Plus, there are plenty of other ways to allow Baldacci to elevate his self-worth without subjecting the state to another round of his shortsightedness (let's balance the budget by selling the state's liquor profits for the next decade to a group associated with one of my political pals for a fraction of what they're worth) and cronyism (do you seriously believe that a Democratic administration would have pursued the corruption and lavish expenditures by Democrats at the Maine Turnpike Authority or the wasteful spending by Democrats at MaineHousing, because if you do, you probably ought to ease off your intake of Oxys before the delusions get worse).
Instead of returning Baldacci to office in a vain attempt to redeem his good name, it would be far cheaper and less damaging to our fiscal health to erect a statue in his honor. Some noble work of art, where he assumes a heroic stance, eyes on the horizon, hands clenching an unbalanced budget, above a plaque that reads, "John E. Baldacci: His Vision Is With Us Yet."
Not obviously insulting, but also not entirely untrue.
It could be placed outside one of the schools forced to close as part of his consolidation plan.
Of course, LePage would have to be convinced not to have the thing torn down and moved to an undisclosed location.
Maybe, it would be easier to have the governor appoint Baldacci to some position where he couldn't possibly screw things up any worse than they are now, but could pretend his abilities had finally been properly recognized: warden of the Maine State Prison, director of the state's Medicaid computer system, Blaine House butler.
Or we could do the kindest thing. We could make sure Baldacci's legacy isn't a negative one by forgetting all about him.
Don't forget to take out your frustrations by emailing me at aldiamon@herniahill.net.
