by Matt Gauntt
On previous posts that I've made, there have been a couple left-wing zealots who told me I have no idea what I'm talking about. The comments have ranged from esoteric definitions of what socialism is, to criticism that I've overblown things.
Sure - I was wrong. Yeah, that's the ticket.
Turns out Barney Frank didn't know that I was wrong, he's still leading the parade towards socialism. (I'm not sure, but I think the music I hear at Barney's parade is "It's Raining Men", but I could be wrong again). The bill that is winding its way though his committee would regulate all salaries of all employees at all firms that are getting "bailout money".
Ya know that slippery slope you've always heard of? Well, Barney Frank has just dumped a gallon of WD-40 on it.
Seriously though. Where does this end? If the Federal Government passes a law that regulates the salaries of entire companies, what prevents them from regulating defense contractor salaries? If the defense contractor pays their employees too much money, then that tank the government purchases will cost too much. If your construction company obtains a bid to build a road that is paid for in part by the federal government, should they regulate those salaries? What if you work at a pharmaceutical company, that makes a drug, which is partially paid for by Medicare or Medicaid, should those salaries be regulated? I'm as serious as a scotch salesman making a call on Ted Kennedy. Where does it end?
If the Federal Government can regulate all salaries of all employees at all firms that take federal money, then surely they will be able to figure out how to regulate everyone else too.
Here's the other side of the argument. If the federal government regulates the salary of an entire company, how does it make up the rules? Do we just say "secretaries make $15/hour + 25 cents for every year worked". Sound crazy? How else would the federal government define the salaries of individual employees? How would you determine that Judy makes $13/hour while Jane makes $14/hour, or would you pay them the same amount? How do you reward good work habits? We'll end up with the same pay grade system that they have, which works so well.
I'm man enough to admit it, I was all wrong about Socialism. Everyone move along - nothing to see here.
