The economic misery continues, this time thanks to the predictable results of the massive government takeover known as Obamacare. The Orlando Sentinel reports on the parent company of several major chains such as Olive Garden. Frankly, I can’t blame the folks at Darden Restaurants who are trying to keep from being smothered by government.

In an emailed statement, Darden said staffing changes are “just one of the many things we are evaluating to help us address the cost implications health care reform will have on our business. There are still many unanswered questions regarding the health care regulations and we simply do not have enough information to make any decisions at this time.”

Analysts say many other companies, including the White Castle hamburger chain, are considering employing fewer full-timers because of key features of the Affordable Care Act scheduled to go into effect in 2014. Under that law, large companies must provide affordable health insurance to employees working an average of at least 30 hours per week.

If they do not, the companies can face fines of up to $3,000 for each employee who then turns to an exchange — an online marketplace — for insurance.

Meantime, 54% of likely voters favor repeal of the monstrous web of regulations and costs.