There's no doubt that recessions are bad.  Rising foreclosures, more bankruptcies, and a rising unemployment rate are just some of the problems citizens are encountering.  Even with all the bad news, we need to look on the bright side.  Maybe the current recession can be used as an opportunity for us to focus on what is really necessary, and reinvent government in Rhode Island.

     Few would argue that the current recession is hitting Rhode Island harder than other states.  One reason is because state leaders refused to make tough decisions in the past.  Rather than make necessary cuts, there was an over-reliance on one time infusions to balance the budgets: tobacco settlement money, selling state property, etc.  If more cuts were made in the past, fewer mandates were imposed on cities and towns, and the size of government was decreased, our current problems might not be as severe.

     Of course, any major cuts or changes would have incurred the wrath of many voters, and many of the decisions makers on Smith Hill are spineless.  That's why this recession provides an opportunity.  Most citizens understand how bad the economy is, and they understand the need for drastic action.  Maybe this time, the General Assembly will do the right thing