In Between

IN DEFENSE OF COMMON SENSE
By Hetty Gray

# 149

June 3, 2013

“In Between…”

Do you feel the squeeze? No, I don’t mean that affectionate hug from your spouse, significant other, parent, child, grandchild, or friend. What I mean is the subtle squeezing of freedoms that, like slow erosion by water, portends to make a Grand Canyon of a once level playing field.

Unequal treatment under the law…. Now that’s a novel idea. Where is it NOT these days? It is certainly among the targeted groups audited and harassed by the IRS. It isn’t only dangerous when sponsored by one particular party, but it fuels massive distrust of a federal government seen as impeding normal business and daily life for any American signals. Recent events showcase a new low in the administration’s arrogance.

While a new low in terms of ethics, it is also a new high in the unbalanced tug of war between the “average Joe” and “Uncle Sam.” What clout does the average citizen have against a bureaucracy with virtually unlimited power through the DOJ and the IRS?

Moving into the next news cycle may bring yet more trouble. Seldom does such a stretch of power end with two or three things. Hidden agendas or limited successes rarely defuse the push to do more.

A push for a special prosecutor to look into the IRS debacle should make the hair stand up on the back of your neck. These investigations take months — or years. Do the upcoming mid-term elections come to mind? How convenient to not reveal damning information until after those elections.

It is not just a matter of egg on one’s face among the US House and US Senate membership. It is a matter of respect for the law. Right now, if a law stands in the way, people skirt it. As the Church Lady would say, “Now isn’t THAT special?”

If it weren’t so frightening, it would be funny. But funny it is not, folks. It is deadly serious and affects not only you but also your children and grandchildren.

I am reminded of a comment classic to this president. “If the Congress will not do it, I will do it by Executive Order.” The precedent of such actions runs deep and has been used for a variety of actions and often result in harsh criticism of the chief executive doing them from not only the opposition party but also his own.

I do not wish any man or woman ill, but I do expect those in high office to do those offices proud and see America as far more important than self. If underlings mess things up, ask them to step aside. If they will not, fire them. We all see the disparity between job security in the private sector and that in government. This should not be. We pay these people, yet I wonder if they feel any responsibility to us at all.

Sometimes, I feel as if we need to ally with Star Trek crew. Scotty needs to beam us up, because there is no intelligent life down here!

Deeper analysis is futile at this point. Sometimes, brevity is the soul of wisdom. Readers, we find ourselves in a very uncomfortable and tenuous position — literally between Barack and a Hard Place. Think about it.

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