After reading this report in today’s Washington Post, I sent the following letter to the editor:
Reporting on the Obama administration’s enthusiasm for government regulation, you report that “In a move designed as much for symbolism as effect, the new chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission dispatched all 100 agency inspectors across the country last month to enforce a law that requires special drains on swimming pools to prevent children from entrapment. The agency shut down more than 200 pools. The new regulators display a passion for rules and a belief that government must protect the public from dangers lurking at home and on the job” (“A Vigorous Push From Federal Regulators,” Oct. 13).
Symbolism indeed.
The symbol I’m reminded of is the Declaration of Independence. Words that Thomas Jefferson used to denounce King George III apply with equal force and justification to Mr. Obama: “He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.”
Sincerely,
Donald J. Boudreaux
