A recent article
in the Baton Rouge Advocate listed a
few nominal Republicans said to back Democrat Gov. John Bel Edwards (I
write a column on Sundays for that outlet). It included someone who has worked
in high-ranking capacities for governors of both parties; a former Gov. Bobby
Jindal cabinet appointee who now shills for an engineering firm with
extensive state contracts; a nonprofit head who received tens of millions of
taxpayer dollars for the building that houses his organization and has hustled
throughout its history for government assistance; a former elected official whose
tenure
in that position spawned approbation for ethical lapses; and some
businessmen whose livelihoods are shaped considerably by government policies
and spending decisions (and a few of them have received plum appointments by
Edwards to government panels).
That these people have a history of working for election
of Republicans or giving generously to Republican candidates have pledged
support for Edwards in his reelection efforts might at first glance seem
surprising. Then again, most also historically supported Democrats at times, as
their crony capitalism makes them swoon for anybody think can deliver the goods.
As the incumbent, Edwards has proven ability to do that. Further, with GOP Sen. John Kennedy passing up a chance to challenge him, Edwards has gone from underdog to even-money in retaining his post. It’s not imprudent to place a bet in this circumstance.
Keep in mind as well that most will end up giving
to Republican candidates in the contest as well. Again, they will use their
wealth and stature to try to buy influence in any gubernatorial regime.
Because that’s how they make their money. Unless
more selflessly motivated, they could care less about issues, for example, like
sales tax increases to fund bigger government or imposition of a sick tax to
pay for Medicaid expansion. They’re wealthy enough so that they can afford
without batting an eye the extra costs, as long as they think something comes
back through increased business opportunities for them – and only them.
Meanwhile, the middle class and below foot the
bill and suffer the reduced chance to prosper from what they pay out in a bid
by the crony capitalists to feather their own nests. Note how this differs from
traditional conservatism that asks for smaller government and lower taxes so
that all people can keep more of what they earn and expands opportunities for
their life prospects. Lip service about how government should stay out of the
way of business then using it for their own ends to feed at the trough displays
a rank hypocrisy.
Support of Edwards exposes these people as
uninterested in trying to move Louisiana out of the cellar in so many quality
of life rankings. When you hear them praise Edwards using phrases such as he
“has been willing to talk and compromise,” that means as long as they can
bargain with him to gets theirs they don’t care if the devil takes everybody
else.
As much as Edwards’ philosophy that turns back the
clock to a Louisiana where government primarily was seen as an agent of taking
from some to give to others, it’s this kind of cavalier attitude that aids and
abets that retrograde approach. All political jurisdictions suffer from people
like this, but they exist in disproportionate numbers in the Bayou State and
explains why it lags the rest of the country.
And even if cynicism rules the day – these
supplicants may believe that what Edwards says publicly and what he’ll do behind
closed doors differs enough so that where clear conflicts exist, for example in
his wishing to treat oil exploration companies as piñatas to dredge up money, actual policy made
won’t treat them poorly – this benign neglect still disserves Louisiana. By
acting complicit in this arrangement, by looking out only for themselves, by
their refusal to oppose it this forfeits a chance for implementing policy that
will move the state forward for all.
Selfish greed and government intersecting should
surprise no one. That Louisiana hasn’t moved farther beyond this is
disappointing.
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