The Capitol with no Capital

My first trip to the state's Capitol was quite informative and not at all what I expected. The building certainly has a grand appearance and makes you feel quite regal as you enter; this feeling quickly dissolves when you realize that you are one of hundreds of other "constituents" running about the halls trying to meet with their representatives. The funny part is that hardly any of the representatives are available or interested for that matter in listening to what you have to say. Most of them own their own businesses that practically run themselves while they collect the profit and are able to play politics. There most definitely are some power trips going on there...

I proceeded to traipse the winding corridors in search of the correct office number with little success. I must say that the restrooms were well above par and clearly where all the state's money has been spent this year with its numerous renovations...all that was missing was an in house spa.

Perhaps the most humorous and notable thing I learned at the Capitol is...the state has no money, no intention of giving you money, and do not want to hear from you if you are looking for money. Outside of the treasury office was a prominent sign that stated the following...

                   "Before entering this office ask yourself two questions:
                    1) Am I here to ask for money?
                    2) Why would I ask for money when the state has none?"
                    If you can answer both questions in the negative response,
                    you may come in."

Such a blazon message, I did not expect to see. But with the state's predicament of "no more extra federal funding in the fiscal year 2012" (which begins in July) it is no wonder that they are considering adding a food tax (hence the sudden bout of commercials with the obscure woman in the grocery store rattling on about the tax). I for one hope they do not pass this tax, as the government is already eating such a large chunk of my pay check...

The day's trip certainly hasn't turned me into a politico, but it did provide insight into why I have been waiting a year for that darn home owner's tax credit...bureaucracy breeds endless lead times...if the state is this bad, there must be no hope on the federal side of things. Also it is good to know that the Capitol's gift shop has no short supply of small stuffed-animal birds...I am assuming they are attempting to depict our country's vast collection of "state birds".