Who said foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds? Republicans in North Carolina certainly appear untethered by consistency when it comes to the relationship between government and the private sector.

Nationally, Republicans are in a frenzy about the Obama administration’s policy toward business.  Socialism, they thunder. The very idea of the federal government taking over GM, firing the CEO and telling a carmaker how to make cars!

Meanwhile, Republican legislators in Raleigh are hell-bent on the state of North Carolina taking over a dam run by Alcoa.

Please explain the difference.