Various thoughts near the end of the day

Hillary Clinton says she doesn't want public funding for her presidential bid. Why would anyone want to take that money with all the restrictions? Public funding of campaigns is one of those things that sounds great in theory but falls apart when you think about it. In fact, any legislative meddling in campaigns is a bad idea. By controlling the purse strings, the legislative body controls the content of political speech. That's not what the First Amendment intended. Most things done by campaign reformers end up strengthening the hand of the incumbents and people with name recognition.

Speaking of which, Clinton might make a good president, but I for one am tired of the Bushes and the Clintons seeing the White House as their personal property. In a nation of 300 million people, do you have to be a Bush or a Clinton to be president? I thought we settled the question of the divine right to rule in 1776.

* * * * *

From the West Virginia AP: Two Monongalia County lawmakers want to snuff out street fires set by West Virginia University fans after football and basketball victories. Delegates Charlene Marshall and Robert Beach, both Democrats, have introduced legislation that would make it a felony on second offense to either set, or incite someone else to set, fire to personal property in a public right of way. Currently, people can only be charged with a misdemeanor for illegal burning, which carries a maximum $1,000 fine. A felony offense would carry a possible $10,000 fine and up to three years in prison.

Where I went to college, we never had to worry about that sort of thing. You only burn couches after your football team wins. As you can probably figure out, the goal posts usually were pretty safe, too.

* * * * *

Again, from the West Virginia AP: Sen. Andy McKenzie wants to make voyeurism a criminal act. McKenzie, R-Ohio, said he will try to revive an old bill that would ban gazing at another person to arouse or gratify sexual desires. McKenzie said cell phone cameras and other technology have made it easier for people to peep at and record others as they undress in dressing rooms and locker rooms.

It's hard telling how many embarrassing photos are out there now because of cell phones. You can even get on the Web to find prominent people in (but not necessarily using) the bathroom. I guess some people find that stuff entertaining.

* * * * *

The governor of Indiana wants to have private companies pay for, build, operate and collect tolls on two new roads in that state.

Why not? Most of the Ohio River bridges in this area -- the old ones at least -- were built by private companies.