I'll be traveling for the next few days on my never ending quest for political and economic insight.  Hence, this will be my last post until mid next week.

Illinois' irony of the day. 

    Ameren CIPS is the energy company that serves much of downstate Illinois.  Ameren has been relentless in promoting energy savings for homeowners, including energy efficient windows and appliances, electronic thermostats even new energy saving light bulbs.  The reason they are promoting energy conservation is so they won't have to build expensive new power generation stations. 

    While customers have been diligent in reducing their energy consumption, Ameren is now approaching state regulators to allow them an increase of rates of more than $145 million.  The reason they need this increase?  .......because of the falling revenue they've incurred as the result of decreased energy usage by customers!
    

Finally, thanks to Kent S. for the following quotes:

In my many years I have come to the conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm and three or more is a congress. -- John Adams

I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a  bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. -- Winston Churchill.

A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.  - - George Bernard Shaw.

Governments view of the economy can be summed up in a few short phrases; If it moves, tax it.  If it keeps moving, regulate it.  And, if it stops moving, subsidize it. -- Ronald Reagan

The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin. -- Mark Twain.

A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.-- Thomas Jefferson