So George Tiller’s pet governor is the latest name floated by Barack Obama as his pick for Health and Human Services secretary.

My first reaction was one of shock. I mean really, this woman has laundered more money than a riverboat casino, collecting checks from the abortion industry and dispersing cash amongst Democratic politicians throughout the state.

Surely this trumps the tax problems by Tommy “Miss Daisy” Daschle, in sheer cash value if nothing else. I strongly considered supporting those issuing a public outcry at this ridiculous nomination.

But then I remembered a letter written by Alexis de Tocqueville to a schoolboy friend who was down in the dumps after some mishap or another.  He said, “Why give up?  Why despair? Undoubtedly there is injustice and deceit in this world, but were you waiting for this proof in order to be persuaded? Certainly not. One has to live, therefore, with one’s enemies, since one cannot have everyone for a friend, to take men for what they are, to be content with the virtues one finds in them, to endeavor to see that their vices do you the least possible harm, to restrict oneself to a certain circle of intimate friends, outside of that to expect only coldness and indifference hidden or open and keep oneself on one’s guard.”

I really didn’t need that entire quote, but I hate to cut Alexis off.  He’s a really sharp guy, even if he was only 21 when he wrote that letter.  Does anyone but me feel like a late-bloomer?

My main concern with the nomination is the damage that could be caused to our medical system by an avidly pro-abortion politician sitting in an office with “Health and Human Services” on the door. It sounds like the set-up of a sick joke, not to mention the possibly disastrous consequences. But, then again, look at the administration nominating her.

This president believes that babies can be killed even after they’re born, so it’s a cinch that whoever takes this office is going to be required to share a similar view.  Granted, I’d prefer a candidate with more ethical consideration than a Connecticut chimpanzee, but I’m afraid we’ve lost our say in Cabinet selections.  Elections have consequences.

On the other hand, let’s consider what would happen if Kill ‘em Kate were confirmed as HHS secretary:

Mark Parkinson would serve as governor until the next election.  He has stated that he has no desire to run for re-election to the governor’s seat.  Even if he did, I don’t think he has the political clout to beat Sam Brownback.  Sam would be an excellent governor, although he would have a lot of damage to undo.

Sebelius was the only name that polled higher than Rep. Todd Tiahrt in a race for Sam Brownback’s Senate seat.  If she’s stuck in a Cabinet meeting in DC, kowtowing to the will of the Obamessiah, then she’s out of that race.  We keep the Senate seat.

John Sebelius will have to relocate the business address of his Prison Bitch game company (or whatever it’s called) from the governor’s mansion.  I wonder how the Obamessiah would feel about its being pedaled from the White House Cabinet Room?  Who knows?  Seeing as how he’s the product of the Chicago political machine, it might make him feel right at home.  How many Illinois governors are in the Big House now?

All in all, I think de Tocqueville would approve of my supporting Kate’s nomination to HHS.  While I don’t find myself capable of identifying too many virtues in the puppet governor, this would serve to minimize the effects of her vices.  There’s going to be one abortion enthusiast or another in that seat, so we may as well get her out of Kansas.  That way, we’d also be able to maintain an intimate circle of friends here in Kansas convinced of the dignity and sanctity of human life.  And, as Alexis warned, we can expect only coldness and indifference outside that circle.

At least until 2010.

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Bill Sutton is the President of the Proud Catholic Voters Association of Kansas, an organization dedicated to unifying the Catholic vote to achieve a government more representative of Catholic beliefs and ideals.

The Week in Review