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The First Consequence of the GOP's Stimulus Stonewall
We knew there would repercussions for the GOP's decision to vote against the stimulus bill en masse (provided that the economy improves), but I definitely didn't think it would be this quick. A Republican congressman in Louisiana's 2nd district, which is reliably Democratic, is facing a recall petition because of his No vote.
The kicker? The congressman is Anh "Joseph" Cao, one of a very small group of minority lawmakers in the GOP and a man who's victory in a special election caused House Minority Leader John Boehner to crow "The Future is Cao."
Cao originally promised to vote for the stimulus bill, saying, "I'm voting along what my conscience dictates and the needs of the 2nd Congressional District dictate, even if I were to be the only member of the GOP to vote for the stimulus package." He was goaded into changing his vote by the Republican leadership. Now his failure of conscience may cost him.
Update: Some interesting numbers, in light of this topic: "The [approval rating] for Congressional Democrats is at 49%-45%, while Republicans are at 33%-59%.... Only 30% say Obama hasn't done enough to cooperate with Republicans in Congress -- the GOP base vote, basically -- while 62% say he's doing the right amount and 6% say it's been too much. Flipping it around, only 27% say Republicans have done enough to cooperate with Obama."
They deserve a much greater penalty
Actually Jonathan the consequences should be much, much greater because the betrayals of the last eight years by the GOP are out of control.
While Bill Maher’s column “Make ‘em pay” recommends consideration of execution of those who have betrayed America that would be too easy on them.
What we should really do is refill Gitmo with GOP politicians and special interests who caused the economic meltdown and are still creating conditions for the Great GOP Depression of 2009.
And they can help payback American by being televised 24/7 on a whole new reality show.
"Transparency In Gov't" Pledge.., anyone?
In the midst of all this hammering of Republicans for not voting for the Massive Stimulation, it seems not a moment of consideration is being given to the fact that this 1073 page mammoth spending bill (said to be the largest spending bill ever passed by Congress) put together behind closed doors, then delivered to the members at 11:00 P.M. Thursday night, and on Friday the 13th the Democrats in the House had passed it, a mere 15 hours later. The Senate passed the bill just 3 hours after that.
NONE of them are likely to have read the 1073 pages and it's accompanying 421 page Explanatory Statement (save those who drafted it in secret), let alone properly analyzed and debated it!!
Is this the Responsible , Transparent government our new president promised so readily during the campaign?
Really?
What happened to his promise not to sign bills that aren't posted online for the public to read for at least five days before the final vote is cast?
That promise get's a prompt File 13!!
What about Speaker Pelosi's pledge that the final version of the stimulus bill would be posted online for at least 48 hours before the vote? Another File 13 on that one!
The ONLY principled vote that could have been cast on a behemoth like this, that was packed with provisions unread, unknown and unanalyzed, was a NO vote.
If you think otherwise, then please explain the principles involved in passing the biggest spending package in the history of this nation without having taken the time to read it, understand it and debate it's merits. I'm all ears.
Also, given that the $787 Billion will be paid for through some form of taxation, doesn't this border on LITERAL Taxation Without Representation? Our Representatives didn't bother to actually Represent us by knowing exactly what they were doing with $787 Billion of our tax money.
All that said, it's worth noting that the Republicans were the ones passing massive, "drafted-in-secrecy" bills without time given for due consideration for 6 of the last 8 years.
Except for a few Republicans such as Ron Paul, Republican complaints about the Dems using the same tactic ring hollow, but you and I are no better represented no matter which lot is in charge of the legislative irresponsibility going on in D.C.
To say nothing of the irresponsibility of the Free Press for not Pressing Congress and the Administration on why they're continuing to do the Nation's Business in this manner.