Business
Chinese “Takeover” Is Like Japanese Boom Of 1980’s
June 26, 2011 
Conservative American blogs have created a significant buzz over the issue of a “Chinese Takeover” of America and much of the fear mongering is centered in Boise–thanks to statements by politicos seeking the almighty Renminbi.
Some of those concerns have a foundation in fact. In reality, the situation so far is much like the Japanese spending frenzy of the 1980’s when much of Hawaiian commercial property was sold to huge Japanese firms and the Asian auto makers built plants throughout America.
Boise City officials used public money to encourage support of a constitutional amendment in 2010 that enabled airports like Boise’s to go into debt without a vote of the people.
GUARDIAN editor David R. Frazier had successfully sued Boise to prevent long term debt obligations without a vote of the citizens. The Idaho Supreme Court agreed with Frazier and issued the “Frazier Decision” in 2006 which mandated elections, keeping in line with the Idaho Constitution.
The legislature subsequently passed the amendment which exempted airports, public hospitals, and power generating facilities, from the constitutional mandate to seek permission from voters before entering into debt. A simple majority of voters passed the measure at the November 2010 election–they got what they voted for.
The efforts of the politicos were successful. The voting rights of citizens were abolished and now cities can sell bonds (debt) to build anything connected to an airport, lease land, buildings, etc. to be repaid by rent payments. The hidden agenda was obviously aimed at using the public resources to benefit business–even Chinese Communist business.
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Comments & Discussion
Comments are closed for this post.
Jun 26, 2011, 12:22 pm
What never ceases to amaze me is all the complaining about government spending at the federal level and the total lack of concern with spending and taxation at the local level (city, county and state).
I have come to the conclusion there is very little I can do about federal spending but the city and county level is one place I can raise he!! and get something done.
It doesn’t take very many people on the local level to get the attention of elected officials but they have to speak up and let their voices be heard. Cowering in the shadows is not what Americans are made of nor is it any way to effect change in the status quo.
Local elected and appointed officials work for us and we need to do a better job of holding them accountable. This budget year is a very good opportunity to let your voice be heard or face another increase in your property taxes in a difficult economic time. They can legally take a 3% increase in property taxes without any voter or say of the people paying those taxes.
Jun 27, 2011, 10:50 am
One big difference: Japan is an ally, China is not.
Jun 27, 2011, 1:22 pm
Local government is the worst form of government.
Jun 27, 2011, 1:23 pm
By the way, one sidepoint related to your post is that real estate cannot be taken away. It is where it is.
Jun 28, 2011, 11:32 am
From what I’ve heard about this is they will have there own community.
Do we really want a communist community here in Idaho?
Jun 28, 2011, 1:34 pm
I agree: “Local government is the worst form of government.”
This is all much ado about nothing. Some of the children among us are panicked again, for no reason.
Jun 28, 2011, 1:35 pm
Oh, I forgot. Free Tibet! Now. And lets also have some freedom here in Boise: de-regulate and de-criminalize.
Jun 29, 2011, 2:07 pm
This reminds me of all the “Boeing” is comming to Boise BS a couple of decades ago. For all you children out there, name a Republican who doesn’t like the Communist Chinese and the unlimited supply of slave labor available to the global capitalist machine. Have you forgotten President Reagan’s speech imploring us to not be afraid of globalization and to forget about making things like shoes in the USA? Not to worry about lost jobs because new and better jobs were being created. Republicans, like the Communist Chinese, despise labor unions and environmental regulations that cut into profits.