It is indeed curious how lawmakers differ in how they see their roles even within the same party.
In Minnesota, state lawmakers are pushing to expand -- not limit -- the sale and distribution of raw milk even though proponents acknowledge unpasteurized milk cannot be 100 percent risk free. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reportedly said raw milk is one of the riskiest ways to get foodborne illnesses. In fact, it can be fatal. But State Sen. Sean Nienow (R-Cambridge) and chief author of the bill told Minnesota Public Radio "No food product of any sort is absolutely safe." So buyer beware.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Senate Commerce Committee passed through legislation that prevents restrictions on the sale or transfer of etickets. The bill's sponsor, Sen. Chris Gerlach (R-Apply Valley), said if a ticket holder wants to get a better price for his ticket "that should be allowed and should not be aced out by restrictions. Minnesota Twins president Dave St. Peter however said "There's a battle being waged here...between the scalpers and fans and the scalpers are winning." Concert promoters warn that top artists might bypass Minnesota if they can't ensure their fans can get good seats. Free enterprise unfettered?
Across the Potomac, U.S. Sens. John McCain and John Kerry are floating legislation creating an "online privacy bill of rights." in order to curb the internet-tracking industry. The bill would provide companies to seek permission before sharing data about a customer with outsiders. And it would give you and me the right to see the data collected on them. In other words, we're watching out for your interests.
Interesting juxtaposition. Freedom to get sick and freedom to gouge, so buyer beware. But track my keystrokes on the internet, seller beware.
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