Finally, on the local political front, Governor Carcieri revealed his budget. Now, I haven't gone over it with a fine tooth comb, but all of the usual suspects are already whining about cuts here there and everywhere. Let us remember, to a politician, a cut is a reduction in the EXPECTED INCREASE in spending. The governor is proposing 2% increases. The Dems et al. wanted, expected, and are used to more. So, a mere 2% increase in spending is a "cut" from their expectations. My major problem is the increased reliance on gambling. I think it's a slippery slope when you start to disproportionaly rely on a "vice" for government revenue. But the real problem is the resistance to cutting waste, fraud and abuse in Rhode Island. As long as the majority of the voters in this state continue to elect and overwhelmingly Single Party government, nothing will change. But that's a topic for another day.