It's not just the corruption and doling out tax dollars to well-connected intere$ts:
"State House given protection from lightning; For first time in two centuries, building gets a lightning rod" by Joshua Miller | Globe Staff, July 22, 2013
Longtime employees of the State House could not recall lightning causing damage in recent years, nor had they found any reports of damage in the building’s long history. But a $400,000 refurbishment is essential to ensuring the safety of the historic building for years to come....
I know it is "only" $400,000, but that seems like it would buy a lot around here.
Instances of any state houses across the country incurring serious damage from lightning appear extremely rare. But history shows calamitous strikes have happened.
Maryland’s State House was struck by a bolt of lightning in 1699....
And THAT'S IT, folks!
One lightning strike on a state house in OVER 300 YEARS, but the Golden Dome of Massachusetts needs a $400,000(???) lightning rod. I wonder which well-connected friend got that contract.
The almost-completed upgrade is part of a more than $20 million dollar effort aimed at improving the State House roof and exterior.
All while you see TAX INCREASES and SERVICE CUTS, Massachusetts taxpayers!
Cheryl Morrissey, a state engineer who worked on the lightning-rod project, said it offers more of a modern-day defense for one of the city’s best-known landmarks.
They didn't need an ancient-day defense, so WTF?
“Anything can happen,” Morrissey said. “We have to protect [the State House]. It’s basically the icon for Massachusetts.”
Spoken like a good fascist (as if they wouldn't fix it if something did happen -- and then we would be told what a great job was done).
--more--"
Sticking it up yours, Massachusetts taxpayers.
Related: A Slow Saturday Special: Statehouse Slush Fund
Also see: Time For Buffett
For the record, it is pouring here right now. Got that lightning rod up just in time!
