Pence is Toast

"Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R) has seen a significant drop in his approval rating since signing a widely criticized 'religious freedom' law, with one longtime political observer in the state saying the fall is historic for a governor."

Well, no kidding.

The problem is that he listened to the "Tea Party" faction of the GOP-dominated legislature, which thinks the world hasn't changed since the 1950s.

Unfortunately, his boneheaded actions reflect on the rest of us Hoosiers -- and (according to the poll cited) "Fifty-nine percent of respondents in the new poll said the "religious freedom" law was unnecessary, compared to just 30 percent who thought it was needed."

At the next election, throw the bums out.

Let the Team Owner Pay for the Stadium

Everybody with a stake in the soccer stadium discussion needs to read this article by Neil deMause on Field of Schemes.

Although he's writing about the wrangling over funding a soccer stadium in Minneapolis, his assessment speaks to the same wrangling over funding of a soccer stadium in Indianapolis.

Check out "Star Tribune nails trees, misses forest in Minnesota United stadium coverage" (and note that the newspaper has a direct interest in the funding discussion).

(Speaking of which, check out this: "U-T San Diego columnist: I was fired for not being “positive” enough about stadium deals", on the same online publication.)

This Indianapolis Observer is definitely a soccer fan, but not if taxpayers are going to be footing the bill for the team's stadium (thus enriching the owners -- as we're doing for basketball, football and now auto racing in Indianapolis).

Fix the potholes already. Replace the dead trees in the median of 38th Street. Upgrade city parks. Get new (non-electric) cars for IMPD. There are plenty of priority items that need funding more than yet another spectator sport.

RFRA Tarnished Indiana's Image

According to the Huffington Post, ""The state of Indiana has hired a global public relations firm to help rebuild its image in the wake of national criticism that state politicians were hostile to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation, which leads the state's efforts to attract and retain businesses, has retained Porter Novelli for an undisclosed sum. The firm's task is to brand Indiana 'as a welcoming place to live, visit and do business'."

Good luck with that.

IMA Seems to Have a Death Wish

This Indianapolis Observer remembers a time -- not that long ago -- when the Indianapolis Museum of Art reversed its longstanding policy of free admission and started charging $7 per head. (That would be in 2006.)

Visitor numbers dropped so precipitously that the admission charge was rescinded the following year, and free admission returned (albeit with a $5 charge for parking.

Well, folks, those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it -- except this time the admission charge will be an eye-popping $18 to visit the IMA, starting tomorrow.

Good luck with that.

You can read more about it here: Indianapolis Museum of Art to start charging admission starting April 7 and here: Museum of Art admission jumping from free to $18.