Sometimes you can learn more about national political economy by reading the Vineyard Gazette, the paper published twice a week in the summer on Martha's Vineyard and once a week on the off-season, than by reading the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal. The latest examples:
President Obama will reportedly vacation on a 28.5 acre estate with a swimming pool, an apple orchard, a golf practice tee, and a "small basketball court." The property last changed hands in 2005 for $20.35 million. Good to see Mr. Obama isn't letting the recession interfere with his and his family's desire to vacation in style.
The Steamship Authority ferry is finding that "buy American" provisions in the federal "stimulus" package could add as much as $400,000 to the cost of a project involving rubber fenders for its boats to bump into. The provision may also delay the project until next year.
You can make a lot of money in health care under the current system. The Gazette reports that "Jack Shields, president of Shields MRI, which operates private MRI clinics in Massachusetts and Rhode Island," spent $3.91 million this month on an oceanfront home with its own beach and dock, after spending $2.71 million in May on an inn in Edgartown.