclosed, local, state and federal governments must take a close look at the process of flipping, and implement reforms that protect all homeowners from the profiteering of some.
A couple of years ago, "flipping" was being reported as a phenomenon. A person buys a house, apartment or townhouse and then turns around and sells it, at a profit.
The question is: How much has the abuse of flipping contributed to the current housing market crisis?
It's a legitimate question for one reason: The effect flipping has on the value of other properties in an area, possibly artificially inflating the value of other homes and making it more difficult for homeowners, or prospective buyers, to afford those places.
In drafting laws to help those whose homes have been foreclosed, local, state and federal governments must take a close look at the process of flipping, and implement reforms that protect all homeowners from the profiteering of some.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)