This is why

Want to know why the Tea Party, and I would say all sensible people, want a balanced budget and smaller government and adherence to the Constitution? This story:

Michael E. McLaughlin, who abruptly resigned as Chelsea housing director last month after his $360,000 salary was revealed, put in only 15 full workdays in Chelsea all year to earn his extraordinary paycheck, according to a Globe review of his work cellphone records.

The guy in the story may not be the norm, but neither is he unusual. Everyone who works for government, at any level, knows people like that guy. The colossal waste is not just with individuals, it's systemic.

This is why government should be shrinking, not expanding.