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December 29, 2003

The Nannybat State

Every once in a while, among his lies and distortions, Ted Rall provides us a keen insight.

Bush says he wants Americans to adopt a "responsibility culture." But his Ownership Society concept requires more responsibility than most folks should be asked to bear. The health insurance tax credit, for example, would come in the form of a big refund check after taxpayers file their 1040s. Many workers, hit hard by stagnating wages and unexpected expenses, will spend the government windfall on other bills. The same thing goes for reemployment accounts. If a guy blows his lump-sum unemployment payment on a casino riverboat or Internet gaming-site bender, he and his family could end up out on the street. You and me, we might spend the money on computer classes. But for too many people, it's too big a temptation.

That's right, the government is there to protect you from yourself, to bear burdens you are unwilling to bear.

I'm all in favor of communities and individuals coming together to help those who want to help themselves. Rall and the looney left (currently helming the Democratic party based upon the rise of Dean) would demand we help those who simply won't help themselves.

Get your hand out of my wallet, Ted - it's not welcome.