The big campaign flap these days concerns Mitt Romney’s relationship with Bain Capital after 1999. He was listed in official documents as the company’s CEO and sole owner for several years after 1999 until 2002, years in which some company activities caused job losses and outsourcing. But he claims that since he wasn’t actually active in company management in these years, he was not responsible for these policies.

Is he kidding?

Who lets his or her name be listed as a company CEO and sole owner, but doesn’t take responsibility for that company’s actions? Could you get away with that? Could anyone?

With fancy titles comes responsibilities. If the company’s policies go terribly awry, whether or not legal blow back comes into play, the listed CEO/Owner’s name and reputation are invariably, inevitably, and appropriately at risk. Is this really a debatable point?

The underlying theme of conservative politics these days is individual responsibility. Cutting back on food stamps? Conservatives say recipients must learn to be more self-reliant, less dependent, take personal responsibility for their own feeding. For their own health care needs. Indeed, for their own right to vote.

So, Mr. Romney. You gave your name to Bain after 1999? You were its CEO and sole owner? Suck it up, mister. Take personal responsibility. Cause a real conservative’s gotta do, what a real conservative’s gotta do.