I love how everyone blames Gov. David Paterson for the present state of the New York economy. The truth is that our current fiscal crisis has little to do with Paterson and everything to do with the past 25 years of careless spending on borrowed money.

In fact, way back in July 2008, Paterson gave an address in which he predicted, almost assured, that plunging state revenues would force painful cuts in state services.

In laymen's terms, we need to stop spending money because (whispered) we don't have any left to spend.

Now, just last week I wrote that eliminating the number of corrections officers is an example of a foolish cut. But I do agree with the governor in his recent decision to veto a plan that would have created the War of 1812 200th Anniversary Commemoration Commission, estimated to cost the state $2.25 million over its five-year life.

People argue that a similar commission, created to commemorate 250th anniversary events for the French and Indian War, is credited with helping attract thousands of visitors to upstate historic sites since 2005, pumping millions of dollars into local economies.

Granted, I haven't seen any raw data to support this argument, but I would never stand in the way of an enterprise that would bring tourism upstate.

But at the end of the day, it comes down to taxpayer money. Frankly, I agree with the governor that there should already be offices in place to absorb the planning responsibilities for this event.

As it is, Paterson is struggling to close a multi-billion dollar budget gap. That means we need to cut expenditures that aren't absolutely necessary, especially if we want to hang on to needed state jobs, i.e. corrections officers. I would gladly trade a parade for a salaried position.

Unfortunately, Paterson has already spent $4 million to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's discovery of New York. I think the 1812 commemorative movement has every right to feel burned about that.

But no matter how inconsistent the governor has been in his allotment of commemorative funds, the fact remains we shouldn't be using government money to throw parties, especially when the state trend in saving money is layoffs.

There has to be give and take, and right now the commemorative celebration commission is not a necessity.

Estabrook's column appears

Mondays and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com