IN the midst of the worse financial crisis arguably since (a) 1987 (b) 1973-74 (c) 1929, The US Senate has served up the quintessential "Pork Pie" and once again demonstrated they just can't resist loading up crucial legislation with perks for their pals. (For a great analysis, check out this post from our pals at Hoosier Access)
$193M (USD) for PR Rum? Hey, I like a cocktail just as much as the next guy - maybe more - but c'mon! Captain Morgan and ol' Ron Bacardi already have a corner on the Rum market. I know, "one man's pork is another man's project" and everybody earmarks, yeah, yeah ... just not in this kind of bill. Let's just have a clean bill with a responsible - market approach to stabilizing this thing.
Markets hate uncertainty. These traders are big Dudes (and Dudettes) and they can take bad news with the good. So let's give them the rules they need to play by and get the heck outta the way! Remember, the markets work because there is an equilibrium between Greed and Fear. The more you are willing to risk, the more you can gain - or lose. So let the losers lose, lick their wounds, then get back in the pit and fight their way out.
Changing Gears for Just a Moment:
This just popped into my mind. Let's just think for a minute about what happens when the USG takes over all these bad mortgages. Who's gonna manage all these properties? Whose going to fix the broken windows? Mow the grass? The mortgage holders are responsible, you know. Are we going to set up another bureaucracy? Will we create the National Real Estate Management and Disposal Administration? Does anybody think the USG can actually do this?
What about taking ownership stakes in private companies? Do we have some third tier appointees at Treasury sitting on the corporate boards? Does the USG get veto authority over the compensation committee? May I remind you, fellow taxpayers, that the Post Office is run by government bureaucrats. Anyone care to take a stab at the last time they turned a profit? (So much for the taxpayer making money on this deal.)
Back on Message:
So these freakin' Senators lard up this bailout - which, come to think of it, shouldn't be a news flash - almost as shamelessly as they turned every bloody personal pet project into a "National Security Priority" after 9-11-01.
Then, they get everybody going on TV and screaming "the world as we know it will come to an end" if we don't pass this "crap sandwich" by Midnight! If the bill was so bad the first time, what makes it less bad now? It's the same friggin' bill except now they have provisions for mental health insurance parity, an AMT patch, and all that pork. Hey look, I'm willing to argue that some or all of these things may or may not be good things. They deserve to be debated and voted on ... maybe ... but not in this bill! In fact, I don't even think this is a good bill. There is nothing in here but a taxpayer funded government takeover of the credit/commercial paper markets ... and all that pork.
In the end:
Bad News: Do we lose some value in our 401(k)'s? Likely. Will we lose some jobs? Yep. Will the really rich guys still be really rich? Count on it.
Good News: Gas is getting cheaper because oil is falling below 90/bbl. which means that Chavez and the Arabs are losing their shirts. See, there's a silver lining in every cloud.
In closing, I find myself asking "Where are all the limited government, free-market conservatives?" I see all these pols on TV saying things like, "I'm a free-market conservative, and I just hate this thing, but ..." But what? You either believe in these principles or you don't Senators. Stand for something and think about the next generation instead of the next election ... or your next fix, you pantie wastes.
THIS JUST IN ... (UPDATED 3:31pm EST) from the LA Times: "The bill wending its way through Congress would provide tax breaks worth more than $470 million over the next decade for movie and TV producers that shoot in the U.S."
Folks, that's $47M (USD)/year to shoot TV in the USA. Well, color me stupid, don't they do most of that here anyway? Gawd, it just keeps getting "worser and worser" as time goes by. These guys really are worse than crack whores - and that's almost insulting to the crack whores. Does anyone still wonder why these guys have a 15% approval rating?
Showing posts with label Congress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Congress. Show all posts
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Wrong. Just Friggin' Wrong.
Congress set to bail out Wall Street on the backs of Main Street.
Fellow Flacks, Hacks, and Dumpster Diving Professionals ...
UPDATE! Well, friends, a few intrepid souls who actually Love America, Democracy, and the Free Enterprise System sent this cocktail of turkey entrails down the flusher. Congratulations to those brave Members of the House that voted against this terrible legislation - now let's get a solution that actually preserves the best principles of our Constitutionally Federated Representative Republic and the Free Markets that are the envy of the world! (G.O.D.)
Good Piece from Capitol Brief: Read it here.
You have got to be friggin' kidding me. One Trillion Dollars? How effin' much money is that? I can't even get my arms around that. Why not just give every adult citizen of the United States like $4 million bucks - problem solved. The government can even tax it and get half of it back. The stupid, brainless and genetically challenged among us will blow it all in a couple of years, the rest of us will pay all our bills and invest some of it, then blow some of it. The really smart will figure out a way to fleece the rest of us. Within a couple of years, everything will be back to normal.
I'm also not buying this idea that somehow the taxpayers are actually going to make money on this thing. When has government ever made money on anything? Oh sure, they'll tell you about Chrysler, and la-de-da ... remember the Airlines, anyone?
This bill, in the words of Minority Leader John Boehner, is a "crap sandwich" which it appears the rest of us are going to have to eat. All I can say is: "You want fries with that?"
Fellow Flacks, Hacks, and Dumpster Diving Professionals ...
UPDATE! Well, friends, a few intrepid souls who actually Love America, Democracy, and the Free Enterprise System sent this cocktail of turkey entrails down the flusher. Congratulations to those brave Members of the House that voted against this terrible legislation - now let's get a solution that actually preserves the best principles of our Constitutionally Federated Representative Republic and the Free Markets that are the envy of the world! (G.O.D.)
Good Piece from Capitol Brief: Read it here.
You have got to be friggin' kidding me. One Trillion Dollars? How effin' much money is that? I can't even get my arms around that. Why not just give every adult citizen of the United States like $4 million bucks - problem solved. The government can even tax it and get half of it back. The stupid, brainless and genetically challenged among us will blow it all in a couple of years, the rest of us will pay all our bills and invest some of it, then blow some of it. The really smart will figure out a way to fleece the rest of us. Within a couple of years, everything will be back to normal.
I'm also not buying this idea that somehow the taxpayers are actually going to make money on this thing. When has government ever made money on anything? Oh sure, they'll tell you about Chrysler, and la-de-da ... remember the Airlines, anyone?
This bill, in the words of Minority Leader John Boehner, is a "crap sandwich" which it appears the rest of us are going to have to eat. All I can say is: "You want fries with that?"
Monday, September 22, 2008
Death Knell for Conservatism?
Whatever happened to Less Government?
Fellow Flacks, Hacks, and Dumpster Divers:
On the eve of this monumental expansion of government's reach into our lives - to the tune of a trillion bucks, I thought it might be time for some reflection.We have come a long way from those heady days in 1995 when a Conservative House of Representatives led the country to balanced budgets, a $155 billion budget surplus, and seeking every opportunity to shrink the size and scope of the federal government somewhere closer to the Constitutional parameters set out in our Founding Documents. It was the zenith of the movement of Ronald Reagan and William F.Buckley, Jr.; of Peter Viereck, and Russell Kirk.
Today, the Republican Party is rocketing toward mediocrity.
Since 2000, The Republicans led the way in creating the largest bureaucracy since FDR; the largest expansion of entitlements if not since the new Deal, then certainly Johnson's "Great Society"; to a projected budget deficit of one half trillion dollars (that's trillion, with a "T"). Ol' Everett Dirksen wasn't even close when he opined: "A million here, a million there; pretty soon we're talkin' big money" . Anymore, a million dollars is a "round up error" to these guys.
The Conservatives in Congress, and I regret there are so few left (perhaps 30 or so true Movement Conservatives), have been largely marginalized. The legacy of Ronald Reagan, the leadership of Newt Gingrich and Dick Armey, the new ideas and fresh thinking of the RSC, are all just a fond memory of a time long ago when Republicans actually acted like Republicans, and Conservative ideology defined the parameters of the debate. Most Republicans can only be distinguished from their Democrat colleagues by their vote for Speaker.
Not that I can completely blame my malaise on the failure of the Republican Majority in the first years of this century at the feet of George W. Bush, he certainly had willing acolytes in both Chambers down Pennsylvania Avenue, but leadership does lead. The fact that the Congress didn't stand up and say "oops, wrong way" and redirect the ship back on course is also disappointing. To be fair, this Administration has faced some difficult and unprecedented challenges. Yet, I cannot but somehow believe that our conservative principles would have better addressed these challenges than a rush to infuse the federal leviathan with with even more nourishment.
The future is, well, "the future" and i do not know what lies across that horizon. I hope that better days are ahead for the Conservative Movement. Yet, I fear, there will be many dark days ahead before it is once again "Morning in America."
Fellow Flacks, Hacks, and Dumpster Divers:
On the eve of this monumental expansion of government's reach into our lives - to the tune of a trillion bucks, I thought it might be time for some reflection.We have come a long way from those heady days in 1995 when a Conservative House of Representatives led the country to balanced budgets, a $155 billion budget surplus, and seeking every opportunity to shrink the size and scope of the federal government somewhere closer to the Constitutional parameters set out in our Founding Documents. It was the zenith of the movement of Ronald Reagan and William F.Buckley, Jr.; of Peter Viereck, and Russell Kirk.
Today, the Republican Party is rocketing toward mediocrity.
Since 2000, The Republicans led the way in creating the largest bureaucracy since FDR; the largest expansion of entitlements if not since the new Deal, then certainly Johnson's "Great Society"; to a projected budget deficit of one half trillion dollars (that's trillion, with a "T"). Ol' Everett Dirksen wasn't even close when he opined: "A million here, a million there; pretty soon we're talkin' big money" . Anymore, a million dollars is a "round up error" to these guys.
The Conservatives in Congress, and I regret there are so few left (perhaps 30 or so true Movement Conservatives), have been largely marginalized. The legacy of Ronald Reagan, the leadership of Newt Gingrich and Dick Armey, the new ideas and fresh thinking of the RSC, are all just a fond memory of a time long ago when Republicans actually acted like Republicans, and Conservative ideology defined the parameters of the debate. Most Republicans can only be distinguished from their Democrat colleagues by their vote for Speaker.
Not that I can completely blame my malaise on the failure of the Republican Majority in the first years of this century at the feet of George W. Bush, he certainly had willing acolytes in both Chambers down Pennsylvania Avenue, but leadership does lead. The fact that the Congress didn't stand up and say "oops, wrong way" and redirect the ship back on course is also disappointing. To be fair, this Administration has faced some difficult and unprecedented challenges. Yet, I cannot but somehow believe that our conservative principles would have better addressed these challenges than a rush to infuse the federal leviathan with with even more nourishment.
The future is, well, "the future" and i do not know what lies across that horizon. I hope that better days are ahead for the Conservative Movement. Yet, I fear, there will be many dark days ahead before it is once again "Morning in America."
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
FINAL UPDATE: Is She or Isn't She? Yes. She is.
UPDATE: It's Official this time. CPD and all the networks/cable outlets are reporting that Rep Tubbs-Jones has passed away. RIP & God Bless.
----------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE: 3:21 pm EST. More from Michael Turk (www.twitter.com/michaelturk)
"Cleveland Plain Dealer reports Tubbs-Jones is now somewhere north of perfectly healthy, but somewhere south of dead."
----------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE: 3:10 pm EST. Tweet from Michael Turk (www.twitter.com/michaelturk)
"Stephanie Tubbs-Jones is
a) dead,
b) critical on life support,
c) stable but critical,
d) stable, or
e) actually an android from Planet X?"
We report. You choose.
Personally, I'm cool with "all of the above."
----------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE: 2:45 pm EST. Politico.com reports that, "Countering media reports of her death, a doctor for Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones says she is alive and on life support."
----------------------------------------------------------------
Politico.com reports that "sources have told the Cleveland Plain Dealer" that US Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH) has just died from an Aneurysm. CNN and Fox Business Network are also reporting same. Tubbs Jones was found unconscious behind the wheel of her automobile last night and rushed to an East Cleveland Hospital. She was 58.
----------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE: 3:21 pm EST. More from Michael Turk (www.twitter.com/michaelturk)
"Cleveland Plain Dealer reports Tubbs-Jones is now somewhere north of perfectly healthy, but somewhere south of dead."
----------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE: 3:10 pm EST. Tweet from Michael Turk (www.twitter.com/michaelturk)
"Stephanie Tubbs-Jones is
a) dead,
b) critical on life support,
c) stable but critical,
d) stable, or
e) actually an android from Planet X?"
We report. You choose.
Personally, I'm cool with "all of the above."
----------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE: 2:45 pm EST. Politico.com reports that, "Countering media reports of her death, a doctor for Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones says she is alive and on life support."
----------------------------------------------------------------
Politico.com reports that "sources have told the Cleveland Plain Dealer" that US Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH) has just died from an Aneurysm. CNN and Fox Business Network are also reporting same. Tubbs Jones was found unconscious behind the wheel of her automobile last night and rushed to an East Cleveland Hospital. She was 58.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Pelosi to America: "We Will Drill" (Well, we'll at least consider it.)
Speaker Pelosi Caves to Public Pressure (almost.)
More likely, she's getting an earful from her Caucus and, while she's not going to lose her re-election, that Democratic Caucus will vote for Speaker in the next session of Congress.
Dateline: Somewhere on the Save the Planet World Tour in between book signings.
THE Christian Science Monitor reports that Speaker Pelosi has reversed herself and will allow a vote on limited off-shore drilling. (8/17 edition)
More likely, she's getting an earful from her Caucus and, while she's not going to lose her re-election, that Democratic Caucus will vote for Speaker in the next session of Congress.
Dateline: Somewhere on the Save the Planet World Tour in between book signings.
THE Christian Science Monitor reports that Speaker Pelosi has reversed herself and will allow a vote on limited off-shore drilling. (8/17 edition)
In a shift on Saturday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that the House will take up comprehensive energy legislation next month that includes partially lifting the 1981 ban on offshore drilling.
“It will consider opening portions of the Outer Continental Shelf for drilling, with appropriate safeguards, and without taxpayer subsidies to Big Oil,” she said in the weekly Democratic radio address on Saturday.
You can read the whole article here.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Good Afternoon, Mr & Mrs America, and all the Ships at Sea ...
Dateline: Washington. This just in.
House GOP Leader Boehner points out that Dem leaders in the House are beginning to feel the heat from American Registered Likely Voters on the whole energy vote thing and are scrambling to come up with something that will allow them to "look like their voting for something."
Boehner points out in a blog post the likely Dem strategy to get a meaningless vote and then walk off the field:
While the GOPers in the House continue their Guerrilla Congress this week in Washington, the Dems are "strategerizing" how to fleece the American people (and the big, evil oil companies) Boehner points out:
House GOP Leader Boehner points out that Dem leaders in the House are beginning to feel the heat from American Registered Likely Voters on the whole energy vote thing and are scrambling to come up with something that will allow them to "look like their voting for something."
Boehner points out in a blog post the likely Dem strategy to get a meaningless vote and then walk off the field:
The Hill confirms that Speaker Pelosi’s latest rhetoric on oil and gas drilling “indicated that she’s made a tactical move, not an unconditional surrender.” In reality, she has no intention of providing Members on both sides of the aisle the opportunity to vote on meaningful legislation to increase production of American energy to help reduce gas prices. Rather, she and her Democratic colleagues are preparing to load up a potential bill with poison pills that will continue to deny the American people of the increased energy production they expect and deserve.
While the GOPers in the House continue their Guerrilla Congress this week in Washington, the Dems are "strategerizing" how to fleece the American people (and the big, evil oil companies) Boehner points out:
As House Democrats determine their next move against a real vote on lower fuel costs, Americans are right to be skeptical. After all, the Speaker has derailed the FY 2009 appropriations process in order to avoid a vote on the GOP’s “all of the above” energy plan, used parliamentary trickery to avoid Republican amendments to bolster American energy production, and blocked consideration of the American Energy Act (H.R. 6566), the House Republicans’ comprehensive bill to increase production of American energy, promote more conservation and efficiency, and encourage the use of more alternative and renewable fuels.
Families and small businesses feeling the pain at the pump can be sure that the Speaker has more tricks up her sleeve to stop the production of more American energy.
How much longer, Madame Speaker? Americans will not wait until next year, not even next month. Do the right thing: Call Congress back for a single up or down vote on a freely debated, open rule, comprehensive energy bill.
GOP's Guerrilla Congress to Pelosi: "Hey, We're Still Here!"
The Battle of Ideas Continues! Meanwhile, Pelosi continues hawking "really bad" book.
Dateline: Washington. While Speaker Pelosi continues her "Save the Planet" world tour, hawking her critically panned new book and Michael Phelps continues his charge for 8 Olympic Golds - House GOPers continue on their relentless fight to move America toward Energy Independence.
House Republicans are once again gathering on the House floor to continue their fight for a vote on the American Energy Act. House Republicans and the overwhelming majority of the American People believe that Speaker Pelosi should cancel her book tour and immediately reconvene the House so that we can pass a bill to lower the cost of gasoline and energy.
This morning, at 11:00 a.m., House Republicans will continue to deliver their message directly to the American people on the House floor. So, if you happen to be in Washington today, drop by and be a part of the historic National discussion that the GOPers are engaging in.
H/T GOP Whip's floor assistant (What a hard-working guy ...)
Dateline: Washington. While Speaker Pelosi continues her "Save the Planet" world tour, hawking her critically panned new book and Michael Phelps continues his charge for 8 Olympic Golds - House GOPers continue on their relentless fight to move America toward Energy Independence.
House Republicans are once again gathering on the House floor to continue their fight for a vote on the American Energy Act. House Republicans and the overwhelming majority of the American People believe that Speaker Pelosi should cancel her book tour and immediately reconvene the House so that we can pass a bill to lower the cost of gasoline and energy.
This morning, at 11:00 a.m., House Republicans will continue to deliver their message directly to the American people on the House floor. So, if you happen to be in Washington today, drop by and be a part of the historic National discussion that the GOPers are engaging in.
H/T GOP Whip's floor assistant (What a hard-working guy ...)
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Those Pesky Republicans
Dateline: Washington. This just in from the GOP Whip's floor assistant.
Republicans remain on the Floor, committed to fighting for lower energy costs.
As Democrats adjourned for a five-week vacation, 105 Republican Members, over half of our conference, have taken to the House floor to speak directly to the Americans visiting our nation’s Capitol. Thousands continue to cheer as House Republicans continue fighting for a vote to produce more American-made energy and reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil.
What will it take for the Speaker to realize that she needs to allow a vote on increased American Production and help America’s families?
Not a single House Democrat has returned from vacation and Speaker Pelosi continues her book tour. (BTW, for those of you keeping track: Of 124 reviews on Amazon.com, 106 rate the book at 1 star of possible 5 - at this rate she'll have to pull a Jim Wright to sell enough to break even.)
Republicans remain on the Floor, committed to fighting for lower energy costs.
As Democrats adjourned for a five-week vacation, 105 Republican Members, over half of our conference, have taken to the House floor to speak directly to the Americans visiting our nation’s Capitol. Thousands continue to cheer as House Republicans continue fighting for a vote to produce more American-made energy and reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil.
What will it take for the Speaker to realize that she needs to allow a vote on increased American Production and help America’s families?
Not a single House Democrat has returned from vacation and Speaker Pelosi continues her book tour. (BTW, for those of you keeping track: Of 124 reviews on Amazon.com, 106 rate the book at 1 star of possible 5 - at this rate she'll have to pull a Jim Wright to sell enough to break even.)
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Lemme freshen that drink, pal!
Just in case you needed a refresher:
Promise: “This leadership team will create the most honest, most open, and most ethical Congress in history” – Speaker-Elect Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), November 2006.
See Post below.
Promise: “This leadership team will create the most honest, most open, and most ethical Congress in history” – Speaker-Elect Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), November 2006.
See Post below.
Another "Say" one thing, "Do" another moment
Yet another example of the most ethical Congress in history...
GOP Leader John Boehner exposes yet another example of the hypocrisy of the Pelosi led Congress in his blog. Read the whole post here.
GOP Leader John Boehner exposes yet another example of the hypocrisy of the Pelosi led Congress in his blog. Read the whole post here.
Monday, August 11, 2008
NACNY PELOSI is in bed with Boone Pickens!!!
Speaker is investor in CLNE ... no wonder she does not want drilling in America.
Here's one you will not see on the Evening News on ABC, CBS, NBC or CNN et al. Read the whole story here.
Trust me, fellow flacks, hacks and others of questionable repute, I am not against people being rich. I love investors and investments. I want to be financially secure in my dotage. But, what really honks me off is people like Pelosi who say one thing, but do another, and get personal financial gain in the process. Don't get me wrong, Nancy is completely free to invest in Pickens' company. But to say that we need to increase the use of alternative (wind/solar/geo-thermal, etc.) energy and not allow a vote on drilling is just shameless - especially as millions of Americans continue to struggle with high gas and oil prices, and the prospect of the winter heating season looming just around the seasonal corner. It's one thing to cut back on driving, it's completely another to freeze all winter.
Another example of the "most ethical" Congress in history?
Here's one you will not see on the Evening News on ABC, CBS, NBC or CNN et al. Read the whole story here.
Trust me, fellow flacks, hacks and others of questionable repute, I am not against people being rich. I love investors and investments. I want to be financially secure in my dotage. But, what really honks me off is people like Pelosi who say one thing, but do another, and get personal financial gain in the process. Don't get me wrong, Nancy is completely free to invest in Pickens' company. But to say that we need to increase the use of alternative (wind/solar/geo-thermal, etc.) energy and not allow a vote on drilling is just shameless - especially as millions of Americans continue to struggle with high gas and oil prices, and the prospect of the winter heating season looming just around the seasonal corner. It's one thing to cut back on driving, it's completely another to freeze all winter.
Another example of the "most ethical" Congress in history?
Drive-by ME-dia is irrelevant. Pence: We don't need the Main Stream Media.
New video from Business & Media Institute on the GOPer's take: MSM is irrelevant (where have you heard that before?)
Indiana GOPer Mike Pence says: "New media is taking this message to the country."
Another Indiana GOPer, Rep Dan Burton, suggests McCain should engage in the debate and call on Comrade Pelosi to bring everyone back for a vote.
Indiana GOPer Mike Pence says: "New media is taking this message to the country."
Another Indiana GOPer, Rep Dan Burton, suggests McCain should engage in the debate and call on Comrade Pelosi to bring everyone back for a vote.
New Video from GOP Guerrilla Congress
This just in from the redstate.com video vault. Members describe lack of participation from the "other side of the aisle" and they're naming names! Plus, "What you can do" to carry the message beyond the darkened Halls of Congress.
View Indiana GOPers Burton and Pence, among others, on the Guerrilla Congress energy debate here!
View Indiana GOPers Burton and Pence, among others, on the Guerrilla Congress energy debate here!
Friday, August 8, 2008
DATELINE: Washington ... GOP says " We're here, and we're waiting."
This just in from the GOP Whip's Floor Assistant:
"As the high cost of gasoline continues to cripple the American family, Speaker Pelosi goes forth with her vital book tour (Amazon.com rank #1,431).
Meanwhile, House Republicans will take to the Floor at 10 am to call on the Speaker to convene the House for an up-or-down vote on the American Energy Act, which will increase the supply of American-made energy, improve conservation and efficiency, and promote new and expanding energy technologies to help lower the price at the pump and reduce America’s increasingly costly and dangerous dependence on foreign sources of energy. "
Republicans to America: We're here, we're waiting, we're ready to vote on real energy reform. Where are the Dems?
UPDATED 10:42AM from Whip's Floor Asst: "As Speaker Pelosi autographs copies of her book, our Republican Leader, Rep. Boehner, will take to the floor in 10 minutes to demand an up-or-down vote to increase American energy production."
"As the high cost of gasoline continues to cripple the American family, Speaker Pelosi goes forth with her vital book tour (Amazon.com rank #1,431).
Meanwhile, House Republicans will take to the Floor at 10 am to call on the Speaker to convene the House for an up-or-down vote on the American Energy Act, which will increase the supply of American-made energy, improve conservation and efficiency, and promote new and expanding energy technologies to help lower the price at the pump and reduce America’s increasingly costly and dangerous dependence on foreign sources of energy. "
Republicans to America: We're here, we're waiting, we're ready to vote on real energy reform. Where are the Dems?
UPDATED 10:42AM from Whip's Floor Asst: "As Speaker Pelosi autographs copies of her book, our Republican Leader, Rep. Boehner, will take to the floor in 10 minutes to demand an up-or-down vote to increase American energy production."
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Well, we tried to stay out of it, but ...
Well, we were sitting around the WPBC HQ, spinning up some frozen drinks in the ol' Osterizer, when the Twitterfeed went nuts, and the Blogs started going spastic, and generally speaking, our quiet little world started falling apart. There was more pinging and bell-ringing going on than a gay pride parade.
Seems those nutty GOP Congressman weren't so nutty after all. What the "Drive-by ME-dia" reported (rather scarcely) as a "political stunt" has turned into an all-out internet/new media revolution! (Proving yet again: The Main Stream Media is increasingly irrelevant.)
dontgo.us and callbackcongress.com, along with several (as in dozens) of Blogs, "Media Lizzy" Blackney, and thousands of just plain ol' Americans are on the floor of the US House, in the dark, without microphones or C-SPAN, just having a national conversation on energy via the Internet. It is an amazing thing to watch. Folks have been sneaking in camera phones and posting video clips to the 'net. (FYI, our fellow Tweeting flacks @kurtluidhardt and @krisluidhardt are on the floor as we write sending out updates and posting to their blog (BTW, throw us a bone and crosspost a few of those will ya?)
What the Drive-by ME-dia can't (or likely won't) report, these intrepid new media hacks are scooping and driving a grassroots potential uprising over the issue of giving the Members of Congress an up or down vote on comprehensive Energy Reform legislation. Sounds pretty logical to us here at the WPBC - even if we have had a few fruity concoctions of questionable recipe.
So we say, Keep Going! Crank it up! This is great stuff. BTW, We all logged on to sign the petition.
Seems those nutty GOP Congressman weren't so nutty after all. What the "Drive-by ME-dia" reported (rather scarcely) as a "political stunt" has turned into an all-out internet/new media revolution! (Proving yet again: The Main Stream Media is increasingly irrelevant.)
dontgo.us and callbackcongress.com, along with several (as in dozens) of Blogs, "Media Lizzy" Blackney, and thousands of just plain ol' Americans are on the floor of the US House, in the dark, without microphones or C-SPAN, just having a national conversation on energy via the Internet. It is an amazing thing to watch. Folks have been sneaking in camera phones and posting video clips to the 'net. (FYI, our fellow Tweeting flacks @kurtluidhardt and @krisluidhardt are on the floor as we write sending out updates and posting to their blog (BTW, throw us a bone and crosspost a few of those will ya?)
What the Drive-by ME-dia can't (or likely won't) report, these intrepid new media hacks are scooping and driving a grassroots potential uprising over the issue of giving the Members of Congress an up or down vote on comprehensive Energy Reform legislation. Sounds pretty logical to us here at the WPBC - even if we have had a few fruity concoctions of questionable recipe.
So we say, Keep Going! Crank it up! This is great stuff. BTW, We all logged on to sign the petition.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
"Dr. Death": Kevorkian to run for Congress
Members are warned! Don't drink the Pink Kool-Aid!
Only in Washington, DC ...
See the Wonkette's full story here:
http://wonkette.com/366975/dr-kevorkian-to-kill-opponents-run-for-congress
Only in Washington, DC ...
See the Wonkette's full story here:
http://wonkette.com/366975/dr-kevorkian-to-kill-opponents-run-for-congress
Sunday, March 9, 2008
In Dennis They Trust
After extensive electronic browbeating from Rick Wilson, I am now surfacing to draft my first post to this august blog. And I will begin with a subject that, for better or for worse, is intimately familiar to me: Dennis Kucinich.
As I have been going around telling people since returning to Cleveland in January from my yearlong vacation (fully paid by the federal government) in Southwest Asia during 2007, Dennis will win - with a majority of the vote - his five-way primary for the Democratic nomination on March 4. And history (or at least the voters of the district I know so well) has again proven what an astute observer of Northeast Ohio politics your dear author is...and humble, too.
The only difference this time was the fundraising. Despite truckloads of dollars being thrown at Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman, the annointed candidate of "official Cleveland" (who doesn't even live in the 10th District), Dennis emerged victorious. Something almost made me want to cheer for him as the election approached, if for no other reason than to verify that my own failure to defeat him in the 2006 general election had nothing to do with the (very) modest size of our warchest and everything to do with the hold he has on the electorate in this district (and to give our 2008 nominee, former State Representative Jim Trakas, the best chance of winning in November). Even as scores of Republican friends of mine pulled Dem ballots last Tuesday so they could "vote against Dennis" (not to mention to vote for Hillary to keep that delicious nomination fight going), Dennis demonstrated anew the affection West Siders have for him. Indeed, that unbridled adoration for Cleveland's former "Boy Mayor" baffles those of us who have fought to defend this country, understand the benefits of limited government and lower taxes, and know in our bones that any further expansions of the welfare state (whether socialized medicine, manditory pre-school, or the other socialist proposals Dennis promotes) will break our nation.
But then the story took an even more bizarre turn. I was in Washington this past week for my first drill weekend back with the Navy Reserve unit I serve with and to connect with some old colleauges. I also attended the annual State of Ohio Birthday Celebration at the Library of Congress. As I was making a circuit of the room, who do I see but the good Congressman from Ohio 10? So, I walked up to him and experienced pol that he is, it took only a moment for him to realize who I was (although we happened into one another exactly twice on the campaign trail in 2006, since he refused to debate me at the City Club of Cleveland or elsewhere). He was quite charming, asking, "what are you doing now," etc. When I reminded him that I had recently returned from a 12-month tour in Iraq, the man who has railed against the Bush Adminstration and its so-called "illegal" war, refused to support a 9/11 commemorative resolution, and appeared on Syrian state television to denounce the country in whose national legislative body he holds a seat, he thanked me no fewer than three times in about a 90 second conversation for my service. Apparently, the small role I played in the war wasn't illegal, but was something for which gratitude should be shown by a Member of Congress. Interesting, that.
So, it's good to be back in the land of Dennis, surreal as it usually is. Perhaps one day the people of Greater Cleveland will realize what they continue to do to our region by sending this man to represent our interests in Washington. When they figure that out, I'll be here to step "once more into the breach, dear friends."
But for now, I must sign off. One of the other great joys of the North Coast visited our fair region this weekend - a late winter snowstorm. And there is about 15 inches of the white stuff to move from one location to another outside my house. So, get out your shovels, kids, and stay tuned for my next post!
As I have been going around telling people since returning to Cleveland in January from my yearlong vacation (fully paid by the federal government) in Southwest Asia during 2007, Dennis will win - with a majority of the vote - his five-way primary for the Democratic nomination on March 4. And history (or at least the voters of the district I know so well) has again proven what an astute observer of Northeast Ohio politics your dear author is...and humble, too.
The only difference this time was the fundraising. Despite truckloads of dollars being thrown at Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman, the annointed candidate of "official Cleveland" (who doesn't even live in the 10th District), Dennis emerged victorious. Something almost made me want to cheer for him as the election approached, if for no other reason than to verify that my own failure to defeat him in the 2006 general election had nothing to do with the (very) modest size of our warchest and everything to do with the hold he has on the electorate in this district (and to give our 2008 nominee, former State Representative Jim Trakas, the best chance of winning in November). Even as scores of Republican friends of mine pulled Dem ballots last Tuesday so they could "vote against Dennis" (not to mention to vote for Hillary to keep that delicious nomination fight going), Dennis demonstrated anew the affection West Siders have for him. Indeed, that unbridled adoration for Cleveland's former "Boy Mayor" baffles those of us who have fought to defend this country, understand the benefits of limited government and lower taxes, and know in our bones that any further expansions of the welfare state (whether socialized medicine, manditory pre-school, or the other socialist proposals Dennis promotes) will break our nation.
But then the story took an even more bizarre turn. I was in Washington this past week for my first drill weekend back with the Navy Reserve unit I serve with and to connect with some old colleauges. I also attended the annual State of Ohio Birthday Celebration at the Library of Congress. As I was making a circuit of the room, who do I see but the good Congressman from Ohio 10? So, I walked up to him and experienced pol that he is, it took only a moment for him to realize who I was (although we happened into one another exactly twice on the campaign trail in 2006, since he refused to debate me at the City Club of Cleveland or elsewhere). He was quite charming, asking, "what are you doing now," etc. When I reminded him that I had recently returned from a 12-month tour in Iraq, the man who has railed against the Bush Adminstration and its so-called "illegal" war, refused to support a 9/11 commemorative resolution, and appeared on Syrian state television to denounce the country in whose national legislative body he holds a seat, he thanked me no fewer than three times in about a 90 second conversation for my service. Apparently, the small role I played in the war wasn't illegal, but was something for which gratitude should be shown by a Member of Congress. Interesting, that.
So, it's good to be back in the land of Dennis, surreal as it usually is. Perhaps one day the people of Greater Cleveland will realize what they continue to do to our region by sending this man to represent our interests in Washington. When they figure that out, I'll be here to step "once more into the breach, dear friends."
But for now, I must sign off. One of the other great joys of the North Coast visited our fair region this weekend - a late winter snowstorm. And there is about 15 inches of the white stuff to move from one location to another outside my house. So, get out your shovels, kids, and stay tuned for my next post!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Roger & Me ... and when Baseball was just a game.
First, let me just say that I am a Cubs fan. Huge Chicago Cubs fan. Huge.
My Christmas Stocking is Chicago Cubs Blue with the big red "C" embroidered on the white fur trim. I wanted to name my firstborn Ron Ernie Ryne Fergie Billy Sammy, but the Mrs. was hearing nothing of that. Having said that ...
I want to try to clarify what happened yesterday in the Oversight and Government Reform Committee Hearing. For those who've been living in a cave or were heavily sedated over the past 21 hours, there was this little thing about baseball players and steroids in which "The Boss" said repeatedly – a fact that is unfortunately not being widely reported – that if Roger Clemens used steroids (or HGH or whatever) and he’s lied about it under oath he should be indicted, tried and if found guilty punished. The bigger point that got missed was his assertion that the Committee had a whole lot of other, much more important, things it could be doing than this.
Mr. Burton’s point yesterday was not to defend Mr. Clemens per se but to suggest that Brian McNamee seems to have a long history of lying and that the Mitchell investigators should have done more due diligence to verify McNamee’s story before destroying Clemen’s reputation by publishing his name in the report. Seems fair to me.
After the report’s release more evidence has come to light that both casts doubt and reinforces McNamee’s story but all of that is after the fact. If - and, in my opinion, that's a big "if" - at the end of the day it turns out that Clemens is in fact innocent, how does he get his reputation back?
That's a good question. If this McNamee is being "less than totally honest" about this stuff (likely) and was planning to say, I dunno, write a book about it (plausible), why not take the chance to smear this guy since the likelihood of anybody going to jail over this is remote. This was a circus from the outset. It was always meant to be a circus, in my opinion. I mean, c'mon, the media is even questionning whether or not the staffers that got an autograph or a picture with the "Rocket" violated the ethics rules! Are you kidding me? This was the hottest ticket in town and the press corps was looking to write about anything. CNBC, you know, the business channel, preempted it's schedule to carry the OGRC hearing. There were a ton of other hearings going on yesterday and I assure you the other hearing rooms were largely empty.
This is the kind of stuff that happens when games become businesses, and businesses become huge corporations, and huge corporations want to make money. This happens when guys who used to play for the love of the game, now play for contracts and endorsement packages. That's why it's a big deal on Capitol Hill and, I suppose, on CNBC.
When Baseball was just a game ...
I remember a time, as Carlin said, "before you were born, remember kids?" when Baseball was just a game. Really great baseball players played because they loved the game and we watched because we loved to watch them play the game.
As a Little Leaguer, I wanted to be just like my Dad (who played Minor League ball and was a college roomie of Twins Great Bobby Allison). I wanted to play first base. When I got a bit older I wanted to be just like Ernie Banks. When it was clear that I didn't have the stretch to play first, I tried third and wanted to be like Ron Santo. When I got relegated to the outfield, I wanted to be Billy Williams. The point is, all these guys were real hero-types. These were players whose number you wanted to wear on your Little League jersey (back when they actually were Jerseys and not tee shirts).
I remember sitting in the visitors dugout at the old Comiskey Park before the game with Bobby Allison, Harmon Killebrew and Tony Oliva and watching them stand there and sign autographs for what seemed like an eternity. There were all these kids hanging over the rail and all three of them just walked down the edge of the stands near the dugout signing away. You hardly see that anymore. You see those ballplayers didn't care if they made money off their autographs.
It was a magical time.
I really hope that my son and I have that same kind of magic again when his son is old enough to go out to "the Vic" or up to 1060 West Addison with his Dad and Grandpa. There is nothing more perfect than a Vienna Red Hot on a summer afternoon with Dad at Wrigley - especially when the Cubs win.
I write about this nobler time to point out that we should remember what Baseball is really all about. It's not about what Waxman, et al, flogged the Nation with yesterday. No, the really important thing wasn't what happened yesterday, the really important thing is what's happening today...
The Pitchers and Catchers report to Spring Training today! It will not be long until the two greatest words in sports return and it's time, once again, to "Play Ball!"
My Christmas Stocking is Chicago Cubs Blue with the big red "C" embroidered on the white fur trim. I wanted to name my firstborn Ron Ernie Ryne Fergie Billy Sammy, but the Mrs. was hearing nothing of that. Having said that ...
I want to try to clarify what happened yesterday in the Oversight and Government Reform Committee Hearing. For those who've been living in a cave or were heavily sedated over the past 21 hours, there was this little thing about baseball players and steroids in which "The Boss" said repeatedly – a fact that is unfortunately not being widely reported – that if Roger Clemens used steroids (or HGH or whatever) and he’s lied about it under oath he should be indicted, tried and if found guilty punished. The bigger point that got missed was his assertion that the Committee had a whole lot of other, much more important, things it could be doing than this.
Mr. Burton’s point yesterday was not to defend Mr. Clemens per se but to suggest that Brian McNamee seems to have a long history of lying and that the Mitchell investigators should have done more due diligence to verify McNamee’s story before destroying Clemen’s reputation by publishing his name in the report. Seems fair to me.
After the report’s release more evidence has come to light that both casts doubt and reinforces McNamee’s story but all of that is after the fact. If - and, in my opinion, that's a big "if" - at the end of the day it turns out that Clemens is in fact innocent, how does he get his reputation back?
That's a good question. If this McNamee is being "less than totally honest" about this stuff (likely) and was planning to say, I dunno, write a book about it (plausible), why not take the chance to smear this guy since the likelihood of anybody going to jail over this is remote. This was a circus from the outset. It was always meant to be a circus, in my opinion. I mean, c'mon, the media is even questionning whether or not the staffers that got an autograph or a picture with the "Rocket" violated the ethics rules! Are you kidding me? This was the hottest ticket in town and the press corps was looking to write about anything. CNBC, you know, the business channel, preempted it's schedule to carry the OGRC hearing. There were a ton of other hearings going on yesterday and I assure you the other hearing rooms were largely empty.
This is the kind of stuff that happens when games become businesses, and businesses become huge corporations, and huge corporations want to make money. This happens when guys who used to play for the love of the game, now play for contracts and endorsement packages. That's why it's a big deal on Capitol Hill and, I suppose, on CNBC.
When Baseball was just a game ...
I remember a time, as Carlin said, "before you were born, remember kids?" when Baseball was just a game. Really great baseball players played because they loved the game and we watched because we loved to watch them play the game.
As a Little Leaguer, I wanted to be just like my Dad (who played Minor League ball and was a college roomie of Twins Great Bobby Allison). I wanted to play first base. When I got a bit older I wanted to be just like Ernie Banks. When it was clear that I didn't have the stretch to play first, I tried third and wanted to be like Ron Santo. When I got relegated to the outfield, I wanted to be Billy Williams. The point is, all these guys were real hero-types. These were players whose number you wanted to wear on your Little League jersey (back when they actually were Jerseys and not tee shirts).
I remember sitting in the visitors dugout at the old Comiskey Park before the game with Bobby Allison, Harmon Killebrew and Tony Oliva and watching them stand there and sign autographs for what seemed like an eternity. There were all these kids hanging over the rail and all three of them just walked down the edge of the stands near the dugout signing away. You hardly see that anymore. You see those ballplayers didn't care if they made money off their autographs.
It was a magical time.
I really hope that my son and I have that same kind of magic again when his son is old enough to go out to "the Vic" or up to 1060 West Addison with his Dad and Grandpa. There is nothing more perfect than a Vienna Red Hot on a summer afternoon with Dad at Wrigley - especially when the Cubs win.
I write about this nobler time to point out that we should remember what Baseball is really all about. It's not about what Waxman, et al, flogged the Nation with yesterday. No, the really important thing wasn't what happened yesterday, the really important thing is what's happening today...
The Pitchers and Catchers report to Spring Training today! It will not be long until the two greatest words in sports return and it's time, once again, to "Play Ball!"
Thank God.
UPDATE: NEW YORK TIMES, Dateline, WASHINGTON: "The day before the Mitchell report was released, Brian McNamee lied to investigators for Roger Clemens when he told them that federal authorities had additional evidence about Clemens’s use of performance-enhancing drugs. McNamee’s lawyer said Thursday that McNamee made up the story in order to explain his own discussions with the authorities."
Ummm, does the phrase, "I told you so" apply here?
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