First Principles

In search of the Unified Theory of Conservatism

First Principles header image 2

What CAN’T They Regulate?

February 1st, 2010 · 4 Comments

I’m trying to imagine going back in time and asking the Federalists, “Now, if we ratify this thing, will it give the federal government the power to regulate tournament rules for collegiate sporting events?”

Well, at least they can’t punish me if I decide to enjoy a sweet and tasty beverage.

Oh, wait.

Well, I can still plant however many vegetables I want in my garden at home without having to worry that the feds will tell me it’s too many.

Oh.  Really? Man.

~~~

Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.

— C. S. Lewis

One of the few things I probably agree with President Obama on is that the BCS is stupid, and that college football should go to some kind of playoff system.  But like the man said, “It so happens that everything that is stupid is not unconstitutional.”

There are some things that government doesn’t need to have anything to do with.  Lots of things, actually.  As soon as that’s no longer true, we are no longer really free.  So important is that freedom to me that I’m even willing to sacrifice the government’s “help” in creating a much, much, much better college football championship system.

Who am I kidding?  After seeing them in action the last year, once these guys got through with it, I think the BCS might look pretty good…

Tags: Big Government · First Documents · Nanny State · Sports