The case for limited government

Limited government.  Sounds like a scary right wing shibboleth.  After all, what is wrong with programs to protect workers, help the poor, build roads, defend our borders, or (insert favorite program name here)?  In the abstract, nothing.

The problem with large government or intrusive government is the power that inevitably devolves to those in positions of authority.

This example benefits a couple Democratic politicians, but understand that this type of abuse cuts both ways.  If you give people power they will use it to advance the interests of themselves and their friends. It is completely understandable and predictable. Doesn't make it right.

The story is a bit convoluted but basically a high muckety muck from the Department of Homeland Security used his influence to affect who would receive residency visas.  The lucky recipients had strong ties to Harry Reid in one case and Virginia Governor  Terry Mcauliffe in another.

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/dhs-exec-used-clout-to-favor-reid-mcauliffe/article/2561971

There is one solution to the problem of abuse of power.  Take away the power.  I could write a blog solely devoted to abuse of power by politicians and bureaucrats were I so inclined, but it wouldn't solve anything and it wouldn't tell us anything we don't already know.

If people are given power they will use it.  Fact of life.  Hardwired into our DNA.  This is why the Founders of our country believed in limited government.  Not small government because a small government will, over time, become a big government.  Limited government. Here's the stuff you have the power to do.  This and nothing more.  It won't eliminate abuses but it will minimize the areas in which abuses could occur.

And on and on it goes

The EPA is now being investigated for targeting conservative groups.  Apparently they waived the Freedom of Information Act fees 90% of the time for liberal groups and denied a waiver 90% of the time for conservative groups.

http://www.breitbart.com/InstaBlog/2013/05/14/EPA-Gave-Partisan-Treatment-to-FOIA-Requiests

My guess is that the left will once again deny, just like they did with Bengazi, the IRS, Fast and Furious, etc.  They will come out with the same fake statistics about how it was the same under Bush that they do with every scandal, or they will claim that it isn't even true and create some way to fudge the numbers.  Eventually the truth will out, but by then people will be so tired of this that it just won't register and anyone still talking about it will be accused of living in the past.  The left will accuse anyone actually investigating the issue of being a partisan crank who never lets anything go.

Meanwhile the real problem is not the Obama Administration, it is a government that is so big that it can be used for political purposes.  Eventually an administration like Obama's will come along and misuse it.

I propose that we eliminate all these rogue agencies, return our government to its formerly limited, capital-C, Constitutional status, and go about living our lives.

But then what do I know.  I'm probably a partisan crank.