The greatest tribunal in the world. One of the pillars upon which this country is founded.
And yet, 58% of Americans disapprove of the actions of the Supreme Court.
And now, following the lead of Ohio's historic vote to preserve a woman's right to choose, 11 other States are poised to raise a middle finger to the highest court in the land.
Don't ask how we got here...because we know.
Ask how we get back to center.
It's not exactly "new," but that legislators in two States have employed this tactic in as many days shows how brazen several have become because they don't think we're paying attention...or that we won't remember the next time they're up for re-election.
Earlier this week, we shared the boneheaded attempt of a legislator to redirect Room Tax revenue in Ohio to funding jails. We've just learned from some friends in the Buckeye State that she just slipped an amendment into a fast moving bill that would allow communities to increase Room Tax by 2% specifically to fund jail construction.
And, here's why I call it an end around. For those that are not fans of the game of football, an end around is a play that is typically not expected by the defense. In most offensive plays, the Quarterback hands the ball off to a running back or passes the ball to a receiver (or, if you're Justin Fields, you just keep it). An end around is when the receiver doesn't run down the field to catch a pass but, instead, runs laterally behind the QB and takes the ball around the other end of the field. In essence, it's a trick play because defenses generally don't expect it.
And that's what our Ohio Legislator did. By attaching the amendment to another bill, she eliminated the opportunity for public testimony on the merits of the bill. Those that could explain why this is a sensationally bad idea for Ohio's economy were blocked from offering that side of the argument.
And, it happened this week in Wisconsin, where an amendment to another bill threatened the viability of wedding barns by limiting the number of days alcohol can be served. The measure, supported by the Tavern League and large event venues, never got a hearing...because it was an amendment. Thus, small business owners were never provided the opportunity to plead their case to legislators who are generally supportive of small business. All they heard was big business saying this measure ensures public safety (what a bunch of horseshit).
As a political operative, I can appreciate the elegance of an end around.
But it's a shitty way to run a State's economy.
Another reason why the Destination Marketing Organization sector needs to stop saying "heads in beds," stat.
Misguided legislators have long advocated for Room Taxes to go towards alleviating homelessness. But of course, we both are in the business of beds. Makes (im)perfect sense.
Now, a legislator in Ohio is suggesting a change in Room Tax statutes to allow revenue collected from overnight stays in hotels to be used to fund...wait for it...a new County Jail.
It's the Beds. Gotta be. How else would someone who has at least something going on (as she managed to get elected) come up with such a boneheaded suggestion?
A Jail benefits residents. As such, its funding should come from a County's General Fund. Tourism Taxes were levied, often with the support of the hotel community, for the purpose of enhancing the economy, increasing Quality of Life and creating jobs. And don't try to say that locking up bad guys and gals improves Quality of Life. That dog don't hunt.
Redirecting such revenues to house criminals does none of those things. And, my guess is that County Supervisors won't use General Fund revenues to do that either.
So where does that leave a local economy?
Bueller? Bueller?
Image: The Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield (home to "Shawshank Redemption")
It was 2011 when several DMO pros in Illinois began discussing the potential to introduce State legislation to add Tourism Improvement Districts into their funding mix. Earlier this year, that legislation finally passed and was signed into law. Rockford Area CVB CEO John Groh and Visit Quad Cities CEO Dave Herrell return to DMOU to share the up and down story of persistence, negotiation and being ready when the political winds were right. Even if your State already has TID legislation in place, this episode is a fascinating primer on moving an initiative through the political process.
It's just one of over 125 conversations waiting for you in the DMOU Vault.
As Destination International’s Advocacy Summit is just around the corner, there’s no better time to talk with Visit Rapid City’s Brook Kaufman who, when she was with Visit Casper, ran and won a seat on her County Board. On this episode, you’ll hear why Brook thinks that more DMO pros should run for office…as well as her experiences during the last Total Eclipse of the Sun and how, as the first non-resident to helm Visit Rapid City in 40 years, she built a culture of trust with both stakeholders and staff. And, oh yeah…how she developed 40,000 Social Media followers during her quest for her first Marathon.
It's just one of over 120 episodes with some of the best and brightest minds in Destination Marketing.
Tonight, the first debate of the 2024 Presidential frenzy will take place in Milwaukee.
That's right. A very red event in a very blue city.
How did this happen? Well, a lot of it was the work of Visit Milwaukee (and you can hear that story with Peggy Williams-Smith on the DMOU Podcast). And part of it was the fact that Wisconsin has become one of 6 or 7 battleground States that will likely determine the next President.
Fascinating back story on how we got here from WFAE.
And let the bold-face lies, personal attacks and and unprofessional groveling begin.
When the moderator went to the audience this year at the Annual Convention of Destinations International asking, "what keeps you up at night," Lviv's Olena Pavlyuk held out her mobile device and replayed a recording of an air raid siren. In this fascinating episode of DMOU, Olena shares how war has changed her community into one of volunteers, how Lviv has become a hub for medical tourism through UNBROKEN...and how the DMO secured and serviced over 600 events last year, despite the constant threat of missiles and power black-outs. It's a spirited conversation of inspiration, selflessness and the power of the human spirit. Listen in...and catch up on 120 other compelling conversations in the DMOU Vault.
Those that follow this blog (and I never thank you enough) know that I am a fan of the 40-Year Pendulum concept espoused by Roy Williams. It holds that everything...culture, music, politics, support (or not) of institutions operates on a 40-year pendulum, swinging back and forth.
According to Ray, we've just zenithed in one direction and are beginning to transition back...but the next few years promise to be chaotic. And, that means the 2024 Presidential Election.
And, as I watch the predominant messages coming from the GOP...I have an odd reminiscence of the late 60s and early 70s when the "youth vote" changed America. Because what the GOP then supported (the Draft, the War in Vietnam, the War on Drugs and anything "counter-culture") wasn't in the best interests of our newest electorate.
And, here we are (OK, it's 50 years on, not 40)...and the same cultural evolution is occurring. And after decades of 20-somethings generally forfeiting their vote, the GOP has again crossed the line of what tens of millions of young voters believe and with what tens of millions are ready to activate.
I recently saw a quote I can't verify...but it rings true: There is a massive number of voters "who are young people who are not interested in the party of climate denialism, marijuana criminal drug enforcement authoritarianism and anti-choice reproductive tyranny. The GOP has nothing for the young people of America."
Will the GOP recognize this and shift course? Doubtful...as both parties have become cults of personality.
So...will, like they did in the 70s, young voters say, "enough?"
Should be fascinating to watch.
Almost half of American States have legalized the recreational use of cannabis...but many DMOs in those States struggle with ways to promote the advantage they possess against States that don't. On this episode of DMOU, we talk with Brian Applegarth, the foremost expert in the intersection of cannabis and tourism, about how to escape the stigma...and focus on the health, wellness and inclusionary aspects of this amazing community asset. A fascinating episode.
When I read that a team of researchers from the University of Connecticut had developed a material that is five time lighter and four times stronger than steel, I couldn't help but think back to Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged," in which steel magnate Hank Rearden develops just such a compound. When the government demands he turn over the rights to the process for the good of the country, Hank refuses...setting up a storyline that pits inventors and entrepreneurs against politicians and bureaucrats.
I know a number of people believe liking this book (and the 3-part movie, which maddeningly swaps out actors for each episode) is akin to admitting that one is a Republican (though today's Republican Party looks nothing like what it used to when that "connection" was initially made). I see it as a story about a fiercely independent woman running a railroad in the face of overwhelming adversity. I really don't care what meaning others have ascribed to Dagney Taggert and Hank Rearden and the rest of those that walk away from a world gone awry.
Anyway, good on UConn to do what Hank did (fictionally) almost 70 years ago. Now, when will we get this beaming up thing figured out?
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