Geez, ya THINK? Are you just now figuring that out? Where have you been these past few years?
Republican politicians used to be hands-off when it came to meddling in the lives of citizens, and the Democrats just the opposite.
But we've seen a dramatic role reversal in Lansing recently.
Republican Rep. John Stahl of North Branch is pushing a bill that would require a couple to attend a premarital class or be counseled before they can get a marriage license.
Taxpayers would pick up the tab, an estimated $1.5 million a year.
Stahl predicts the counseling would result in fewer divorces and save money for the state in the long run. Among other things, broken marriages too often result in children on welfare.
But Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a Democrat, is against the bill. In vetoing similar legislation two years ago, she wrote, "State government should not expand its role into such private affairs when such expansion is neither effective nor appropriate."
The governor was right then, and she's right now. As this was written, she intended to veto Stahl's bill, too.
Shelli Weisberg, legislative director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, sharpens the governor's point in saying the legislation is "an unwanted and unwarranted intrusion of privacy."
-snip-
As noted above, the GOP traditionally has been the party that preaches hands-off government. In recent years, too many of its members have made the morality of the populace their business.
Government's role should be minimal.
Granholm wisely is defending what Republicans used to: the "right to be let alone."
Yes. Imagine my confusion when I find myself arguing for what used to be considered "conservative" talking points- fiscal responsibility and getting government out of your personal life. Good grief, it's no wonder my head hurts.