Those who wear tea bags on their hats, and feel that freedom will ring if only taxes are eliminated can see the effects in one Colorado town where voters refused to increase taxes in order to help the budget sustain essential services. I admit it, they were right all along, and they sure cut the fat from the budget! Pete Tomitsch of the Colorado Springs Police Protective Association talks about the changes, but of course he sees things from a "glass half full" perspective.
If parks are to be open, they must be run by volunteers,in fact volunteer opportunities have skyrocketed. What a terrific outlet for those who are unemployed, and have lost their benefits! If, as some Republican Senators say, they are drug addicts with no initiative, the fresh air will do them good. Of course, swapping places with a Republican Senator might be more of an eye opener, but alas, that isn’t within our power. Oh kids, there is no money for public swimming pools this summer, but the entire family will want to be home early anyway, since there is no money for frivolous things like street lights. There will be more family time, and exercise if you’re lucky enough to have a job which requires you to commute after 6:15, when the buses stop running. It’s probably a good idea to stick close to home anyway, because there is not sufficient revenue for police to investigate crimes against property, so don’t whine to them when someone steals your car. The police are limited to the investigation of crimes against persons, and must prioritize those.
This town appears to be a "patriot’s" dream. Police are alarmed at their inability to function the way they need to in order to provide protection, but don’t most Tea Partiers carry their own protection? Pete Tomitsch clearly sees the same division in Colorado Springs that is blossoming throughout the country; those who are realistic and those who are so tickled with the new improvements that they decline to debate the situation.
What could be better than sitting on your dark street with your trusty sidearm, waiting for someone – or a cat that looks like someone with intentions of stealing your car? Ha..to think, Tomitsch regards this as a Quality of Life issue.