This favorite photo from the Santa Fe Square prompts many positive responses. An obvious one reflects admiration of the beautiful clear sky. A trademark of New Mexico and many other Southwestern locations. We who've grown up in that part of the country can be guilty of taking clean air and water for granted. Until we can't anymore. We can't now, and shouldn't. Air and water are symptomatic of the many challenges of regulation and the role of government. In the Mosey spirit of slowing down and paying attention, let's take a thoughtful look at the public and political debate regarding regulation and regulatory policies. Hot button issues to say the least. Let's see what we see when we see some of the issues free of alarmist rhetoric. 

Many of our recent political candidates have loudly proclaimed that we're "over-regulated" and that these regulations (usually un-named) are "job killers." Those calling for less government cite regulatory policies as ones to be diminished or eliminated. As with many complex issues in this soundbite society, it's not as simple as simple minds would have you believe. I believe we can best describe our regulatory environment as poorly regulated, not simply over-regulated. There's a big difference. We can all find examples of regulatory overkill and many others calling for more supervision. Join me for a few paragraphs and see what you think.

I'm a business guy, believe in free enterprise and limited government. I believe in personal and corporate responsibility. But, through life and business experience I've come to appreciate human and corporate nature. I recognize the occasionally flawed judgment of my friend in the mirror, see breaches of corporate and organizational ethics, and understand the need for governance in the community interest. History has proven that we're incapable of self-governance. And corporate self-regulation. For example, the professions have proven unwilling and incapable of policing themselves. I have firsthand knowledge, having worked in banking, healthcare and as a stockbroker. And coming from a plethora of family attorneys. All professions where regulators had to step in to curb willful abuse or neglect of the public trust. Thus, the necessity to create a governmental framework to address the inevitable excesses at the extremes, and to serve common interests.

For those who readily accept the premise that we're "over-regulated," let me quickly give some frames of reference to tap your conscience and broaden your perspective.

• Flint, Michigan
• the West, Texas fertilizer explosion
• Enron - Madoff
• Wall Street/Mortgage Bank shenanigans
• Military Veterans Neglect
• Child Protective Services - Foster Care
• Food (especially meat/vegetable inspection)/Drug supervision
• TSA
• fracking
• air/water pollution
• Nursing Homes
• Mental Health Services, etc., etc.

Some Mosey Considerations

The Mosey challenge reminds us to pay attention and be informed. When we hear candidates and incumbents saying, "You elected me to cut taxes, cut regulations and diminish government," we need to respond, "No, we elected you TO LEAD." Leading is much harder than thoughtless budget cuts. As for regulatory scrutiny, we should expect our reps to do their jobs. As I mentioned earlier, we're poorly regulated. Some important regulations need increased emphasis and accountability. Unfunded mandates create the appearance of regulatory attention, with no recourse. Our elected reps claim credit for progress when they're only scratching the surface of need. Legislative bill signings and photo ops tout the funding of 100 new case workers (for many examples), when a query informs us that we really need 1,000 to adequately do the job. Other policies are punitive, need review, modification or sunsetting. This is working, responsible governance.

Governance is complex, and we should expect better from our local, State and National reps. But, we're an important part of that community equation. Let's choose a couple of issues that are important to us and concentrate on them. Let's seek to be better informed and learn whom our elected reps are. And see where we might positively contribute to their decision making process.  Don't forget that legislative and City Council aides and local media reps can be most helpful to your educational arc.

I'd love to hear your comments and suggestions. If you see something here that resonates, share it with your network. We are inundated from many info sources. I respect you and your time.  Thanks for Moseying.