I spend a good bit of time taking politicians to task. Why? The way they behave, they’re almost asking for it. Hey, they deserve far more.

But, just for balance’s sake, let me today congratulate one politician: Florida Governor Charlie Crist. Governor Crist has won awards for his support for transparent government. That’s important. But my tip of the hat goes to the Governor for his veto of Senate Bill 900.

The bill, proposed by Senator Bill Posey, would have made it much tougher for citizens to petition their government, specifically for volunteers collecting signatures. One editorial called the legislation “several high hurdles designed to block citizens’ proposed constitutional amendments.” One provision — to require petitioners to wear a state badge — had previously been ruled unconstitutional.

St. Pete Times columnist Howard Troxler warms my heart. In a recent column, he pointed out that the whole idea behind this legislation was to make the citizen petition process impossible for citizens. A twist he didn’t seem very fond of. Florida has already severely restricted voter initiatives, which now require a 60 percent YES vote to prevail.

So, Troxler urged the governor to do more than just veto SB 900; the headline of his column read: “Heck, tear it up and torch it.”

No report of any tearing or torching, but Crist did veto the bill. Thanks, Governor.
And thanks should also go to Save the Voters Voice, a coalition that mobilized the public.

This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.

“Lifelong learning.” It’s the buzz phrase for people who realize it’s never too late to learn.

The phrase is almost a cliche in business. It should be that common in politics, too. After all, even activists with an abundance of natural charisma and organizational talent can use a little expert guidance from old hands.

And that’s what the Michigan Taxpayers Alliance offers: Expert guidance. The MTA has made a name for itself helping Michigan taxpayers. Now the group is collaborating with a Wisconsin outfit called Citizens for Responsible Government, conducting so-called “Recall Boot Camps.” CRG Network has helped recall 15 politicians in its own state. The idea is to spread that success to Michigan, where some still recall the recalls of 1983.

Office-holders who raise taxes or engage in sneaky corruption need booting out. A boot camp to help along this booting-out process is just the ticket.

The Michigan Taxpayers Alliance also recently helped organize a march by some 500 taxpayers to the state capital. The message? “Enough is enough, No new taxes! Cut spending!” Michigan’s economy has been troubled in part because of a slump in the auto industry. So you know the first thing politicians want to do is make it even harder for constituents to pay their bills.

Marches, boot camps . . . I know this sounds all very military. But if we want politicians to stick to principles, then a little discipline on the part of citizens becomes necessary.

This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.

Without career politicians, life itself would be impossible. Or so they would have us think.

Take the recent _Washington Post_ headline: “N. Va. Area Braces for Life After Callahan.”

The paper is talking about Vincent F. Callahan. He’s been a local rep in the Virginia House of Delegatesfor the last 40 years . . . the first 30 of which, we are told by the Post, he was “idling in the shadows.” The last ten he served as chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee.

When he announced his retirement months ago, Callahan wasn’t too shy to tell reporters how doggone important he has been, stating: “The stuff I have done over the years has been unsurpassed for any Northern Virginia legislator in history. I probably delivered more to my region and to the state than anyone else.”

What has he delivered? Huge gobs of tax dollars. My tax dollars.

Did Wolf Trap, a performing arts center, really need the $3.5 million dollars he “inserted . . . in the budget”? They charge for their shows. A lot. Wasn’t this really $3.5 million to subsidize arts for the area’s wealthier folks?

But the folks at Wolf Trap love Callahan. Other special interests, too, have said thanks for sending us other people’s money.

Will we survive without Mr. Callahan? Sure . . . though shucks, our taxes may not go up as fast. But I bet we can find someone to raise our taxes.

Equaling Callahan’s arrogance . . . now that may take some seasoning once in office.

This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.

I found a couple oil companies to cheer for.

Wait, let me correct that. I applaud all oil companies. I love gas, don’t you? Couldn’t drive my car without it.

Sure, I complain when the prices I pay go up. But it’s fine with me, really,  when oil companies — and other producers of great stuff — make a lot of money. We know what happens when we interfere with those profits: We interfere with our ability to get what they produce. Remember the long lines at the pumps back in the ’70s? Thank price controls.

Venezuelans, alas, are going to have to learn this lesson again, the hard way.

The crackpot government down there has been nationalizing the oil industry. Hugo Chavez’s administration — a de-term-limited administration, mind you — wants the victims to pretend all is well. Oil firms are supposed to accept a minority stake in the stolen companies if they want to remain involved in Venezuelan oil at all. That way, the government holds all the assets, but also perhaps gets some management expertise to help them keep pumping and distributing.

Many companies are co-operating, but ConocoPhillips and Exxon Mobil have refused to sign off on the surrender. Good for them: when thugs steal your stuff at gun point, show a little backbone, a little resistance. I only wish these oil companies would say as much in their press releases.

This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.

Suggest a reform of the public schools and prepare for the firestorm. You will be attacked. Many who have favored choice for students, including paying tuition to private schools, get accused of wanting to destroy the public schools.

And yet today a public school faces closure. Not only has the public school system in Anne Arundel county, Maryland not come to its aid, the system seems openly hostile.

You see, the school is KIPP Harbor Academy. KIPP stands for Knowledge Is Power Program. The program is nationally recognized for its success with low-income students.  The KIPP Harbor Academy is a charter public school.

It took a public outcry to get the Anne Arundel County School Board to reverse its initial rejection and allow the school even to open. Now, after showing success, Harbor Academy desperately seeks space for its program. But a public school at only 38 percent of capacity mysteriously denied the Academy’s request to hold classes there.

The board of the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts also denied the academy space, by just two votes. It did not go unnoticed that three of those on the arts board just happen to be with the school system.

What gives? You might want to call Anne Arundel County School Superintendent Kevin Maxwell, who recently said, “It’s not my responsibility. It’s not my school.” His phone number is (410) 222-5303.

Politely ask him: Is education for the children? Or not?

This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.