*Please... Cut the Crap

The Republican Concept of Regulation is Childish, and Oh, Yeah; Capitalism is Not Really a Religion

“Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it.” – George Bernard Shaw

One of the recurring themes at this week’s debate between Willard Romney and President Obama is this concept that, somehow, regulation itself -- any regulation -- tends to severely restrict commerce and has a negative effect on the economy. While such a thing is possible, the current regulatory environment tends to be the opposite of that. Republicans, and even some Democrats, have been dereguating for 40 years. It's unlikely there is much debilitating regulation left. 

One of the more childish and irritating concepts the current incarnation of the Republican Party tends to push is the one that regulations are, almost by definition, restrictive and confining. They love to champion the idea that all regulations inhibit freedom, when in fact, most regulations actually enhance the freedom of business owners to engage in whatever commercial activity they desire. While rules against predatory commercial activity would keep Walmart from charging prices designed to put everyone else in town out of business, they keep everyone else in business and keep commercial activity thriving. Having a big box store displace 20 other retailers is not good for commerce. I can't believe that has to be said out loud.

A Small Sampling of RomneyLies™ From the First Debate, Debunked

After watching the debate, I understood what the Associated Press meant when they said they had to put a quota on correcting Michele Bachmann’s lies during the primary debates. Thank God this one was limited to the economy and health care, or who knows if Romney could have broken Bachmann’s record. I counted 23 lies, but I've seen counts as high as 27. Assuming that they each split the 90 minutes evenly, that's a lie every two minutes. My son didn't have that problem when he was a toddler.

Here are some key lies Romney told:

The One Truth Romney Told at the First Debate: He and GOP Will Kill Medicare!

I can’t believe so many think Romney won last night’s debate. Apparently, those who did were looking at style, and ignoring the words coming out of the candidates’ mouths.  Good thing voters aren’t as dumb as most pundits. Mark my words; seniors and those who have worked for 30+ years who hope to be seniors one day were horrified by what they heard, no matter how animated Romney was in saying it.

Romney actually said he plans to KILL Medicare as we know it. The program that you and/or your parents rely on for medical care after you retire, will go away eventually, if Willard has his way. 

I also don't get a sense that Romney understands how the program works, anyway. For example, when the candidates were discussing Medicare, Romney promised that he could add a prescription drug program, if it was needed: