Every time I hear pundits and politicians complain about the “job killing” effects of government regulation, I think of signs like this, which are blooming like azaleas in greater Jacksonville. There’s so much water around here, it’s really a shame that most of it poses a health hazard. While it’s great to see folks fishing along the St. Johns River — it’s so peaceful and picturesque — it saddens me to realize that they’d probably be better off snagging turds. At least then they’d know what they’re getting.
You can look at the water, but don’t touch. And for God’s sake, don’t drink it. Oh, and don’t eat the fish under any circumstances. A sad state of affairs in a city that prides itself on its pretty river views. I’m not sure who’s to blame for this, but one thing seems clear: It didn’t get that way because of too many regulations.
I can’t help feeling that the anti-regulation people must think we’re complete idiots. Do they think no one remembers that de-regulation is what created the mortgage crisis?
The argument that regulations decrease profit to the point that no one will do business anymore is another insult to my intelligence.