Thursday, June 27, 2013

The Law of Unintended Consequences Kicks In, Again

In tandem our Congress and the President have already enacted one piece of legislation (Obamacare) and are now in heavy pursuit of another (Immigration Reform) that illustrates the workings of the law of unintended consequences.  In the first case none of our elected officials were given time to read the bill and digest it before enacting it into law.  Recall Representative Nancy Pelosi's proclamation that "we must pass Obamacare so we can see what's in it".  In other words let's pursue a legislative course where we pass laws and after the fact learn what it does.  In the second case the Senate is duplicating that course.  The looming Obamacare disaster is nearly upon us closely followed by Immigration Reform which early analysis suggests it will be another disaster if the Senate version is passed as currently drafted.  Nonetheless, having apparently not learned anything from the Obamacare incident, Majority Leader Harry Reid has scheduled a Senate vote on the bill before members have a chance to read it, much less digest it.  Such is the integrity of our current, and failing, legislative process. Check here to see what I mean:  http://www.teaparty.org/senate-bill-incentivizes-employers-to-fire-americans-and-hire-amnestied-immigrants-25805/  

Regarding the Immigration Reform bill, multiple changes have been made to the Senate version, exacerbating the already challenge to read and understand the bill for which senators are expected to cast an informed vote.  Furthermore, efforts to strengthen the bill are routinely watered down while attempts to weaken key provisions are supported.  This is but one example of the political games being played - politicians looking out for their political interests (illegal immigrant lobby & and latino voters), not what is in the best interests of average law abiding, tax paying American citizens who will bear the financial, cultural and civil burdens the law will impose, once passed in whatever form.    http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/06/22/Another-loophole-in-new-amnesty-bill-Big-Sis-can-decide-to-not-build-border-fence


And if that is not bad enough read this statement from one senator who objects to the way the senate leadership is handling things as they curb further attempts by senators to enhance the legislation.  Some of the problems he finds with the bill are noted.   http://www.sessions.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressShop.NewsReleases&ContentRecord_id=789acab8-a06d-4358-4a84-e5980c7dce05&IsPrint=true

And in order to get the bill through the senate with an ill-gained bi-partisan margin, see what its proponents are now doing despite its known warts. They are offering political bribes to lawmakers which is the same method used to get Obamacare passed into law.  Their goal is to get it passed, all of it, the good, the bad and the ugly - to hell with what's good for the country and its legitimate citizens.  See the disgusting details here:  http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/351966/gang-eight-looks-buy-votes-amendments-andrew-stiles

See how elected officials infect legislation with a bit here and a bit there for selected interests, political itch or political pay-offs?  These uncoordinated, poorly integrated, ill-conceived, and unethical maneuvers to complex legislation guarantee that the law of unintended consequences will rear its ugly head.  And those resultant consequences in one way or another hurt average Americans the most.

George Burns

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