Political Primer 5: Line Item Veto
Jeff and I agree on Line Item Vetoes under certain circumstances. And pretty much all of those circumstances involve “Riders.”
Riders are a nasty little invention. What they boil down to is stuff that can be added to a Bill after it has already passed a vote. That’s kind of like if someone asks you if you want Apple or Cherry pie, and you tell them “Apple”. Then they bring out this foul smelling concotion and say, “We felt it best to change your pie to Horse-apple.”
“But that isn’t what I wanted,” you say.
“Well, then you shouldn’t have voted for it.”
So, you see, an open Line Item Veto would really just be a Presidential rider, which is kind of crap. What Jeff and I would like is one of two things; No more riders (really, the best option), or Line Item Vetoes, but only for Riders. See, that way stuff doesn’t get to sneak by without people taking responsibility for it. Bastards, no wonder no one trusts politicians.
Tune in next time for more jolly politics.
