JFMK School of Government
Not So Fast
Prior to the shutdown, the notion of small government had been doing pretty well in America. Sequestration, despite being criticized by both parties, had been doing a fine job curtailing runaway government spending. While President Obama won reelection, Republicans maintained their significant majority in the House of Representatives. Intrusive gun control legislation has repeatedly failed in Congress, and a libertarian in the Paul political family is finally earning nationwide respect and support. Yet, unwilling to win several battles now or to postpone eventual victory in the war, Congressional Republicans have embarked on the quixotic mission to defund, and hopefully repeal, Obamacare. This has led, somewhat improbably, to the current impasse in D.C. Congressional Republicans successfully orchestrated the shutdown of the government, although their ultimate goals remain unclear to everyone involved.
The Confessions of a Guilty Catholic
Growing up, I was proud to call myself a Catholic and, even outside of religious circles, that confidence in my faith was looked upon with admiration rather than open scorn. In the past few years, my experience has shifted entirely: While still personally proud to be a member of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, I have done my best not to publicize my beliefs. Although it has been difficult for me to grapple with the exorbitant guilt that has risen out of this fact, I have rationalized my Peter-esque behavior with the belief that my reticence about my faith simply arises from the human condition. Humans can bear disagreements, but there is only so much derision and scorn even the most pious of sinners can take. Tired of being met with contumelies about pedophilia and the Hitler Youth, I am embarrassed to say that I have backed down from the calling of every baptized Catholic to serve as a modern fidei defensor.
Bush-Cheney '04
This decision was not made lightly. After all, while moderate, “squishy” conservatives may be semi-tolerable on Harvard’s campus, the disdain for the Bush administration that propelled Obama into office is still in vogue, both within GOP circles and without. Throughout the nation, coming out as a Bush fan is still considered taboo and may remain so for some time; only recently has political consensus allowed even the most loyal of Democrats to reveal their affinity for little-respected Jimmy Carter.
Obama Goes Full Nixon
Thus far, the Obama administration has prided itself on the lack of scandals embroiling the president’s term in office, an achievement both notable and admirable given the size and aggressiveness of the government under this nation’s 44th leader. Political opponents have attempted to tie President Obama to misdeeds of Solyndra and Van Jones, but as of yet such endeavors have been futile. Unfortunately for both the president and the nation, this weekend’s big story that the Internal Revenue Service has unduly targeted Obama’s political opponents could and should leave an indelible mark on the president’s heretofore unsullied legacy.
