Your dread is my opportunity

The recent horrific accident at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas has raised questions with regards to the role of Government. Although not much will be done in the very near future, Republicans, and everyone else resisting the "big government" should reconsider their convictions to that effect. The already hot issue in with Texas lawmakers is a clear indication that less regulation eventually comes in to haunt us. Texas tribune reported that Nim Kidd, Chief of Texas' division on Emergency Management w met with lawmakers today and faced tough questions on the irregularity of inspection. Most of the inspections have been addressing pollution concerns as well as safety and security of this highly flammable material from getting into the hands of the wrong people. However, a thorough inspection of the structural integrity of the fertilizer and preventative inspection has not been done since 2007. One cannot help but wonder how the Texas Government (and the Republican establishment) could credit the loss of fourteen and the 200 wounded to less Government, less regulation!

The idea of "less is more" in Texas politics (as is with all Republican leadership in the country) is as old as the country itself. What one should weigh in is the crucial truth of State government's involvement in securing its citizens safety and security. A regulation of private companies is stifling to businesses; that far is correct. However, what the supporters of this gimmick do not understand is that corporations (or companies) are primarily concerned with their shareholder value. The safety of citizens, along with pollution or security is secondary to say the least. A business in a small town is indeed beneficial to many in more ways than one. So is an active oversight with the same or greater regard for public good. The same message goes for texting and driving. Just as with less regulation on businesses, Gov. Perry opposed the House Bill as it infringes too much on the decision making process of citizens. There is no denying that we live in an individualistic era. What benefits us is what we will care about; what's in it for me! Mitt Romney's "Corporations are people..." serves a purpose here. Just like individuals, corporations serve their interests, not Joe the plumber's or the neighborhoods within which they operate. That is exactly why there should be guidance from those we entrusted with our safety.