The Carolina Two-Step:
Time for Deeds, Not Words
Friends,
Last week, two headlines appeared in newspapers across the state... on the same day!
1) In the State we learned that... (link)
2) But in the Herald we were told... (link)
That's right - on the same day our legislators promised to introduce a piece of major tax-reform, they told business leaders across the state not to actually expect anything to come of it. Doesn't the seem to be the way things have always been done - or not done - around here? The same ol' Carolina Two-Step.
ROAR knows that passing comprehensive tax reform won't be easy. Not because we don't know the right answer. Not because the people are divided. But because doing the right thing will tick off the wrong people. The special interests won't give up their exemptions and sweeteners without a fight. So what happens? Our lawmakers write wonderful bills to convince their constituents that they're doing the lord's work (maybe even getting some good spin)... while telling their cheque-writing lobbyists not to worry, it'st just for show. One foot forward, one foot back - the Carolina Two-Step.
Our leaders know that we need tax reform. But, friends, knowing is half the battle - but only half. Winning the battle is the next half! Knowledge doesn't mean a thing unless it informs action. When ROAR began travelling across the state, hosting hundreds of town halls and forums from the Upstate to the Low Country, we knew that spreading awareness was only the first step, and that we'd have to keep working until the task was done. Passing honest, comprehensive tax reform will surely be difficult and arduous, but we can no longer afford to kick the can down the road. We're running out of time - we must act! It's time to stop dancing the Two-Step... and start walking the walk.
