Three items today: Bonuses at outfits that take government money.  Squeeze those rich folks.  And look! Republicans offer a sensible plan.

First, those bonuses. Fox News ran a story about college coaches who earn millions while their schools are on the dole.  The University of Kentucky, for instance, just signed an eight-year, $32 million package with its basketball coach.  Ah, but UK was running out of money a few months ago.

It no doubt will get help from the state.  And the state has its hand out for billions in bailout money from Washington.  Sure, sure, nobody will admit that any bailout money will go directly to the college.  But the principal is the same.  The college needs state and federal money to survive.  Still, it shells out millions to its basketball coach.

I am not suggesting our Congress should set coaches’ pay.  But if it should not, it should not set pay at companies it sends bailout funds to either. There is no question our colleges would fall on their faces if Washington withdrew the billions it loans to students.  And the billions it funnels to the campuses in one program or another, direct and indirect.

When government treats recipients differently it says a lot about motives.

Second, let’s squeeze those rich folks.  That is the attitude amongst politicians today.  It will hurt charities across the fruited plain.  But that is something many on the left will enjoy.

The federal government is going to raise income taxes on the high earners.  In addition it is going to reduce what they may deduct when they donate money to charities and non-profits.  Meanwhile, various states are also raising their taxes on the high earners.

It is those high earners, not government, who will rebuild our economy.  By investing in new ventures. By risking their money in expansions.  Message for clueless politicians: The more you tax them, the less investing they will do.  And the slower our expansion will be.  If you do not believe that read something called History.  As far back as you want to go.

Now when you tax these folks more they will also cut back on donations.  They will do this for a simple reason.  Government will have taken more of their money.  Which will leave less to give away.