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10/06/2003 Archived Entry: "Government just doesn't like the competition"

GOVERNMENT JUST DOESN'T LIKE THE COMPETITION. From Free-Market.net this morning come two seemingly unrelated stories that turn out to be twins separated at birth.

First, an op-ed by Jack McHugh of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy:

Thanks to the poisonous atmosphere created by a hostile Detroit public school establishment, philanthropist Robert Thompson has decided, with deep regret, that it is impossible for him to donate a $200 million gift to the city’s school children. ... After seeking legislative authorization for his [gift of 15 charter] schools for almost a year, Thompson threw in the towel after the Detroit teachers union threw what can only be described as a tantrum over the prospect of having to compete with charter schools.

Then a smidge of local news from the south. Seems 75-year-old Tennesseean Harlie Walker did the neighborly thing and flashed his lights to warn fellow drivers that a policeman was nearby. This got him ticketed for "Interfering with the duties of a police officer."

The question Walker is asking is, with what duty of the police officer did he interfere? ``If his goal was to slow people down, I was helping him. But that's not what he thought,'' Walker said.

``I think personally policemen should have more to do than chasing people around in high-powered automobiles because he thinks I'm competing with him by flashing my lights.''

So lessee .. The state's goal isn't really the best education "for the children." And it isn't getting drivers to keep their speed down to safe limits. Heavens, whatever could it really be???

Posted by Claire @ 09:49 AM CST
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