VERONIQUE DE RUGY: When the government tries to help small businesses, it hurts businesses (and taxpayers) of all sizes. “Public policy uncertainties also tend to decrease business investment. The health care overhaul will bring new but still unknown obligations to insure employees; the Bush-era tax cuts are set to end next year, but their fate is unclear; legislation aimed at tackling climate change could raise businesses’ energy costs. Meanwhile, as government spending increases, so do the chances of more taxes in the future. As a result, companies are freezing new hires, cutting benefits, and delaying expansion plans.”

“Just quit monkeying with things” is apparently not an economic program that appeals to our ruling class. Because then what would they do?