Former Rep. Tom Delay (R-TX), aka, “The Hammer” was known for pushing through legislation without the participation of Democrats. Much of this legislation was weighted down with “pork” via “midnight earmarking.” In the end, this is one legacy Republicans earned in the preceding congress. Not a pretty picture.

Here come the Democrats and Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) breaking promises and providing “pay-back” in their “first 100 hours” of House rule.

• Minimum wage increase, although favored by many it sets a dangerous precedent when government increases labor costs. The side effect is many will lose their jobs. How does this effect illegal immigrants?
• Prescription price controls, more government regulation. Negotiating with the government on prices has a no win outcome for business and consumers. Research and choice will be reduced.
• Ethics reform, a highly suspect proposal coming from politicians attempting to “police” themselves, the most ethically challenged. Earmarking and pork fall under this umbrella but Democrats are resisting calls of a line-item veto to give the President some control over vast spending. No more sky boxes and golf outings but what about PAC’s?

Entitlement programs are not a part of earmark reform and the Democrats refuse to make the Bush tax cuts permanent. Automatic spending will remain a part of the Beltway lifestyle while the revenue producing tax cuts will be replaced with higher payroll taxes and reform to tax the so-called “wealthy” including small business owners.

The House Democrats feel emboldened by the last election but they don’t have a mandate on government. The Senate has a tiny majority and hopefully Republicans will assert their power to control the Liberal fever on K Street.