Back in the day when to be a conservative didn’t generally mean being a raving lunatic my views tended to be conservative on some economic issues. I have no doubt that the saner conservatives are right that there are a number of regulations on the books which we could do just fine without, and even a few government offices which should be closed. The problem is that modern conservatives tend to oppose pretty much any government action which doesn’t involve invading another country, torture, or imposing the views of the religious right upon others.
Rand Paul provides an example of how extreme the right wing now is with regards to government regulation. The Hill reports that Paul opposes mine safety rules:
The Republican running to replace outgoing Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.) in the coal-mining hub of Kentucky said recently that Washington has no business formulating mine safety rules.
“The bottom line is: I’m not an expert, so don’t give me the power in Washington to be making rules,” Paul said at a recent campaign stop in response to questions about April’s deadly mining explosion in West Virginia, according to a profile in Details magazine. “You live here, and you have to work in the mines. You’d try to make good rules to protect your people here. If you don’t, I’m thinking that no one will apply for those jobs.”
“I know that doesn’t sound … I want to be compassionate, and I’m sorry for what happened, but I wonder: Was it just an accident?”
Yes, the free market will protect the workers. I can just picture Adam Smith’s invisible hand reaching in to pull the workers to safety when needed.
Will he say the to the staff at nuclear power plants?
Oil rig workers?
History is littered with people who complained about their working conditions and were killed or hurt and horrible terrible accidents have occurred.
He is pandering to business owners, pure and simple, the people who give him money.
We the People are in for a long long nightmare since business will now own and rule our politicians and politics.
The bottom line really is that Paul isn’t an expert, and ought not to be given the power to make rules. Go home and study, Rand–then run for office, if shame permits.
Paul, in his “don’t sound like a fringe lunatic again” rhetoric seems to be trying to say that mine safety should be in the hands of the people who have to live it everyday. the closer you are to the activity the better the results. So let’s take that idea to its logical end. If not the federal govt then it should be a state issue. But why stop there? Local govt (county/city) should be even better. Even at that level, though, there would be alot of “meddlers” who do not actually work in/or are directly related to those that work the mines. So, by extending Paul’s logic, the best people to determine mine safety are the workers and companies themselves. Hmmm…let me think….what could this be?….Yes, perhaps some kind of mine workers union.
HEADLINE: RAND PAUL SUPPORTS THE CREATION OF UNIONS!!!
I keep telling you bloggers, Rand Paul is named after Ayn Rand despite what the family claims. He proves it every time he opens his mouth. He’s like an “Atlas Shrugged” automaton.
Rand Paul Opposes Mine Safety Rules
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RT @EileenLeft: Rand Paul Opposes Mine Safety Rules
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RT @EileenLeft: Rand Paul Opposes Mine Safety Rules http://bit.ly/cmGquL | Fool.
RT @EileenLeft: Rand Paul Opposes Mine Safety Rules http://bit.ly/cmGquL #p2
RT @EileenLeft: Rand Paul Opposes Mine Safety Rules
http://bit.ly/cmGquL
What a Surprise! Like Joe Barton apologizing to BP!!{:X RT @EileenLeft Rand Paul Opposes Mine Safety Rules http://bit.ly/cmGquL
On a day in MN dedicating a Memorial 2 honor killed workers, this: RT @EileenLeft Rand Paul Opposes MineSafetyRules
http://bit.ly/cmGquL
RT @EileenLeft: Rand Paul Opposes Mine Safety Rules http://bit.ly/cmGquL
Hey, Rand, if you think mines don't need rules, why don't you quit your day-job and work at one? http://tinyurl.com/2by28vj
RT @RonChusid: What today's small government advocate believes in: Rand Paul Opposes Mine Safety Rules #p2 http://bit.ly/99qQSx