Cuccinelli's Waste of Taxpayer Funds

While government-required health insurance is another step in Obama's run to an authoritarian state, Cuccinelli's legal challenge is foolish. At the heart of his suit rests the belief that the federal government lacks the authority to trump state law on the issue. I think we've been through this one before - the North won.

The Abomination that is Obamacare

President Obama’s obsession over the health care bill raises, for me, serous doubts about his ability to lead and his manner of governance. First, keep in mind that the bill is not, and has not for some time, been favored by the public whether due to its staggering cost or to the totalitarian and paternalistic provisions requiring each American to carry health insurance. True leadership is taking the correct action, and convincing others that it’s the right thing to do. Maybe in his eyes he’s done the former, but clearly he has not succeeded in the latter.

Second, this massive expansion of the welfare system (and the most expensive ever) is now being rammed through Congress by some parliamentary sleight of hand and by a president acting like a petulant child, holding his breath until he gets his way. Far more reasoned and deliberate consideration must be given to such a great expansion of the role of government. Indeed, we all would be better served if the president simply took his trip to Asia and let this bill be properly examined and debated by the grown-ups.

Third, and perhaps most despicable, is the obvious bribery of members of Congress with promises of pet projects in return for support of the bill. That’s not just an indictment of the president, but the one’s taking the bribes, too. It will be interesting to see just what spoils Kucinich manages to takes home.

Obviously, the political future of this unpopular president depends heavily on the bill’s passage. It was a hallmark of his campaign. But he’s now painted himself into a corner with his antics. Either way the vote goes, he ends up a loser in some fashion.

I Wish It Weren't True

My cousin benefited greatly from this charity, which is one reason I feel particularly saddened to read of some kind of impropriety occurring at the local mid-Atlantic chapter of the Make-a-Wish Foundation. As the Washington Post reports, local president, Catherine Martens, was fired for "unacceptable workplace conduct" following the mass resignation on Friday of nineteen of the twenty members of the local board of directors. WTOP reports the story somewhat differently, focusing on the allegation that the national organization's actions were to raid the local organization's coffers.

At any rate, it clearly reflects poorly on the entire organization -- and makes me deeply question my financial commitment to it.

Another Rationalization for Higher Taxes

So this story reminds me of caning. If you make the punishment harsh enough, you'll virtually always have compliance. That is to say, if you tax something enough, eventually no one will buy it. Brilliant.