An 'Act of Congress' Takes More Than Ever

As H.R. 24, a resolution to rename the Department of the Navy, winds its tortuous way through the national legislative process, it does more than call for a simple name change. It also illustrates how ridiculously complicated it is to move anything along when the federal government is in charge.

If passed, the resolution would require inclusion of the Marine Corps in the traditional title of Department of the Navy.

There are many in favor of this change. Like the congressman who introduced the resolution this time around, U.S. Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C., they believe Marines should be given their due and that leaving the Marine Corps out of the title is dismissive.

Others think it's a silly piece of posturing that changes nothing of substance and will end up costing the taxpayers a bundle as the services involved retro fit everything from letterhead to base welcome signs with the new title.

Whether or not the move is simply "feel-good legislation" or something that is decades overdue is not really the point here, although anytime a measure costs the taxpayers more money, it is worth plenty of consideration. The point is just how complicated and involved something this incidental ends up becoming in the hands of government.

It's a good reminder that any group of elected individuals who dither and nitpick over something as uncomplicated as the redesignation of a government department should not be trusted to control a matter as important as this nation's health care.

Sure, feelings run strong in connection with both issues, but Congress itself is a mess, with lobbyists, special interest groups and the executive branch all twisting arms to get what they want whenever any type of legislation is under consideration.

The methods used to bring people on board are less than savory, using techniques that, if attempted in the private sector would be declared "extortion" or "graft" and probably prosecuted in the courts and media.

But for some reason, government, which also exempts itself from much legal liability, believes it should operate on a different level than the people it governs.

For bills or resolutions like this one to pass, it takes nothing short of a miracle — an act of Congress, if you will — and brings fresh understanding as to the reasons government is so expensive to operate, as well as the deserving target of so much constituent disgust and dissatisfaction.

REPRINTED FROM THE JACKSONVILLE DAILY NEWS.

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