Our Opinion / North Dakotans say no to federal stimulus money.

North Dakota’s position in this troubled economy is unique to say the least. We have surplus where others have deficit. We have stability – for the moment, anyway – where others face insecurity, job loss, and diminished financial worth.

It would be refreshing for North Dakotans to stand up and simply say no to the federal stimulus monies. We do not have the same needs as others. By accepting millions upon millions of dollars we do not need, we are contributing to the very same problems that got us into this mess in the first place.

For whatever reasons, bailouts and stimulus packages have new meaning today. In North Dakota, bailouts and stimulus really spell P-O-R-K. We are in line – just like everybody else –  for free money, for a free lunch, for pork we’d not get otherwise if we did not reach our hands toward the Feds for a handout.

At the state level, our leadership is so hard pressed to contrive ways to spend stimulus millions that they are possibly opting instead to put it into a savings account. (When you think about it, not surprising or bad advice from a banker/governor.) At other levels of local government, the wish list mindset has folks behaving as if they are kids in a candy store with free money in their pockets.

It’s just plain wrong.

At a minimum, we’d like to see North Dakota and its various government subdivisions temporarily opt out of the stimulus program and to reserve the right to call on those funds in down the road if need be. At a minimum.

Truth is, we do not think North Dakota should accept the money. And in so doing, we should come up with a tax credit or incentive for our state residents to not have to participate in paying back money for programs that others utilized out of choice.

In our private lives, people learn the hard way not to spend money they don’t have. Those same people also learn to not live on credit, because that will often bite you in the behind. It is high time we apply some lessons from private life to public life.

We’ve all become numb to numbers. A few trillion here. Hundreds of billions there. Thousands of millions everywhere.

What that really tells us is the dollar is diminishing in value. By participating in accepting free wheelbarrows full of artificial cash added to ledger books, we are no less guilty than the big conglomerates accepting and misusing federal bailout money. By not opting out, we are opting in, and by opting in, we are dirtying our hands in ways that will be difficult to explain and justify to future generations.

Only one state has the position and place and time to do such a thing as ridiculous as refusing to accept federal stimulus funds: North Dakota. Others do not have the luxury of surpluses like we do.

Not only will we gain self respect by making a healthy decision for the right reasons, but others around the globe will look at North Dakota with a regard and respect that could enlighten others to make good choices, to not get conned into a game that will ultimately cost everyone in ways heretofore unimagined, and for sure uncalculated.

We’d like to hear more from like-minded North Dakotans. Tell us what you think. Tell your state, county, city and school officials also what you think.

If not – and meanwhile – think of what we will tell future generations about the bills we are incurring for them to pay, one way or another.

We say no. How about you?

Plains Outdoors

We would like to take this opportunity to introduce our new “Plains Outdoors” section. In it, we will be exploring all the fantastic outdoor opportunities to take advantage of in our great big backyard. Jake Norris, our outdoors writer, knows his stuff. He’ll be giving you all the best spots, tips, and tricks of the trade. Take a look and let us know what you think. We’re wondering why we didn’t do it sooner.

Best Bets

On another side-note, don’t forget to fill out those best bets ballots, folks. Let your favorite people/businesses/organizations know you think they’re the best. There is a ballot in this issue that you can fill out by hand and drop off at one of our many ballot boxes, or you can drop them off at the HPR office (322 Broadway Suite C).

An even better way to go about voting is to use the online ballot available on our website: http://www.hpr1.com. It’s quick and it’s easy. May the very best win!