A knucklehead Sioux Falls booster is quoted in this morning's Argus as telling state legislators to "stay out of the way" of Sioux Falls' growth. Nationwide he's getting his wish. Federal taxpayers from across the country are spending $40 million of their hard-earned dollars on the Phillips to the Falls project for Sioux Falls' growth.
Taxpayers didn't complain though. They dismiss the $40 million as "federal money".
The Rapid City Journal uncorks this sour whine on their editorial page this morning. They think their precious nature-lovers and synagogue-goers "deserve" an outdoor education center. They "need" an environmental classroom and a taxpayer funded park to protect a local synagogue.
The Journal wants state taxpayers to be dunned for the $10 - $12 million it will cost to meet this need. Taxpayers probably won't complain about this boondoggle either. They'll dismiss the burden as "state money".
Here's a tip - there is no such thing as "federal money". There is no such thing as "state money". There is only money. And, if the government's spending it, it's coming out of your pocket.
It's easy to lose sight of this fact when money gets rolled up into large state and federal accounts. It's analogous to how you boil a frog alive - you don't turn the heat up all at once, he'll hop right out of the pot. No, you raise the heat little by little. That way, he won't know he's being cooked.
People, we're being cooked.
