Politics of the Day: Bain Capital, Wisconsin recall, Catholic Church and more

The Congressional Memorial Day recess is descending on Washington DC, although it is difficult sometimes to discern when Congress is actually in session on gone to campaign. I would like to be writing about the next great piece of tax reform legislation that addresses the flaws in the current tax code but alas, it is all politics these days. A few things are around, though, that are worth noting

Wisconsin Recall Election

The liberal and pro-union forces were quite upset when the State of Wisconsin changed some of the laws dealing with public unions. Their ire about the changes led to a recall petition and campaign to oust the Governor. However, at this point it seems that Gov. Scott Walker will survive when the results are posted a couple of weeks from now.  

The political implications are great. It means the Democrats have failed in this endeavor but more importantly it means the State is in play in November. Once reliably in the Democrat column in Presidential elections, it would seem to be a toss-up if Walker does indeed survive. 

Obama and Bain Capital

The President has made a real effort to try to tarnish Mitt Romney regarding his former job at Bain Capital. It seems according to the President that Mr. Romney’s years at the helm of a private equity firm are worthy of serious debate.

I would agree with that notion but unfortunately the President goes on to say: 

 “This is what this campaign is going to be about.”

If that is in fact the case then it is clear the President is engaging in gross misdirection and is running from his own record about as fast as a politician can. The election is NOT about Bain Capital; it is about the accomplishments, failures and disappointments of the last 3 ½ years. Either Mr. Obama can defend himself or not. He can hide behind empty rhetoric or he can take responsibility for his actions and explain why he should be returned to office.

I doubt, no I am certain, we will not see any explanation.  Mr. Obama has given up trying to lead, govern or give any practical solutions to the issues facing the country. It is all about the re-election for him.

Mr. Obama denied the attacks were unfair or unjustified and that Mr. Romney had little understanding of the President’s role. But is gets worse as the President went on to explain his job---“My job is to take into account everybody, not just some.” Now that is a whopper. I have to conclude Mr. Obama does not understand his job if he make such statements as compared to his rhetoric or perhaps thought he was back organizing the community somewhere so he could acquire the skills necessary to be President.

Church vs. United State’s Government

The University of Notre Dame, the Archdiocese of New York and 41 other Roman Catholic institutions have brought suit against the Federal Government over the requirement they cover contraception in their workers' health plans.

It seems like the Catholic establishment believes the Government cannot force these religious institutions to provide, or pay for activities and benefits that directly violate deeply held religious beliefs the lawsuit argues. The parties are quoted, as saying "If the government can force religious institutions to violate their beliefs in such a manner, there is no apparent limit to the government's power."

I would agree but would add it is a direct affront to freedom of religion. The decision of the Obama Administration which they couch in terms of women’s right (not sure where birth control is in the Constitution, I do not think it is in the First Amendment) has political consequences. Many Catholics will not think highly of this decision come election time.

Rev. Jeremiah Wright

There was news this week some Republicans wanted to interject Rev. Jeremiah Wright in the campaign. Rev. Wright was the pastor of the Church attended by Mr. Obama for 20 years and is known for spewing what many consider anti-American, racist beliefs.

 Get over it. This may have been an issue in 2008 but not anymore. No one is going to make up their mind about Mr. Obama on this association. If the Republicans cannot convince voters to support them on the Obama record and their own plans for the country, then they do not deserve to win.

Supreme Court and Health Care

Only a few more weeks until the U.S. Supreme Court announces its opinion and the fate of the Affordable Health Care Act.

Even though the President does not seem to remember studying Marbury v. Madison, which established the principle of judicial review in 1803, he has lots riding on its decision, as does the rest of the country. If the Court finds the federal mandate to be Constitutional, there will be few curbs future purchase mandates.

I do not profess to know what the solution is to health care in the country.  I do know, it is expensive and some people have little access to reasonable care. I also know in 2014, new taxes in the billions will be levied to cover millions and millions of uninsured and to expand other government programs which will mean private insurance is living on borrowed time and the cost to the taxpayer will be beyond the pale.

As interesting as the political repercussions will be-if the decision upholds the law- it also means the Government can find other products, services, activities and mandates in the guise of the national interest and the Commerce Clause to impose its will, thereby expanding its judgment for that of the individual.