Showing posts with label Bachmann Overexposure Syndrome. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bachmann Overexposure Syndrome. Show all posts

Day 14: How Long Can This Go On?
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2:57 PM | Posted in
Just as I was beginning to celebrate the end of the Bachmann LTE saga and beginning of the healing for those suffering from Bachmann Overexposure Syndrome, Randy Krebs has to go and mention Bachmann in his column about letters to the editor.

HOW DARE YOU MR. KREBS! Just when we thought the healing could begin...

Krebs column: Here are guidelines for letters
By Randy Krebs, Times Opinion editor

Published: August 26. 2007 12:30AM

Dueling letters

Close followers of these pages know that in recent weeks there's rarely a day that doesn't contain some reader submissions about 6th District Rep. Michele Bachmann.

In fact, I've taken two calls requesting we drop "such garbage," as one elderly woman let me know. The problem is she wanted us to drop only the anti-Bachmann letters.

Obviously, that's not going to happen, but it does present a chance to repeat our basic philosophy. It goes something like this:

First, we print as many opinions as possible. Second, when we receive more opinions than resources allow us to print, we publish a representative sample. From a numbers perspective, that means an approximate ratio. From a content standpoint, that means giving priority to those letters that don't repeat previous letters.

Regarding the latest Bachmann brouhaha, so far we've been able to meet the first goal. I suspect we might shift to the second as we move into fall, when reader submissions tend to increase.

*OH, THE HUMANITY!


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Day 13: The streak survives! Barely!
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Yesterday, day Thirteen in the Bachmann LTE saga, was a close one as Michele was able to garner only a passing mention by two letter writers discussing the Iraq War.

On the Bachmann Overexposure Syndrome front we can see a serious downturn in the level of interest as each letter achieved fewer than 100 comments each from story chatters. If this trend continues even the hint of Bachmann will send readers and chatters into a mind numbing coma that they may never recover from. The St. Cloud Times needs to think long and hard about the consequences of their decisions. It seems that the mere mention of Bachmann repulses readers to even the hottest topics of our time, the Iraq War.

Here are the two letters in question:

Published: August 25. 2007 12:30AM

I am a constituent of Minnesota from the U.S. House's 6th District and a member of both Pax Christi and Benedictines for Peace.

I am dismayed and concerned at Sen. Norm Coleman and Rep. Michele Bachmann's continued support of the immoral and failed Iraq war.

I believe that this war bankrupts us as a nation — financially, spiritually and morally. It is tarnishing America's reputation on a global level.

It is time that we support our troops by bringing them home and ending this unjust and devastating war.

Iraq Summer organizers are asking Americans across the nations to "Take A Stand!" on Tuesday and request that members of Congress vote to bring a safe end to the war.

Fifty-two town meetings are being organized throughout Minnesota on Tuesday, immediately before Congress reconvenes. There will be once such meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Cascade Room of Atwood Center at St. Cloud State University.

Along with speakers and engaging dialogue, those present at this event will ask Bachmann to "Take A Stand!" and vote to end the war.

Silence speaks consent. I cannot be silent.

*It is interesting how quickly the right will throw religious folks under the bus when they advocate religious ideals of peace and social justice. Check it out:

7.
Len H from St. Cloud
Comment Posted: 8/25/2007 2:52:40 AM

“I am a constituent of Minnesota from the U.S. House's 6th District and a member of both Pax Christi and Benedictines for Peace.”

So what? That just means if you’re mugged, instead of fighting back, you blame society for repressing the “Poor Soul”. If he happens to cut you, you’ll complain that he could not afford a sharp knife. I truly pity you, and hope you find happiness one day.

Those of you on the Left have such a defeatist attitude. It must take all your strength just to get through the day without slitting your wrists! What an absolutely depressing existence.


The other Letter:

Letter: Beyond local tragedies, look further — to Iraq war
By Myrna Ohmann, Clearwater

Published: August 25. 2007 12:30AM

August has been a difficult month locally. It seems there's one disaster after another, some caused by human error, others by nature.

While we need to support those affected by the local disasters, we can't forget the larger disaster — our occupation of Iraq.

There have been some frightening bits of information disclosed recently about that whole fiasco.

The increased suicide rate among active duty military personnel was reported by the Times to be the highest in 26 years. Every bit as disturbing is a May survey by the U.S. Army Medical Command which found that only 47 percent of soldiers and 38 percent of Marines think that civilians should be treated with dignity and respect.

Psychiatrist Robert Jay Lifton refers to this as an "atrocity-producing situation" — this being the occupation of Iraq.

What are we doing to our young people by putting them in this untenable, unwinnable situation over and over again? How will this affect them and their families for the rest of their lives — the ones who manage to live through it?

This is the war that Sen. Norm Coleman and Rep. Michele Bachmann support. Is that the kind of leadership we want?

Minnesotans have shown tremendous courage and compassion in the face of the bridge collapse and the flooding.

Perhaps we can show the same compassion toward our military personnel and raise our voices to bring them home.

Martin Luther King once said that our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

I ask each reader: Does this matter to you?



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Day 12: The Saga Continues...
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The spread of Bachmann Overexposure Syndrome continues to be of concern as we enter day TWELVE of the St. Cloud Times Bachmann letters. As I have diagnosed previously, the discussion surrounding the letter can no longer be sustained and story chatters have taken to discussing everything from recipes to sports. Even valiant attempts by local Bachmann supporters to goad Bachmann dissenters into battle is proving ineffective. One has to ask, if this trend continues will BOS, currently isolated to those chatting at the St. Cloud Times, spill over to the community and district as a hole affecting Michele's election prospects? One can only dream!

(Signs of widespread BOS include the inability of groups to discuss Bachmann in a meaningful or sustained manner. All meaningful discussions quickly devolve into personality fights and ideological generalities which last for the remainder of the day. The Center for Disease Control does not anticipate a widespread outbreak as the infection seems to be localized in the St. Cloud Times story chat.)

Letter: If voters prefer fairness, they won't vote Bachmann
By Brian Melendez, chair, Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, St. Paul

Published: August 24. 2007 12:30AM

Times Writers Group columnist Ron Baert commends Rep. Michele Bachmann for voting against funding the arts, in the mistaken belief that such funding is somehow unconstitutional. ("Lean times call for watchful eye," Aug. 16.)

But the Constitution explicitly authorizes spending for the "general welfare" (art. I, sec. 8), and the Supreme Court held more than 70 years ago, in United States v. Butler, that "the power of Congress to authorize expenditure of public moneys for public purposes is not limited by the direct grants of legislative power found in the Constitution."

We should indeed worry about our mounting national debt. But that debt's chief cause isn't spending for the arts, which even Baert recognizes is measly. The cause is President Bush's reckless tax giveaways to corporations and the wealthy few, together with out-of-control spending on Iraq.

Next year, the 6th District's voters will weigh in on what kind of society they want to live in. If they admire spiraling deficits, failed diplomacy and unaccountable government, then they should commend Bachmann's consistent loyalty to Bush's dismal record of failure.

But if the district's voters prefer a fairer Minnesota, where people who work hard and play by the rules have an equal opportunity for a brighter future for themselves and their families, then they should consider electing new representation in Congress.

* I commend Brian Melendez for taking an interest in a district that will be particularly difficult for Democrats to be competitive. However, I would also argue that highlighting a vote against the arts in the 6th District will have little affect on voters. My contention has always been that we must find a moderate Democrat (preferably one opposed to abortion) who can simultaneously neutralize that issue and show the districts independent voters what a truly right wing neo-conservative ideologue Bachmann represents. Until then I fear the continued presence of "Fool for Christ" Bachmann as my representation in the House of Representatives.
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Day 11: Bachmann Loves Renewable Energy but Cannot Bring Herself to Vote For It!
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We have officially reached our 11th day of Bachmann LTE's in the St. Cloud Times. While the spread of Bachmann Overexposure Syndrome is likely to worsen amongst the population in general and the frequent story chatters in particular, it is important to note that without these daily gems of wisdom from Bachmann sycophants and detractors I would have to resort to discussing the vagaries of the Bush Administration (and who wants that!).


This one is interesting in that it makes a fairly bold claim that Bachmann supports renewable energy. Unfortunately, a little investigation into the voting record shows a much different story.

Let's take a look:

Letter: Bachmann stood up for U.S. families with vote
By Brad Northenscold, Waite Park

Published: August 23. 2007 12:30AM

It's easy to sit on the sidelines and criticize, especially when it comes to environmental issues. But elected officials must be more responsible and look at the big picture when making their decisions.

Thanks go to U.S. 6th District Rep. Michele Bachmann, who stood up for American families by opposing H.R. 3221, legislation that would increase gas prices, stifle domestic energy production and weaken our national security.

The Aug. 15 letter "Bachmann sided with polluters on key issue" mischaracterized the 15 percent renewable electricity standard mandated in H.R. 3221 by ignoring its inevitable consequences.

The RES mandate will result in a heavy tax on consumers as electric bills become more expensive, particularly in states that do not possess the resources to fulfill it.

I support renewable energy and so does Bachmann. She's been part of the effort to provide incentives for solar energy and other renewable resources, and she's joined her Minnesota colleagues in the U.S. House Renewable Energy Caucus.

But as we've seen in Minnesota, implementing a RES is best left to the residents of a state to decide. Should Congress harm consumers by forcing this mandate on those states who cannot achieve it? In voting against this provision, Michele Bachmann answered no. Thank goodness for big picture common sense.

A search for 'renewable energy' at the Library of Congress website brought back 109 results. I have added only those items in which Michele was able to register a vote or that she has sponsored/cosponsored.

H.R.6
Title: An Act to move the United States toward greater energy independence and security, to increase the production of clean renewable fuels, to protect consumers from price gouging, to increase the energy efficiency of products, buildings, and vehicles, to promote research on and deploy greenhouse gas capture and storage options, and to improve the energy performance of the Federal Government, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Rahall, Nick J., II [WV-3] (introduced 1/12/2007) Cosponsors (198)
Related Bills: H.RES.66, H.R.453, S.103
Latest Major Action: 6/21/2007 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 65 - 27. Record Vote Number: 226.

MAJOR ACTIONS:
1/12/2007 Introduced in House
1/18/2007 Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 264 - 163 (Roll no. 40).
6/21/2007 Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 65 - 27. Record Vote Number: 226.


*Bachmann voted NO to H.R. 6.

H.R.2641
Title: Making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Visclosky, Peter J. [IN-1] (introduced 6/11/2007) Cosponsors (None)
Related Bills: H.RES.481, S.1751
Latest Major Action: 7/18/2007 Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 274.
House Reports: 110-185, 110-185 Part 2
MAJOR ACTIONS:
6/11/2007 Introduced in House
6/11/2007 The House Committee on Appropriations reported an original measure, H. Rept. 110-185, by Mr. Visclosky.
7/13/2007 Supplemental report filed by the Committee on Appropriations, H. Rept. 110-185, Part II.
7/17/2007 Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 312 - 112 (Roll no. 641).
7/18/2007 Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 274.


*Bachmann voted NO to H.R. 2641.

H.R.2776
Title: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for the production of renewable energy and energy conservation.
Sponsor: Rep Rangel, Charles B. [NY-15] (introduced 6/19/2007) Cosponsors (21)
Related Bills: H.RES.615, H.R.3221
Latest Major Action: 8/4/2007 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 221 - 189 (Roll no. 835).
House Reports: 110-214
Note: On 8/4/2007, pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 615, the text of H.R. 2776, as passed by the House, was appended at the end of the text of H.R. 3221 as new matter. See H.R. 3221 for further action.
MAJOR ACTIONS: .
MAJOR ACTIONS:
6/19/2007 Introduced in House
6/27/2007 Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 110-214.
8/4/2007 Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 221 - 189 (Roll no. 835).


*Bachmann voted NO to H.R. 2776. This one even provides tax incentives!

H.R.3221
Title: Moving the United States toward greater energy independence and security, developing innovative new technologies, reducing carbon emissions, creating green jobs, protecting consumers, increasing clean renewable energy production, and modernizing our energy infrastructure.
Sponsor: Rep Pelosi, Nancy [CA-8] (introduced 7/30/2007) Cosponsors (18)
Related Bills: H.RES.615, H.R.2776, H.R.3220
Latest Major Action: 8/4/2007 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 241 - 172 (Roll no. 832).
MAJOR ACTIONS:
7/30/2007 Introduced in House
8/4/2007 Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 241 - 172 (Roll no. 832).


*Bachmann voted NO to H.R. 3221.

H.RES.66
Title: Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6) to reduce our Nation's dependency on foreign oil by investing in clean, renewable and alternative energy resources, promoting new emerging energy alternatives, developing greater efficiency, and creating a Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables Reserve to invest in alternative energy, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep McGovern, James P. [MA-3] (introduced 1/16/2007) Cosponsors (None)
Related Bills: H.R.6
Latest Major Action: 1/18/2007 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 230 - 194 (Roll no. 36).
House Reports: 110-2
MAJOR ACTIONS:
1/16/2007 Introduced in House
1/16/2007 The House Committee on Rules reported an original measure, H. Rept. 110-2, by Mr. McGovern.
1/18/2007 Passed/agreed to in House: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 230 - 194 (Roll no. 36).


*Bachmann voted NO to H.Res. 66.

H.RES.615
Title: Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3221) moving the United States toward greater energy independence and security, developing innovative new technologies, reducing carbon emissions, creating green jobs, protecting consumers, increasing clean renewable energy production, and modernizing our energy infrastructure, and for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2776) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for the production of renewable energy and energy conservation.
Sponsor: Rep Welch, Peter [VT] (introduced 8/3/2007) Cosponsors (None)
Related Bills: H.R.2776, H.R.3221
Latest Major Action: 8/4/2007 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 215 - 191 (Roll no. 826).
House Reports: 110-300
MAJOR ACTIONS:
8/3/2007 Introduced in House
8/3/2007 The House Committee on Rules reported an original measure, H. Rept. 110-300, by Mr. Welch (VT).
8/4/2007 Passed/agreed to in House: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 215 - 191 (Roll no. 826).


*Bachmann voted NO to H.Res. 615.

Thus far Bachmann has voted NO on every major renewable energy bill and resolution to come before the United States House of Representatives. Well, maybe its unfair to just look at her voting record rather than simply taking her at her word. How about amendments? Perhaps Michele has tried to advance renewable energy through amendments!

H.AMDT.323 (A008)
Amends: H.R.2641
Sponsor: Rep Campbell, John [CA-48] (offered 6/19/2007)

AMENDMENT DESCRIPTION:
An amendment to reduce the appropriation in the bill for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy by $101,550,000.

AMENDMENT PURPOSE:
An amendment numbered 21 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the appropriation in the bill for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy by $101,550,000.

STATUS:

    6/19/2007 3:17pm:
    Amendment (A008) offered by Mr. Campbell (CA). (consideration: CR H6701-6703, H6719-6720; text: CR H6701)
    6/19/2007 6:04pm:
    On agreeing to the Campbell (CA) amendment (A008) Failed by recorded vote: 107 - 320 (Roll no. 509).

*Bachmann voted YES to H.Amdt. 323. Hooray for Michele, she voted YES to renewable energy! Wait a minute, since when does a supporter of renewable energy try to reduce funding for renewable energy.

H.AMDT.748 (A006)
Amends: H.R.3221
Sponsor: Rep Udall, Tom [NM-3] (offered 8/4/2007)

AMENDMENT PURPOSE:
An amendment numbered 6 printed in Part B of House Report 110-300 to require electric suppliers, other than governmental entities and rural electric cooperatives, to provide 15 percent of their electricity using renewable energy resources by the year 2020. Allows 4 percent of the requirement to be satisfied with electricity efficiency measures.

STATUS:

    8/4/2007 1:40pm:
    Amendment (A006) offered by Mr. Udall (NM). (consideration: CR H9844-9852, H9872-9873; text: CR H9844-9847)
    8/4/2007 4:39pm:
    On agreeing to the Udall (NM) amendment (A006) Agreed to by recorded vote: 220 - 190 (Roll no. 827).

*Bachmann voted NO to H.Amdt. 748.

Well, her amendment record doesn't help prove that she is in favor of renewable energy. In fact, it kind of reflects a person who is opposed to both funding renewable energy and the concept of renewable energy given her opposition to even the tax incentive idea of Charlie Rangel. So, perhaps her sponsored bills will reflect a support of renewable energy. Nope, only two sponsored bills and nothing to do with renewable energy. So, it must be in the cosponsored bills that her renewable energy support lies.

H.R.2784
Title: To greatly enhance the Nation's environmental, energy, economic, and national security by terminating long-standing Federal prohibitions on the domestic production of abundant offshore supplies of natural gas, to dedicate fixed percentages of the resultant royalties for environmental restoration projects, renewable energy and carbon sequestration research, and weatherization and energy assistance for those in need, and to share a portion of such royalties with producing States, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Peterson, John E. [PA-5] (introduced 6/20/2007) Cosponsors (155)
Latest Major Action: 6/29/2007 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.


*Bachmann is a cosponsor of this bill which tries to give renewable energy the table scraps of increasing exploration and drilling of nonrenewable resources. So, she seems to be saying that renewable energy is the red headed step child of oil and gas. Only after the latter has had its fill will the former be fed.

H.R.550
Title: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the investment tax credit with respect to solar energy property and qualified fuel cell property, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep McNulty, Michael R. [NY-21] (introduced 1/18/2007) Cosponsors (116)
Related Bills: S.590
Latest Major Action: 1/18/2007 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.


*The HOLY GRAIL! The one serious attempt to support renewable energy! So, after voting against SEVEN renewable energy measures, voting FOR one amendment that reduces funding to renewable energy, and cosponsoring ONE measure that merely extends a tax credit already in place, Brad wants us to believe that Michele Bachmann supports renewable energy?

You be the judge...
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Ten Days and Counting...
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An LTE on the St. Cloud Times editorial page discusses the ongoing failure of Michele since taking office. It is amusing to note the spread of Bachmann Overexposure Syndrome (which I have previously described) by glancing through the inane posts of the Story Chatters.

Letter: Bachmann has made fool of self since day 1
By Jim Donovan, Foley

Published: August 22. 2007 12:30AM

An open letter to 6th District Rep. Michele Bachmann:

Well Michele, like all members of Congress, you said you were going to hit the ground running in Washington, D.C. You certainly did, but you were running in the wrong direction.

From the day you planted that kiss on George W.'s cheek until now, I don't think you have done even one thing right.

You try desperately to stay in the headlines, and in doing so, you make a fool of yourself. I don't really want you to change, as I am quite sure you will be (in office just one term).

I know you believe PAC money will get you re-elected, but you know they are vindictive and they only spend money on people who they think can win. I don't think you fall into that category.


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The Circular Logic of a Partisan!
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Over the past SEVEN days we have seen a consistent theme in the Editorial Page of the St. Cloud Times. A Bachmann supporter or detractor has been published on their pages each and every day. The theme has prompted me to wonder if there is such thing as Bachmann Over Exposure Syndrome (The symptoms being a nauseating disgust at having to read either another glowing report of the do nothing representative or another insanely inept choice in her voting record. Please, consult your Doctor if you begin to exhibit any of these signs).

Here is a run down of the week:

8/13/07: Letter: Rep. Bachmann nowhere to be found in 6th district
8/14/07: Letter: Don't be so swift with criticism of politicians
8/15/07: Letter: Bachmann sided with polluters on key issue
8/16/07: Times Writers Group: Lean times call for a watchful eye
8/17/07: Letter: Bachmann did not make right choice on energy
8/18/07: Letter: Bachmann's votes don't represent area interests
8/19/07: Letter: Columnist leaned on politics, not religion

Today was no different as the streak stays alive with a Letter from Leo Pusateri:

Letter: Bachmann got it right when opposing energy bill
By Leo Pusateri St. Cloud

Published: August 20. 2007 12:30AM

Marcus Aurelius once wisely stated, "The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane."

Interestingly, an honest interpretation of this quote would lead one to believe that Leo is telling people not to follow the crowd and to make decisions as an individual or you will find yourself amongst an insane group of mindless majority. However, it appears at second glance that really the majority Leo wants to avoid is a Liberal or Democratic one but would be more than happy with a Conservative or Republican one. Take one glance at the Blog Mr. Pusateri operates and you will find him to be a rabid Conservative partisan. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against being partisan but I certainly wouldn't go around touting a quote demanding we think for ourselves when Leo does nothing more than shill for his Conservative ideolog


This statement is more than appropriate to those who would oppose the calling of a special session and knee-jerk gas tax hike in response to the admittedly tragic collapse of the I-35W bridge — especially given that the cause of the collapse will not be known until at least August 2008.

Leo, would that be the same bridge that Michele voted to delay funding to by trying to adjourn the House of Representatives EARLY?

Another Marcus Aurelius award can be given to our 6th District congressional representative, Michele Bachmann, who wisely voted against the recently passed bill in the U.S. House that imposes a standard of 15 percent renewable electric energy by 2020.

The author of an Aug. 17 letter in the Times stated "In the future I hope Bachmann, can stand up to big business and represent her constituents in a manner that shows the character of St. Cloud and the greater 6th District with a more forward-looking and practical vote."

The irony of that statement is that with regard to this measure, Bachmann did indeed place "a forward-looking and practical vote." Rather than imposing an arbitrary standard, the cost of which the market (and ultimately, Minnesota consumers) would find difficult, if not impossible to bear, Bachmann wisely thought it better to allow the market, in its own time, to produce viable solutions.

Oh those wonderful markets! So trustworthy, so benevolent, so ready to consider alternative forms of energy! They never have people corrupting them (Ken Lay) or over inflating them (Sub Prime Mortgage) in an effort to simply make profit! No, those markets are almost God like (perhaps that is why our "Fool for Christ" loves them so very much).

The saying, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions" has been proven to be embodied in arbitrarily imposed government restrictions and standards that have no relationship to market forces. Often, these restrictions have resulted in inflated consumer prices, and have presented themselves as more problematic than the problems they were supposed to address. It bodes well that we in the 6th have a legislator who recognizes this. Thank you, Michele Bachmann!

You are so right, I mean in the early 20th Century the markets didn't need any cajoling to clean up their abysmal health and safety standards!


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