Senate Drafts 'Don't Blame Me' Legislation

They want to create a commission to do their job so that they can spend more time (and money) campaigning:

The awful idea is for Congress to divest itself of the core competence that the Constitution vests in it -- the power to make the taxing and spending choices that shape the nation. This power would be given to an 18-member panel assigned to solve the budgetary crisis.

Under legislation drafted by Sens. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) and Judd Gregg (R-N.H.), and endorsed by 33 other senators, the Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible Fiscal Action would be composed of 16 members of Congress (four each selected by the House speaker and minority leader, and the Senate majority and minority leaders) plus the Treasury secretary and someone the president selects. The panel would propose spending cuts and tax increases to put the government on a glide path to solvency. The menu of proposals would be guaranteed an up-or-down vote -- no amendments permitted -- in both houses of Congress.

I've got a better idea. How about if the legislature actually does its job instead of engaging in political machinations that expand the size and scope of the federal government while making it more difficult to hold it accountable?

Senators Judd Gregg and Kent Conrad: two of a hundred reasons to repeal the 17th Amendment.

New Hamphire Passes Gay Marriage Bill

New Hampshire became the sixth state to legalize gay marriage Wednesday in a move that reflects the state's changing demographics from reliably Republican and conservative to younger and more liberal.

The Senate and House passed key language on religious rights, Gov. John Lynch - who personally opposes gay marriage - signed the legislation Wednesday afternoon.

Lynch, a Democrat, had promised a veto if the law didn't clearly spell out that churches and religious groups would not be forced to officiate at gay marriages or provide other services. Legislators made the changes.

One of the great principles behind the concept of federalism is that states are free to try policies which they believe to be good. As other states see those policies unfold, they are also free to decide whether or not those policies are right for them. Thus, government itself is subjected to, and limited by, the power of competition, which is merely the freedom of individuals to choose for themselves. If you believe that gay marriage is a good thing, then allowing states to choose for themselves allows them the freedom to adopt this good idea, and any other good idea, despite national opposition. If you think gay marriage is a bad idea, then allowing states the freedom to try it will provide further evidence that it's not a good idea. Either way, the entire country benefits when states and individuals are free.

Of course, those who don't believe in freedom despise the concept of federalism. Those who hate federalism want to restrict the freedom of people to choose in all areas because they do not want to risk being left behind.

Repealing the 17th Amendment would strengthen federalism, protect liberty, and encourage the development of more good ideas from which we can all benefit.