An op ed for Weicker haters to consider

[monarch]

http://www.courant.com/news/opinion/editorials/hc-shutdown.artjul11,0,4947869.story?coll=hc-headlines-editorials


"New Jerseyites just experienced a state government shutdown that rings familiar to Connecticut residents, at least those who remember the summer of 1991.

...

"Yet there are similarities. Mr. Weicker faced an angry public. When he dared to come near a huge anti-income tax rally, he was spat upon, cursed and hanged in effigy. In New Jersey, an anti-Corzine tide began to swell before the crisis was resolved.

"Mr. Weicker paid a high price for standing his ground. Facing flagging public support, he chose not to run for re-election. His legacy benefited his successor, John G. Rowland, who basked under an improved economy and a more balanced and fairer tax system. Mr. Rowland had more money to spend and cut taxes as well.

"Today, let us dare say that most people have learned to live with the income tax. Imagine the fiscal mess we would be in without this tax. In recent years, no responsible Connecticut politician has called for repeal."