I Need More Power!

Obama seeks more power, in order to shrink the government - or to word it another way, "Government seeks power to reduce Government Power."

Now before we get started here, this isn't the first time. And it's not about shrinking the government - which makes for great headlines and kicks the Republicans in the teeth - but it's more about consolidation, not shrinkage. There's a difference.

From the article, there's a 'funny part' that is supposed to put the common sense element to give this some teeth and to sell it.

“The Interior Department is in charge of salmon while they’re in fresh water, but the Commerce Department handles them when they’re in saltwater. And I hear it gets even more complicated once they’re smoked.”

But, I ask, why is the Federal Government in charge of salmon at all? Can't that be managed by the States? Sure, one State might change the catch limit or something -- but really?

And on top of all this - it's to save 3 billion in 10 years. Seriously? It's 300 million in a decade. A mayor or a school board in a major city should be on stage saving that much (and they should) - but this is the Federal Government - and that Government is now 15 TRILLION in the hole.  He had a chance to streamline when he put his signature on that $700 Billion DoD spending bill, right? There was a chance to streamline when he signed off on $1.1, $1.5, and $1.3 trillion deficits? It's not like he wrote a budget for them to go on. And to top that crap ice cream puff with a cherry - Mr. Obama just asked to raise the debt ceiling again.  What? Does he think that'll be good for his re-election effort? Not just a couple bucks either, another $1.2 Trillion.

So after the dust settles, let's see what he wants to gut - Oh, it's the Commerce Department’s core business and trade functions! The Small Business Administration; the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative; the Export-Import Bank; the Overseas Private Investment Corporation; and the Trade and Development Agency. The goal would be one agency designed to help businesses thrive. How does that work, exactly?

And, strictly politically speaking here, how's that going to play into Republican talking points? Looks like that Evil Socialist President of ours is gutting the departments that help the Capitalists! - just a bit - no? Don't think so? Flip on Rush Limbaugh today and see if that isn't his major talking point about this.

These are 'significant' cuts.