Jim Hightower

Oh, swell. George W is assigning a political nanny to every agency in the federal government.

In a new directive, Czar Bush says that each agency must henceforth create a regulatory policy office to be headed by a political appointee chosen by... him. This nanny is to make sure that agency scientists and regulators comply with Bush's "priorities." Of course, George's regulatory priority is not to have any regulations – at least none that his corporate cronies find in any way objectionable.

Could it be that this is just a reconstructed spoils system to deliver regulatory favors to Bush's corporate backers? Oh, no, no, says the Bushite in charge of the new nanny brigade: "This is a classic good-government measure." I spewed my drink right out of my nose when I heard that one! These guys are to "good government" what a coyote is to good sheep management.

We're talking about our health, safety, clean air, and other essentials. Over the years, congress has empowered various agencies to protect us from drug companies, chemical explosions, polluters, and other corporate abusers. But now, by executive fiat, Bush & Company have installed political overseers to protect these corporations from having to comply with our protections.

Last fall, millions of Americans – a majority of us – voted to reinstate the rule of law, to reign in a runaway, autocratic executive. But, like some tinhorn potentate who simply rewrites rules to suit his own needs, Bush not only thinks he's above the law – he thinks he is the law.

This is Jim Hightower saying... Of course, his corporate backers are thrilled. As one said, "Because of the executive order, regulations will be less onerous and more reasonable." Hey, "more reasonable" for whom? Besides, Bonzo, regulations are supposed to be onerous! If they're meek, the corporate giants will just ignore them – and, of course, that's exactly what George has in mind.