FU - FairAndUNbalanced.com

In response to T. Paine's
Feds Should Serve Only as Constitutional Last Resort

I realize my approach is anachronistic today, but I guarantee we wouldn’t have a $16 trillion dollar debt and be having discussions over basic enumerated Bill of Rights issues if we would have stuck to such a governing strategy.

- T. Paine, June 5, 2012

"...even some conservatives can make horrible mistakes that are contrary to their basic core principles."

A good man knows when to put his principles aside to achieve the ends that his principles are meant to achieve in the first place. What you are really saying is that core conservative principles are always good. Clearly, those conservative politicians who part with their principles do not agree with you--unless, of course, it is politically expedient to do so.

"The fact that my two Senators of Bennett and Hatch championed this and many other obviously non-market driven liberal programs is why Bennett was voted out of the senate two years ago and Hatch is in the fight of his career this year to retain his seat."

I am usually amused when people attempt to pinpoint the reason for which some politician has won or lost an election. Sometimes they are probably right and have good reasons to think so, but mostly they are just seeing what they want to see. It goes hand in hand with claims like "Republican politician X was elected; therefore, he has a mandate to pursue all elements of the common Republican platform."

"The cost of regulation has been far more detrimental to growth and the economy then would have been a totally unregulated business environment."

It is impossible to prove this. Moreover, while cost-benefit analysis should be a politician's bread and butter, there is more to consider than growth and the economy. Regulations are often intended to, you know, protect people. When we can settle upon the monetary value of a person's life, health, and happiness, perhaps our analyses will be more effective.

"I guarantee we wouldn’t have a $16 trillion dollar debt and be having discussions over basic enumerated Bill of Rights issues if we would have stuck to such a governing strategy."

Regarding the debt: You're right. We would have different problems.

Regarding Bill of Rights discussions: You're right again. If we all accepted T. Paine's philosophy, we would not debate his philosophy.

When not schooling principled ideologues on the value of people, Ryan writes for his own site, where wisdom flows from robust debate.

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