I can not begin to comprehend the minds that created the countless miles of laws, rules and regulations that govern virtually every movement and moment of our lives. I can’t comprehend the mind of the bureaucrat who sits and interprets said laws, rules and regulations.

Please don’t think I’m complaining about my lack of understanding. In all truth, truth being a rare quality in government since it walks hand in hand with common sense, I’m quite pleased that I’m so thickheaded.

Witness if you will the tale of Detlef and Marina Raddant. They own, if own is the correct terminology for a defunct business, the German Boy Bakery in St. Pete Beach, FL. Ten years ago, the Raddants obtained a visa that allowed them to leave their native Germany and come to the United States to start a business.

It sounds like the beginning of a great American success story, doesn’t it? A young couple dreams a magnificent dream of a better life, has a plan to achieve that dream in the land of opportunity, they set off to make their dream come true – and do it legally.

Growing a business from the ground up is not an easy thing. If anyone tells you that it is an easy thing, they have never tried to grow a business, are suffering from extreme memory lapses, or are so damned lucky they should have foregone the business and taken their lucky selves straight to Las Vegas and skipped all of the hard work, long hours, and stress.

The visa automatically expired 10 years after the couple moved to the U.S. from their native Berlin. Attempts to renew the visas in Germany in the beginning of the month were unsuccessful because the U.S. vice-consul in Frankfurt informed them their visas would instead be cancelled.

I don’t know Detlef and Marina Raddant. I have never purchased a loaf of bread or a pastry from The German Boy Bakery. I’ve never been in St. Pete Beach, FL. I know only the facts laid out in this Fox News report. In other words, I don’t have a dog in this fight. (Considering that dog fights are in the news that may prove to be an unfortunate choice of old saws.)

They say there are 12 million illegal immigrants in the US. That is 12 million people who crossed into our country without paying even lip service to the legalities of entry. That is 12 million people who will probably be granted amnesty and allowed to stay within our borders because the Powers That Be can find no other solution.

The German Boy Bakery stands empty now. Honesty is still its own reward.

It is Monday, July 30, 2007 and that is what is on my mind. Weigh in on the subject. I’d like to know what you’re thinking.

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