On this Independence Day weekend, we ought to consider the value of "consent of the governed." The Allegheny Institute says that some public officials in one western Pennsylvania county aren't taking too highly to that idea.

"We are taught in this country that government exists for the benefit of the voters, citizens and taxpayers. If voters think reducing the size of government is a reasonable trade for getting lower taxes, why does Council believe it should stand in the way?"

Read more here (PDF).