Actor Rob Reiner, whose fictional character on All in the Family was nicknamed "Meathead" by Archie Bunker, spearheaded the passage of a voter initiative in California imposing a 50 cent per pack tax on cigarettes, supposedly to fund universal pre—school programs. The extensive television advertising, featuring celebrities like Mr. Reiner speaking high—minded thoughts, was predictably "concerned" with the plight of low income and immigrant kids. A majority of the voting public bought it.

Local commissions were established to administer the creation and running of these programs, following passage of the initiative in 1999. They were supposed to provide vital literacy training, and other services to a needy group. Today, The Los Angeles Daily News brings us word that the largest of these local commissions, in Los Angeles County, has so far not yet created one place for one pre—schooler. They have, however, funded travel and administrative costs, thank—you very much. After all, creating salaries and perks for bureaucrats is what it really was all about.

Mr. Reiner, having foisted this scandalous boondoggle on the nicotine—addicted ciagrette buyers of California (who, incidentally, are disproportionately found among the poor), is not available for comment (or accountability). You would think that the man would have the guts to take responsibility, and at least deplore the abuse of the program he had so much to do with creating. Not to mention actually getting off his keester and working to help the kids he promised to assist.

But of course, he is a proud liberal, and feeling good about himself, while fleecing the public, is much more important than actually helping needy kids.

Words cannot express the contempt I have for this preening moral midget.

Thomas Lifson   11 14 04