Why I'm Skeptical of Government

Most of you are, I devoutly hope, aware of the three branches of government: executive, legislative and judicial. You are also aware that each branch is separate from the other, prevented from interfering directly in each other's activities. It's a cornerstone of American politics.

Except for some Tennessee lawmakers, who :

...want to know why Gov. Phil Bredesen spared the state court system from a proposed 9 percent budget cut.

"If you're expecting everybody to do the same thing, then who's to say the Department of Children's Services or Mental Retardation, with life-and-death situations, shouldn't be cut less?" asked state Rep. Randy Rinks (D-Savannah).

Bredesen sought 9 percent cuts in nearly all departments under his authority to make up a projected $780 million shortfall in next year's budget, which he'll propose to the legislature next week.

He excluded the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, which is under court orders, and said he would help the struggling children's services agency with more funds.

He asked the two other branches of government - legislative and judicial - to propose ways they could cut 2.5 percent. The governor does not control those branches.

The legislature agreed to trim its budget by 9 percent, like other state departments, but the courts stuck to the 2.5 percent target.

That's right, they didn't know and they control the government.

Now do y'all see why I get so worked up?