Be Still My Beating Heart…

 

The White House has released a plan that details some pretty sweeping changes to the Executive Branch of our government. I have not yet had a chance to read the entire document from the OMB, but included are the following major changes:

  1. Combine the Departments of Education and Labor streamlining the bureaucracy and eliminating many redundancies.
  2. Consolidate the many different Food Safety agencies into one department into the USDA eliminating the FDA and HHS oversight of these areas — again eliminating many redundancies and reducing the bureaucracy.
  3. Divest and privatize the energy transmission GSAs in the Department of Energy such as the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Western Area Power Administration eliminating federal involvement in owning and operating energy transmission assets.
  4. Privatize the Postal Service.
  5. Ending the conservatorship of Fannie and Freddie and reducing their overall impact on the mortgage and housing market

There are more. Mostly small-ball stuff compared to these five rather major changes (unless I’m misreading; again I haven’t read through the entire document) but I have to say: Wow! Be still my beating heart. This is the kind of conservative reform we should all get behind, and kudos to POTUS and the rest of his staff for proposing these kinds of reforms.

Then again this sort of thing has been tried before, by better men, and failed. Still, nothing ventured nothing gained. We should all support President Trump and his administration in their mission to streamline and eliminate parts of the federal bureaucracy.

Published in Domestic Policy
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  1. Western Chauvinist Member
    Western Chauvinist
    @WesternChauvinist

    Bob Thompson (View Comment):

    Mountie (View Comment):

    I’ve been waiting for #5 for a while now. I’ve done some work at Freddie post Enron/pre bailout. In 2008 it became apparent that they were in bed with the Democrats (well actually before that but in 2008 it became hard for the MSM to not report it). I predicted then that if we ever saw a Republican House, Senate and Executive that their days as a government supported enterprise (GSE) would be numbered.

    I wonder if this will include a way to stop HUD from ending up with foreclosed residential properties resulting from government guaranteed loans that have defaulted. I don’t have any numbers but I can’t help but think the taxpayers are absorbing big hits when the government makes lenders whole and then sells properties for a pittance.

    I think getting government out of the mortgage industry could only be exceeded by getting government out of health insurance/care. For the first time in my lifetime, there’s a glimmer of hope for rolling back the Deep State. 

    • #31
  2. Locke On Member
    Locke On
    @LockeOn

    Hypatia (View Comment):

    Trump is the greatest president of our lifetimes–maybe of our entire history. Thanks to the OP author: lo, there is more joy over the lost penny..

    Whoa there, pardner.  I’ve converted from ReluctantTrump to ProTrump, but that’s going too far too fast.  There are still a lot of promising starts that need to end in success, though I think we can give “Drive the Left bonkers” a completed mark.

    • #32
  3. Saint Augustine Member
    Saint Augustine
    @SaintAugustine

    I confess to a bit of skepticism, or at least concern.  Surely some of these arrangements and departments and agencies are by congressional mandate, not executive discretion.

    • #33
  4. Aaron Miller Inactive
    Aaron Miller
    @AaronMiller

    I hope Trump also puts public pressure on Congress to reclaim its role as the legislative branch. Most laws are produced downstream by Congressional delegation of authority to unelected bureaucrats. That is blatantly unConstitutional and undemocratic. Republicans are as guilty as Democrats. 

    Government is involved in too much for Congress to handle directly. The solution is to involve itself in fewer aspects of American life, not to delegate and continue adding bureaucracies. 

    • #34
  5. Saint Augustine Member
    Saint Augustine
    @SaintAugustine

    Aaron Miller (View Comment):

    I hope Trump also puts public pressure on Congress to reclaim its role as the legislative branch. Most laws are produced downstream by Congressional delegation of authority to unelected bureaucrats. That is blatantly unConstitutional and undemocratic. Republicans are as guilty as Democrats.

    Government is involved in too much for Congress to handle directly. The solution is to involve itself in fewer aspects of American life, not to delegate and continue adding bureaucracies.

    Yes. Yes. Yes.

    I’ve been delighted by Trump in this area because he’s at least managed a reduction in executive law.  But there is more he could do.

    He made a worthy effort, I thought, with the title of the recent immigration order.

    • #35
  6. Hammer, The (Ryan M) Inactive
    Hammer, The (Ryan M)
    @RyanM

    Spin (View Comment):

    Hammer, The (Ryan M) (View Comment):

    Spin (View Comment):

    Jamie Lockett: by better men

    You just can’t resist taking a swipe at the Trump supporters, can you? (clown nose off)

    Nah- Reagan is a free pass in my book. Of course he’s the better man. But I agree with Jamie, and am hoping that this agenda succeeds. It would be amazing.

    Nobody ever knows when I’m joking. To quote someone else I recently read: “…its not my fault.”

    I have the same problem! :)

    • #36
  7. Hank Rhody, Possibly Mad Contributor
    Hank Rhody, Possibly Mad
    @HankRhody

    Hammer, The (Ryan M) (View Comment):

    Spin (View Comment):

    Hammer, The (Ryan M) (View Comment):

    Spin (View Comment):

    Jamie Lockett: by better men

    You just can’t resist taking a swipe at the Trump supporters, can you? (clown nose off)

    Nah- Reagan is a free pass in my book. Of course he’s the better man. But I agree with Jamie, and am hoping that this agenda succeeds. It would be amazing.

    Nobody ever knows when I’m joking. To quote someone else I recently read: “…its not my fault.”

    I have the same problem! :)

    I know it kills the humor, but maybe if you took the time to explain your jokes…

    • #37
  8. Guruforhire Inactive
    Guruforhire
    @Guruforhire

    If he does this and nominates a third justice, I say we nominate him god emperor of america emeritus, give him the restaurant in the center of niagra falls, and have him build a big beautiful hotel just to mess with the canadians.

    We are getting space marines in this deal too…

    • #38
  9. Doug Watt Member
    Doug Watt
    @DougWatt

    Guruforhire (View Comment):

    If he does this and nominates a third justice, I say we nominate him god emperor of america emeritus, give him the restaurant in the center of niagra falls, and have him build a big beautiful hotel just to mess with the canadians.

    If he can get Canada to take Bieber back I’ll kick in a couple of bucks for a Mt. Rushmore tribute.

     

    • #39
  10. Petty Inactive
    Petty
    @PettyBoozswha

    Mountie (View Comment):

    I’ve been waiting for #5 for a while now. I’ve done some work at Freddie post Enron/pre bailout. In 2008 it became apparent that they were in bed with the Democrats (well actually before that but in 2008 it became hard for the MSM to not report it). I predicted then that if we ever saw a Republican House, Senate and Executive that their days as a government supported enterprise (GSE) would be numbered.

    Clinton offerred to make Franklin Raines his Chief of Staff, but Raines declined the offer and asked to be appointed head of Fannie Mae. An intelligent choice,  Raines paid himself over $100 million dollars for a few years work organizing the housing crisis.

    • #40
  11. Western Chauvinist Member
    Western Chauvinist
    @WesternChauvinist

    Hank Rhody, Possibly Mad (View Comment):

    Hammer, The (Ryan M) (View Comment):

    Spin (View Comment):

    Hammer, The (Ryan M) (View Comment):

    Spin (View Comment):

    Jamie Lockett: by better men

    You just can’t resist taking a swipe at the Trump supporters, can you? (clown nose off)

    Nah- Reagan is a free pass in my book. Of course he’s the better man. But I agree with Jamie, and am hoping that this agenda succeeds. It would be amazing.

    Nobody ever knows when I’m joking. To quote someone else I recently read: “…its not my fault.”

    I have the same problem! :)

    I know it kills the humor, but maybe if you took the time to explain your jokes…

    Ha! I see what you did there…

    • #41
  12. Sweezle Inactive
    Sweezle
    @Sweezle

    I love this list!  Since eliminating Department of Education is impossible I say reduce their power and  number of employees. If Trump can’t reduce these tax sucking bureaucracies that have become fiefdoms of political power in Washington D.C. then at least remove their headquarters from the capital and locate them in small mid-west towns. Lobbyists and politicians would have less influence and that is a good thing.

     

    • #42
  13. Seawriter Contributor
    Seawriter
    @Seawriter

    Locke On (View Comment):

    Hypatia (View Comment):

    Trump is the greatest president of our lifetimes–maybe of our entire history. Thanks to the OP author: lo, there is more joy over the lost penny..

    Whoa there, pardner. I’ve converted from ReluctantTrump to ProTrump, but that’s going too far too fast. There are still a lot of promising starts that need to end in success, though I think we can give “Drive the Left bonkers” a completed mark.

    Pretty much how I feel. Trump is about a year away from becoming the best President of the 21st century (I don’t feel comfortable including a President in that kind of assessment until he has served at least 2-1/2 years) but that is a low bar.

    I don’t find him a better President than Reagan who turned a severe economic downturn into into a boom, and won a world war. Nor even Eisenhower. Maybe he will get there, maybe not. In all, he has been a big net plus, even this far into his term.

    • #43
  14. Franco Member
    Franco
    @Franco

    I saw this last week. Mulvany’s presentation starts around 16:30, but I recommend watching the whole thing just for fun. This is where I get my news these days- a lot of it anyway. Unfiltered. Love that guy MIck Mulvaney…

    • #44
  15. Mike-K Member
    Mike-K
    @

    Western Chauvinist (View Comment):
    what is the logic behind combining Education and Labor?

    I think he said that Labor should be interested in apprenticeships and Ed would be about Education. Maybe this is the beginning of a focus on trade schools which are far more useful than Gender Studies degrees.

    • #45
  16. Umbra of Nex Inactive
    Umbra of Nex
    @UmbraFractus

    Western Chauvinist (View Comment):

    I approve of any effort to streamline and minimize the bureaucracy, but what is the logic behind combining Education and Labor? Is it with the long term goal of eliminating both? Pretty please?

    From what I’ve heard the combined department would be called something like, “Workforce Development,” which, in addition to everything else, would signal a shift in priorities on the education side.

    • #46
  17. blood thirsty neocon Inactive
    blood thirsty neocon
    @bloodthirstyneocon

    Jamie, I commend you for your honesty. President Donald Trump takes two kinds of action:

    1. Actions like the ones you listed that make me say “it’s about time!”
    2. Actions that make me say “Wuuuuut?”

    To me, Type 1 actions matter more than Type 2 actions. I understand that others disagree, but I’m willing to bet any amount of money that I’m in the majority in my opinion, and those who disagree with me on that narrow point are vanishingly few.

    • #47
  18. TBA Coolidge
    TBA
    @RobtGilsdorf

    Doug Kimball (View Comment):

    I must have gone to sleep and awakened in a parallel universe.

    If Pence has a beard it’s for sure a parallel universe. 

    • #48
  19. JudithannCampbell Member
    JudithannCampbell
    @

    TBA (View Comment):

    Doug Kimball (View Comment):

    I must have gone to sleep and awakened in a parallel universe.

    If Pence has a beard it’s for sure a parallel universe.

    lol :)

    • #49
  20. TBA Coolidge
    TBA
    @RobtGilsdorf

    blood thirsty neocon (View Comment):

    Jamie, I commend you for your honesty. President Donald Trump takes two kinds of action:

    1. Actions like the ones you listed that make me say “it’s about time!”
    2. Actions that make me say “Wuuuuut?”

    To me, Type 1 actions matter more than Type 2 actions. I understand that others disagree, but I’m willing to bet any amount of money that I’m in the majority in my opinion, and those who disagree with me on that narrow point are vanishingly few.

    The nice thing about Type 2 actions is that the left does a lot more than say “Wuuuuuut?” and it’s entertaining as hell. 

    • #50
  21. Doctor Robert Member
    Doctor Robert
    @DoctorRobert

    Hammer, The (Ryan M) (View Comment):
    Reagan is a free pass in my book. Of course he’s the better man.

    He accomplished less in his first term than Trump has already (although I credit him 6 months for the recovery from the assassination attempt).

    I voted for Reagan three times, for Trump only once.  I can’t wait to vote for Trump again.

    • #51
  22. Jamie Lockett Member
    Jamie Lockett
    @JamieLockett

    Doctor Robert (View Comment):
    He accomplished less in his first term than Trump has already (although I credit him 6 months for the recovery from the assassination attempt).

    You’ll have to show your work on this one. 

    Regean first-term accomplishments: 

    Tax cuts on 1981

    Breaks PATCO.

    Grenada

    SDI

    Establishment of the Reagan Doctrine. 

    Tackled massive inflation problems.

    Defense spending increases

     

     

    • #52
  23. Hammer, The (Ryan M) Inactive
    Hammer, The (Ryan M)
    @RyanM

    Hank Rhody, Possibly Mad (View Comment):

    Hammer, The (Ryan M) (View Comment):

    Spin (View Comment):

    Hammer, The (Ryan M) (View Comment):

    Spin (View Comment):

    Jamie Lockett: by better men

    You just can’t resist taking a swipe at the Trump supporters, can you? (clown nose off)

    Nah- Reagan is a free pass in my book. Of course he’s the better man. But I agree with Jamie, and am hoping that this agenda succeeds. It would be amazing.

    Nobody ever knows when I’m joking. To quote someone else I recently read: “…its not my fault.”

    I have the same problem! :)

    I know it kills the humor, but maybe if you took the time to explain your jokes…

    You know… that just might work.

    • #53
  24. Hammer, The (Ryan M) Inactive
    Hammer, The (Ryan M)
    @RyanM

    Doctor Robert (View Comment):

    Hammer, The (Ryan M) (View Comment):
    Reagan is a free pass in my book. Of course he’s the better man.

    He accomplished less in his first term than Trump has already (although I credit him 6 months for the recovery from the assassination attempt).

    I voted for Reagan three times, for Trump only once. I can’t wait to vote for Trump again.

    Hey, with stuff like this, I’ll be voting for Trump at the next opportunity.  I wish I could hold him in the personal esteem with which I view Reagan.  That sort of Trump would be wonderful – but I don’t know if that sort of Trump would be where he is.  It is impossible to really speculate about that sort of stuff.  It may be that some of his less admirable qualities were unfortunately necessary.  I stop short of thereby declaring them to now be admirable.

    • #54
  25. TBA Coolidge
    TBA
    @RobtGilsdorf

    Hammer, The (Ryan M) (View Comment):

    Doctor Robert (View Comment):

    Hammer, The (Ryan M) (View Comment):
    Reagan is a free pass in my book. Of course he’s the better man.

    He accomplished less in his first term than Trump has already (although I credit him 6 months for the recovery from the assassination attempt).

    I voted for Reagan three times, for Trump only once. I can’t wait to vote for Trump again.

    Hey, with stuff like this, I’ll be voting for Trump at the next opportunity. I wish I could hold him in the personal esteem with which I view Reagan. That sort of Trump would be wonderful – but I don’t know if that sort of Trump would be where he is. It is impossible to really speculate about that sort of stuff. It may be that some of his less admirable qualities were unfortunately necessary. I stop short of thereby declaring them to now be admirable.

    ‘Useful’ is about my limit for the above-mentioned less admirable qualities. 

    • #55
  26. Saint Augustine Member
    Saint Augustine
    @SaintAugustine

    Hammer, The (Ryan M) (View Comment):

    Doctor Robert (View Comment):

    Hammer, The (Ryan M) (View Comment):
    Reagan is a free pass in my book. Of course he’s the better man.

    He accomplished less in his first term than Trump has already (although I credit him 6 months for the recovery from the assassination attempt).

    I voted for Reagan three times, for Trump only once. I can’t wait to vote for Trump again.

    Hey, with stuff like this, I’ll be voting for Trump at the next opportunity. I wish I could hold him in the personal esteem with which I view Reagan. That sort of Trump would be wonderful – but I don’t know if that sort of Trump would be where he is. It is impossible to really speculate about that sort of stuff. It may be that some of his less admirable qualities were unfortunately necessary. I stop short of thereby declaring them to now be admirable.

    Very well said.

    • #56
  27. They call me PJ Boy or they ca… Member
    They call me PJ Boy or they ca…
    @

    Western Chauvinist (View Comment):
    …exceeded by getting government out of health insurance/care.

    The Trump admin. plan is great.

    Any progress on the Stupid Party’s promise/ “effort” to end O-care?  Don’t we ‘control’ 2 of 3 branches of gov?  What is the cotton-picken’ hold up?

    • #57
  28. They call me PJ Boy or they ca… Member
    They call me PJ Boy or they ca…
    @

    Hammer, The (Ryan M) (View Comment):
    It may be that some of his less admirable qualities were unfortunately necessary. I stop short of thereby declaring them to now be admirable.

    As they say “different horses for different courses.”  Maybe this ‘course’ only a Trumpeon can run and win?

    On the other hand, I do not expect perfection from mortals.  What has Trump done that is so sinister?

    In particular and in comparison to Carter, Clinton (both), and “BJ” Obama, I am finding The Donald quite admirable.

    • #58
  29. JudithannCampbell Member
    JudithannCampbell
    @

    They call me PJ Boy or they ca… (View Comment):
    In particular and in comparison to Carter, Clinton (both), and “BJ” Obama, I am finding The Donald quite admirable.

    Exactly! One of my relatives is always saying that Trump is a sociopath. I want to ask him how Trump is more of a sociopath than Bill and Hillary Clinton. I don’t ask, for the sake of keeping the peace, and because I figure the less I know about his political opinions, the better off everyone will be. But I don’t understand how anyone could consider Hillary better in the character department than Trump.

    • #59
  30. Cato Rand Inactive
    Cato Rand
    @CatoRand

    Hammer, The (Ryan M) (View Comment):

    Doctor Robert (View Comment):

    Hammer, The (Ryan M) (View Comment):
    Reagan is a free pass in my book. Of course he’s the better man.

    He accomplished less in his first term than Trump has already (although I credit him 6 months for the recovery from the assassination attempt).

    I voted for Reagan three times, for Trump only once. I can’t wait to vote for Trump again.

    Hey, with stuff like this, I’ll be voting for Trump at the next opportunity. I wish I could hold him in the personal esteem with which I view Reagan. That sort of Trump would be wonderful – but I don’t know if that sort of Trump would be where he is. It is impossible to really speculate about that sort of stuff. It may be that some of his less admirable qualities were unfortunately necessary. I stop short of thereby declaring them to now be admirable.

    Peter Robinson used to talk about Ted Cruz as somebody who came to Washington to “break furniture.”  I always loved that image and thought, “thank god somebody is.”  Trump, who’s bullying, and lying and bombast I still abhor, is breaking furniture, and god bless him for that.

    • #60
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