I have only two objections to the new health care law, so recently pushed through Congress by President Obama; the means and the end.

My objection to the means: it was an example of government secrecy unparalleled in any issue of public importance over the last 30 years. It would make the back room deal-makers of the last century proud to see their legislative descendants cutting deals, lying, obfuscating and selling their souls to the highest bidder. If this is an example of the transparency and accountability promised us by our current leaders, then it’s time for new leaders.

My objection to the end: we have dramatically expanded in our country the entitlement mindset that is currently bankrupting Europe and has already put us on the verge of economic disaster. At a time when our established social programs are foundering due to unrealistic expectations and a rapidly changing demographic, we simply cannot afford such a massive new expense. Although Congress has cheerfully declared that the new bill will actually put money into the treasury, rather than take it out, I confidently predict the opposite. In this area, as in other areas of critical importance (Social Security, Defense, Medicare, environmental regulation, energy policy and financial regulation and reform), Congress has demonstrated itself to be part of the problem rather than part of the solution.

The new plan, with all its penny-pinching measures, will not improve health care in America, will result in rationing, will not improve access to health care (access is currently not much of an issue – the issue is the cost), and will not particularly help the poorest of Americans, who already get free health care through hospital emergency rooms.

What will happen, though, is that insurance premiums will continue to rise for the middle class. We, the working, productive people of the nation, will carry on our backs the cost of those who cannot or will not pay their own way. And I can tell you right now, that’s gonna hurt.

So here’s the prediction: higher costs, fewer jobs, more restricted access and a huge new government debt. Do you want to bring responsible government back to America? I need your help.

It’s been a busy few weeks for your favorite Democrat (that’s me, I hope). I had an art show open (my art project for last year - Forest Park 365 – a year in America’s most diverse urban park) on the 30th at Norton’s Fine Art & Framing (2025 S. Big Bend Blvd, 63117). I had over 365 photographs to select, crop, label, print and mount, all while doing radio and television interviews and speaking to local Democratic organizations. As you can imagine, this took some time. The work for the show is completed (the photos are on display at Norton’s through the end of May), but there is plenty of other work to do!

Yesterday, after taking my daughter to school and a quick, 10 mile bicycle ride in Forest Park, I assembled a wedding album for a client (I had already ordered the parts and prints), I designed an album and sent a proof to the client for approval, updated some of my web sites, paid some bills and wondered why my creditors can’t seem to pay as promptly as I do.

I’ve also been reading. This week’s book is about the Fair Tax proposal. I’ll give you a brief overview and then you should read about it yourself. I’m sold on the idea.

Fair tax eliminates all withholding taxes (we get to keep every cent we earn) and eliminates all of the pain of keeping track of expenses and dealing with the IRS, in exchange for a Federal retail sales tax that is collected by the states and remitted to the US Treasury. It’s necessary to read all the way through to see how it works, but, having done that, I can say that it really is a big improvement over our existing system. Although as a businessman I would have to collect and remit the tax, it would still dramatically reduce my paperwork and simplify my life (for starters, it would eliminate the week of unpaid work that it takes me to keep, sort, file and calculate my yearly income taxes).

Check it out and let me know what you think.