Collins Report

The Collins Report is proud to welcome Bruce Karlson to our staff. Bruce will be writing the “Weekend Report.”

By Bruce Karlson

When we are not hearing about the evils of Bush/Cheney, our ears are filled with tales of Democrat/”liberal” “help”, “compassion”, and policies that “help” the average American. They claim to spend every waking moment (when not shopping in Paris, of course) worrying about us.

How do they love us, let us count the ways:

They vote for punitive cigarette taxes to “punish” evil tobacco companies while simultaneously claiming smoking is addictive. Simple observation tells us the lower a person is on the economic food chain, the more likely he/she is to smoke. These addicted persons’ drugs are then taxed to enable the “helpers” to buy votes and ensure campaign contributions, from union bosses, trial lawyers. No money is left for their health care – sorry about that.

“Cash for clunkers” is another example of Democrat “help” for the average American. Today’s new car buyers are not “average”. Most are fairly well off and will “game” the system to buy next year’s car this year. In any case, this bump in activity will give the patina of recovery while the costs are billed to our children. It is nice of the kids to help the Obamites out.

Government lotteries used as financial transfer machines are embraced by the political class. They try to convince us there is no point in saving or planning as the deck is stacked. Given that, lotteries seem to be the only hope. The least advantaged, of course, buy far more tickets from lower disposable income than the most advantaged. The skim from this regressive revenue engine is then used to reduce college tuition costs in the hope of buying the votes of generally better off parents and students.
Exactly who are these paragons of virtue that identify with average Americans and are dedicated to helping them?

Last week this Congress gave the USAF funding for more aircraft than requested. Fighter/bombers for Afghanistan? Surveillance planes to better monitor Putin’s subs, now lurking where U-boats did in 1941/42? No. They upped a request for one elite Gulfstream to three, with a price tag of 200 million dollars. Nancy Pelosi and her grandees do not like waiting.

After all, what better use can there be for 200 million dollars?

Most liberals practice school choice but, alas, only for their children. In 2007, 37% in the House and 45% in the Senate sent their children to private schools. Members of the Black and Hispanic Caucuses sent their children to private schools at an even higher rate. The money and lock step support of teachers’ unions clearly trump educational needs of poor and middle class children. They apparently believe that ignorance is bliss and want their future voters to be blissful. The policy might best be described as intellectual eugenics.

Let us all take a moment to be grateful for “liberals” as they will do anything to help average Americans except actually help.

Comments on this or any other Collins Report essay can be sent to kcoachc “at” gmail.com