Here we go again. From its inception, this administration has used fear to get its way. If we don't do its bidding and pass its bills instantly, catastrophe will befall us.

So Congress is pressured to pass things it knows nothing about and vote on measures it has never read.

If they don't do that, Chicken Little warns, surely the sky will fall. The problem is that these poor misguided congress people pay no attention to what will happen if they DO pass the bill.

How many trillions of dollars will we have to borrow or print to shore up the mess created by taking over health or banking or automobiles or whatever? All our legislators are told is that we must act now. Do something. Anything.

Thus far, there has been no evidence that any of these fly-by-night schemes has created jobs, eliminated debts and bankruptcies or helped in any measure. There have been a few caution mongers -- Congressman John Boehner comes to mind -- but the naysayers and thoughtful people are outnumbered.

So these bills tend to pass, and our unborn descendants cringe in their wombs. They will have to pay the piper if the piper still has breath a generation from now.

The latest folly is what is called "cap-and-trade." Ostensibly this little maneuver will save the world from global warming, return our nation to the land of the good guys and cost a negligible amount -- less than $200 per year is forecast. And, in short order, like the health plan, it will pay for itself and develop jobs, jobs, jobs, to quote that grinning Cheshire cat, Nancy Pelosi.

Of course, more knowledgeable and logical heads predict it will do the reverse of what is promised. It will cost jobs and effectively place a burdensome tax on everyone who flicks a light switch.

Once again we are offered smooth talk and high aims. Who can fault trying to save polar bears? Not me. I like polar bears, but I'm not sure cap-and-trade is their salvation. I also do not trust Al Gore. I have read so many conflicting stories about global warming I remain totally confused. The people who write these conflicting theories are experts: scientists and climatologists of high standing who disagree totally. Where does that leave us lowly laypersons?

Confused.

There is another problem: Neither China nor Russia is willing to follow our lead, so the effect of our battle with global warming (if, in fact, it is controllable) is minimal at best. But the cost is not minimal, and the proposals are the results of the thoughts of nonexperts , know-nothings who do little more than talk and spend money.

Why are the know-nothings not advocating drilling for oil within our own borders? That is guaranteed to create jobs and lower our dependency on people who don't like us. Of course it does not put more power in the White House. Why are we not emulating France and building more nuclear power stations? That will create jobs and lower carbon emissions. But it will not put more power in the White House.

We must not forget that the Obamas and the Pelosis and the Reids and the Barney Franks will not suffer, no matter what plan goes into effect. Their pensions and health plans and futures are secure; their fat-cat perks are guaranteed beyond the wildest dreams of our founding fathers. So all they care about is power, power, power.

It is time for us to tell these people to stop. Pause, take time out and think about the greatest nation on earth with the finest health care in the world and a time-honored capitalistic society that has worked far better than any other. It is time to tell that crowd in the White House and Congress that they are there to serve us.

And their jobs are temporary.

Allan Jefferys, a former New York theater critic and newsman, lives in Pinehurst. Contact him at oldjeff@embarqmail.com.