Blog @ MoreWhat.com

This is not political rhetoric or some lobbyist’s scheme to support a strategy not in the public interest. It is what this country has been missing lately. Plain, everyday, good old-fashioned American common sense.

An excerpt from a WaPo report on health reform provides a reasonable introduction to what’s wrong and why a step by step approach to reform the wise choice.

Their efforts suggest a return to the frenzied pace of last year’s health-care debate, which prompted more than $200 million in advocacy ads and broke records for lobbying. Companies and trade groups last year hired more than 4,500 lobbyists to influence health reform — amounting to about eight lobbyists for each member of Congress, according to an analysis released last week by the Center for Public Integrity.

Reacting to President Obama’s recent statements that he will move ahead with legislation, health insurance companies have enlisted hundreds of lobbyists in a full-court press against the proposed overhaul, which would force dramatic cuts and increased regulation on the industry. At the same time, insurers are pushing back against a separate bill approved by the House last week that would remove the industry’s antitrust exemption.

Assuming the article’s facts are straight, ‘eight lobbyists for each member of Congress’ should tell you all you need to know. But add to that all the talk of ‘agendas’ and what some POLS are obviously trying to do and it becomes clear there is little in the way of public interest included in this legislative nightmare.

For instance, by itself in the spirit of ’step by step’ do you suppose anyone would object to a ban on deals between drug manufacturers to keep generics off the market? That’s right. The only ones who would object are the drug manufacturers and their lobbyists.

Would anyone object to allowing insurance companies to compete across statelines? Sure, state and local POLS who claim their legislation protects the public by allowing only approved players to participate. Do you suppose any of the same political shenanigans are involved at the state level?

These are some of the cost-cutting ideas that may come from either side of the aisle and appear to have merit without benefit of reading specific legislative language that may render them less than ideal. But the point is without taking unthinkable risk with national debt and deficits in addition to what already exists, doing things step by step would remove the all or nothing pitfalls from what is otherwise just more politcal theatre.

Our nation needs to address health issues. But the manner in which it is being done currently does not resemble anything close to the word reform. You might want to tell your elected representative we should take a break, eliminate the insanity and take a common sense step by step approach to solving health issues.

Sure, the step by step idea has been a GOP mantra for some time now. So if you are a liberal you naturally oppose it. But this post does not suggest all the GOP talk is correct. But there is no benefit to dismissing all the GOP or the Democrats say just to present an argument. The generic deals ban mentioned above may quite possibly be a Democrat’s idea. It seems reasonable. Step by step was proposed by the GOP. Another reasonable idea.

So let’s scrap these reform bills that are nothing more than political agendas. And do it right one piece at a time.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Another example of how political motivation blurs the lines in the GOP on being a politician or standing for conservative values.

Republicans are unanimously opposed to the sweeping legislation.

Signaling the unease of some freshman Democrats in swing districts, Rep. John Adler of New Jersey said Friday he will vote against the bill. Mr. Adler, who won his first term in 2008 with 52% of the vote, said the House bill “does not do enough to contain costs.”

He added, “Congress should not pass a bill that costs more than $1 trillion” over 10 years.

Are Republicans unanimously opposed to HR3962 and the other healthcare reform plans proposed by the Democrats for purely political reasons or because this reform violates conservative principles? There is the distinct possibility current reforms violate sections of the US Constitution as well but that’s another story for another time. As is the question of why this unanimous GOP opposition is not demonstrated on other issues like illegal immigration?

The Democratic majority has been unable to produce party unity on healthcare reform as reports indicate the Saturday vote on HR3962 may be delayed. Vulnerable Democrats are worried about the 2010 elections. The GOP has similar concerns about their possible comeback in those same elections. And yet both parties seem unwilling to accept widespread rejection by the public and respond responsibly. The fight is purely political.

The Senate may not be able to arrange a vote until next year. That would take a toll on Obama’s first term. The liberal agenda now seems destined to ride completely on the outcome of healthcare reform legislation. If incomplete into next year their 2010 aspirations are vulnerable. But the GOP may suffer along with them as voters express their anger at the ballot box.

As this fiasco continues other issues suffer from neglect, incompetence or both. The President’s support is fading. Congressional approval ratings are still in the tank. There is no economic recovery. Unemployment has reached a new high above 10% and some say it is actually higher. And all politicians can do is play politics with an issue most regard as secondary at best.

Shelve the damn healthcare issue for now. Attend to national security, national defense, border control, immigration enforcement and domestic policy related to economic matters. In other words, limited government that reduces taxes, national debt, deficits and spending. If those items are ever effectively solved then revisit healthcare reform if anyone other than liberal politicians is interested.

Until then, get conservative or get out.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Republican politicians regularly endorse the word conservative. Party politics is not necessarily motivated by conservative principles. The NY-23 special election and the endorsement as well as nomination of Dede Scozzafava by members of the GOP is a case in point. Some members of the GOP have even gone so far as to argue the merits of this choice. Where are the conservative principles in the GOP?

A review of one GOP member’s attempt to argue endorsing Scozzafava makes it difficult to believe this is anything more than a pathetic display of politics as usual.

Boehner said the case was highly unusual because Scozzafava was selected by local party chairmen.

“Clearly she would be on the left side of our party,” said Boehner, who had financially supported the campaign of the New York assemblywoman. “…We accept moderates in our party and we want moderates in our party.”

Like either party would reject someone seeking membership. Boehner states the GOP wants moderates in the party. Rush Limbaugh seems to share the GOP take on Scozzafava as being the right move for the GOP. He also has been known to say those calling themselves ‘independents’ are liberals. Between that and what Boehner is saying how is ‘moderate’ any different than the word ‘liberal’?

Yet all this is supposed to be acceptable. Then how does the GOP explain Lieberman, Specter, Collins, Snowe and others? Those are just a few familiar names but there are many more examples. Either you support conservative principles or you do not. Either you support the founding documents and what they represent or you do not.

Here’s some more of what Mr Boehner had to say.

“We need a broad group of people in our party,” he added when pressed about the role of the conservative Club for Growth PAC, former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty in driving support for Hoffman. “I think that going after Republicans is one thing; having a party standing on fiscal responsibility, like we have all year, standing on principle against the crazy policies that we see out of Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid — the American people want to see us take these principled stands.”

‘Standing on principle’ is what Mr Boehner says the GOP has done against ‘crazy policies’. You’ll notice the principled stand was limited to that. The GOP record on fiscal responsibility was also limited to ‘like we have all year’. Boehner would not want to remind anyone of the recent GOP fall from grace. Not endorsing Scozzofava or allowing the NY GOP to do so would have been the principled thing to do. Yet trying to argue the merits of supporting Scozzofava demonstrates the pathetic attempt to recover from an obvious blunder.

At one point anyone could have argued that John Boehner does nothing to support conservative principles in the GOP. Then there were some moments of optimism that he may be turning it around. Now, the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, Congressman John Boehner has proven once again the GOP has not fully endorsed conservative principles.

Expressing conservative values or principles is not conservative if only done for convenience or political advantage. Most people understand that. Why is the GOP having such difficulty ‘getting it’?

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Rahm Emanuel DeDe Scozzafava: Rahm Calls DeDe: Scozzafava Owens Endorsement Follows (Maggie’s Notebook)

Making sure the message sticks: More rejected RNC forms (Michelle Malkin) 

As many times as the Democrats have labeled the GOP as the party of ‘no’ one aspect of the political bickering in Washington gets little attention. With a Democrat in the White House and a majority in Congress liberals not only control votes and would likely not vote for a GOP health proposal but the likelihood it would ever get to the floor is almost nil. The only reason the Democrats want a GOP health reform proposal is so they do not own whatever happens by themselves.

In The Hill piece below it was reported Dems are criticizing Roy Blunt for not delivering the GOP healthcare reform proposal ‘36 days’ after announcing they would have one presented. Compare that with how long the Dems have been sputtering with multiple proposals all of which have been panned by the CBO, members of their own party as well as dismal polling data.

Again, the Dems do not want to be the only ones with targets on their backs now that their agenda for healthcare reform is tanking. It may be tanking for a good reason. It is not really healthcare reform but a powerplay. They want to control everything about citizens health choices. And they want to extend taxpayer funded healthcare to those who are not citizens. It is a long list of bad policy decisions. Their only interest in bipartisan cooperation is to share the blame for a massive fraud on the American taxpayer.

Boehner says GOP health alternative is coming
By Molly K. Hooper
Posted: 07/23/09 06:09 PM [ET]

Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) said on Thursday afternoon that Republicans will have an alternative healthcare reform bill to offer but did not say when it would be ready.

He told reporters that Republicans will “make decisions at the appropriate time for how we’ll proceed,” but that they are “putting the final touches on [their] bill, just as Democrats” are doing.

Only days later another nearly identical piece shows up at Politico. The only part in this piece which points to the real story is the last paragraph. Boehner comments that the more we know about the plan the less we like it and that will only become more clear as the August recess gets underway. Which underscores the President’s urging that it had to get done before the recess. A little sunlight for a President who claims a mantle of transparency and accountability is a problem for Barack Obama. As Boehner said the more we find out about this bill the less we will like it. That could make you a little suspicious of the majority party and their political agenda.

Republicans yet to reveal their own health care bill
By ALEX ISENSTADT | 7/27/09 5:04 PM EDT

While House Republican leaders blast away at the Democratic health care reform legislation, the GOP has yet to reveal its own alternative legislation.

“We continue to work on our bill, as Democrats are working on their bill,” House Minority Leader John Boehner told reporters Monday.

Not presenting a competing proposal for healthcare reform is a good idea from the GOP. Call them the party of ‘no’ all you like. Letting the liberals own healthcare reform is the smart play. Why? Because they do and there is no need to interfere or throw them a lifesaver. Giving them more rope however may be helpful.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Two press releases provided in their entirety make this a rather long post. Along with the releases is a link to the PDF file for the CBO (Congressional Budget Office) estimate on the relevant government sponsored health care proposal. The two press releases feature Senator Kennedy’s call for health care reform and House Minority Leader Boehner’s expression that the proposal is flawed. So often the left side of politics offers an expression that is directly challenged by the right side of politics. Frequently this ritual is followed by the respective party’s followers adhering to the sentiment expressed by their party’s leadership. In this case it is extremely difficult to come to any other conclusion than the CBO confirms the GOP opposition to this health care proposal with sound reasoning. It’s a loser.

Here is Senator Kennedy’s relevant press release. Understand his call for health care reform points to the proposal appraised by the CBO.

HELP DEMOCRATS CALL FOR URGENT HEALTH CARE REFORM
June 16, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, DC— Senior Democrats on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee held a press conference today to discuss The Affordable Health Choices Act and the urgent need for health reform that reduces costs, protects choice and guarantees quality, affordable health care for all Americans. Nurses, medical students, and individuals with first-hand experience joined them in support of reforming our broken health care system.

Tomorrow at 10:00am, the HELP Committee will begin to mark-up The Affordable Health Choices Act in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 106. The Committee will reconvene Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 in the Russell Caucus Room (SR325). The mark-up is tentatively scheduled to convene each weekday in the Russell Caucus Room until Friday, June 26. It is open to the press and public unless otherwise noted.

“For the health of our economy and the health of our families, health care reform cannot wait, must not wait, and will not wait. We have to get it done, now,” said Senator Dodd. “We owe the working families of this country legislation that cuts costs, protects choice, and ensures affordable, high-quality care. And we intend to deliver.”

“This bill is our opportunity to recreate America as a genuine wellness society – a society that is focused on prevention, good nutrition, fitness, and public health,” Senator Harkin said. “This will save lives. And, as President Obama said yesterday to the AMA, it will also save money. I am genuinely excited about the prevention and wellness elements in the draft bill, heartened by the bipartisan support for this approach and optimistic that we can mark up a bill that is good for the American people and for the fiscal health of government, corporate, and personal budgets.”

“All across America, families are being crushed by rising health care costs. All across America, good-guy businesses are fighting to provide health insurance to their employees, but being crippled by the costs,” Senator Mikulski said. “I’m here today, with my Senate Democratic colleagues to say, the time for health care reform is now. We can’t afford to wait another day. The bill we’ve introduced will lower the high costs of health care, protect people’s choice of doctors, hospitals, and health plans, and ensure all Americans have access to quality, affordable care.”

“More than 45 million Americans lack health insurance, and another 25 million have insurance that doesn’t meet their needs. We now have an historic opportunity to fix our nation’s broken health care system and ensure that all Americans have access to affordable and quality health care,” Senator Bingaman said.

“We have been talking about reforming our health care system for too long—it’s time to act. And I am very excited that we have an historic opportunity right now to reform the system to not just help people when they are sick, but actively focus on keeping people healthy,” Senator Murray said. “A lot of work has gone into putting this bill together, and I believe it is a strong step forward toward ensuring all Americans can see a doctor when they need one and our long term economic strength is not held captive by the skyrocketing cost of care.”

###

Here is the relevant press release from House Minority Leader Boehner:

Nonpartisan Analysis: Healthcare Plan Costs $1 Trillion, Leaves 36 Million Uninsured & Forces 23 Million Out of Their Current Plans

Jun 16, 2009

Washington -

Yesterday’s nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report on a Democratic health care “reform” bill has sent shockwaves through Washington – and middle-class families, small businesses, and all taxpayers are right to take notice. Here’s what CBO has uncovered:

* The Democratic plan will cost taxpayers at least $1 trillion;
* The legislation will leave at least 36 million Americans uninsured; and
* The proposal will force at least 23 million Americans to give up the health coverage they currently enjoy.

This is reform?

House Republicans are working on a better solution to ensure that every American has access to affordable health care. To that end, tomorrow, the House GOP’s Health Care Reform Solutions Group will outline a common-sense plan to reduce costs, expand access, and increase the quality of care in a way that Americans can afford. The GOP plan will:

* Expand access to affordable, quality care regardless of pre-existing conditions;
* Protect Americans from being forced into a government-run plan, making certain that medical decisions are made by patients and their doctors, not Washington bureaucrats; and
* Let Americans who like their health coverage keep it, while giving Americans the freedom to choose the plan that best meets their needs.

With the Democratic and GOP plans now coming into clearer focus, middle-class families and small businesses across the country are beginning to ask: is a $1 trillion government takeover of health care really worth it if it leaves at least 36 million Americans uninsured and forces at least 23 million Americans off their current plans? Or, is the better solution a proposal that will expand access to affordable care while protecting Americans’ relationships with their doctors? That choice will become increasingly evident in the weeks to come, as Democrats in charge of Washington continue pushing their costly plan onto Americans who just don’t support it.

And here is the link to the CBO (PDF) file describing the effects of the current proposal.

http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/103xx/doc10310/06-15-HealthChoicesAct.pdf

The point being made here is that at least in this case the GOP response to the Dems’ current health care proposal is valid and supported by the data as analyzed by the Congressional Budget Office. You would do well do express your displeasure to your elected representatives. There is little confidence on this blog that you will actually do so. Surprise everyone. Show some outrage. Take your elected rep to the political woodshed. The 2010 elections are not far off. They may listen to you if you get their attention. Stay silent and accept your fate.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

As early as June 8, 2009 a formal restart of the shamnesty movement will occur in the Obama White House. At least one report confirms what most of us already knew. Shamnesty will once again be the top issue in Washington later in 2009. But you had better get your opposition strategy activated long before then as it may only be a matter of 60 liberal votes along with any mindless RINOs that decides the issue if pressure is not applied starting now. 2010 is not far off and we all know politicians like only one thing better than getting elected. That is getting re-elected. And a vote for shamnesty is just one more reason to throw the bums out.

Immigration reform could emerge again in the fall
By Steve Stoddard and J. Taylor Rushing
Posted: 05/25/09 09:31 AM [ET]

Senate Democrats may be close to 60 votes on a measure that would represent the first step towards immigration reform under President Obama.

The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act is a concept dear to Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin’s (D-Ill.) heart, and while health care reform may get this summer’s headlines in Washington, the DREAM Act may be a sleeper.

The Dream Act has been around for a while and like the shamnesty defeat in the summer of 2007 it has been shot down once. Together with yes votes on bailouts any member of Congress voting for shamnesty risks defeat in 2010 unless they are secure in a liberal saturated district willing to open all borders and ignore the rule of law.

All the Dream Act does is give illegals one more reason to violate the law and enter this country without lawfully engaging the process. Rather than offer an unnecessary carrot to break the law, Congress should encourage and assist the executive branch or law enforcement with the stick they need to eliminate illegal immigration. This is not a call to abolish immigration but illegal immigration. There is a big difference. But liberals for open borders and unregulated immigration prefer to label those opposed to illegal immigration as xenophobic. Yes, there is no shortage of liberal labels to muddy the water on issues.

So far it is no surprise that Arlen Specter, RINO extraordinaire and now GOP defector, will support whatever the Democrats propose. Other notable RINO looking Senators are Lugar, Lott and Wicker.

It will be tougher this time than the last to defeat shamnesty. But that is not reason for concern but increased effort and attitude.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

According to the press release below from House Minority Leader John Boehner the Democrats eliminated middle-class tax cuts in the budget that will be voted on later this week. Imagine that. Do you remember candidate and now President Barack Obama promised that no one making less than $250K would pay ‘one dime more in taxes’? The same candidate, now President who promised to eliminate earmarks and lobbyists and yet signed a bill with more than 9000 earmarks and hired more than a dozen lobbyists for his administration. Of course he also promised to allow the public to view and comment on the stimulus package before it was voted on which also didn’t happen. The really sad thing was not one member of Congress read it before voting either. That must have been a revision to his plan for open, transparent and accountable government.

And yet there are polls indicating most people still have confidence in the new administration and the direction the country is taking. For those who agree with that you may want to start actually paying attention to what is going on in Washington and elsewhere.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Dems Dump Middle-Class Tax Cuts from Budget While Keeping New National Energy Tax That Hits All Americans
Eighty-One Percent of Americans Believe Middle-Class Tax Relief is “Important” to Keep in Budget, New Survey Shows

Washington, Mar 30 - House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today challenged President Obama’s apparent decision to allow the Democratic-controlled Congress to dump his long-promised middle-class tax cut from the FY 2010 budget, and vowed Republicans will offer a better budget that cuts taxes for middle-class families instead of raising them through a new national energy tax.

“This is an epic bait-and-switch that should infuriate every middle-class family in America,” Boehner said. “The American people overwhelmingly believe middle-class tax relief is essential to getting our economy moving again. But instead of cutting taxes for middle-class families, Washington Democrats are raising their taxes by as much as $3,100 a year in the middle of a deep recession.”

President Obama’s budget director, Peter Orszag, has endorsed both the House and Senate versions of the President’s FY 2010 budget – but according to the New York Times, “neither would extend a middle-class tax cut championed by Mr. Obama beyond 2010 unless a source of revenue to pay for it is identified.” Meanwhile, Boehner noted that a new national energy tax insisted upon by the President will hit virtually every American family and small business and could cost every American household up to $3,100 a year. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) confirmed this in public comments last week in which he indicated Democrats will use revenue from the President’s new national energy tax to pay for an expansion of government-run health care.

According to a Rasmussen survey released today, 81 percent of Americans believe it is important for Congress to pass a budget that includes the middle-class tax relief that was frequently promised but now abandoned by President Obama. Only 15 percent say the promised middle-class tax relief is not important.

“The Democratic budget spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much,” Boehner said. “It will hurt middle-class families at a time when they can least afford it.”

“Americans deserve a better budget, and members of all political stripes will have the chance to vote for one when the full text of the GOP alternative being finalized by Rep. Paul Ryan [R-WI] is released this week,” Boehner added. “Instead of raising taxes on middle-class families and all Americans through the President’s national energy tax, Republicans will do what the American people want their government to do: we will curb spending, control the debt, and reduce the tax burden on working families and small businesses to create jobs and ease the strain on family budgets.”

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Cap-and-trade, “reconciliation,” and the death of deliberation (Michelle Malkin) 

Boehner: “This Was a Bipartisan Rejection of a Partisan Bill”

Washington, Jan 28 - House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement after the House advanced a trillion dollar spending bill authored solely by congressional Democratic leaders:

“This was a bipartisan rejection of a partisan bill. Families and small businesses across America are struggling, and they are counting on their leaders in Washington for ways to strengthen our economy. House Republicans want to work with congressional Democrats on legislation that fulfills the goal set by President Obama: crafting a bipartisan plan focused on job creation. Unfortunately, the trillion dollar government spending bill before the House today was not that plan, and a bipartisan coalition of Members rightfully rejected it. It is time for Capitol Hill Democrats to finally work with Republicans on a job creation package that lets families and small businesses keep more of what they earn and that is supported by the bipartisan majority that the American people expect on an issue so important.”

NOTE: No House Republicans voted for the legislation, while eleven Democrats crossed party lines to vote against it. Earlier today on the House floor, Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) and Ways & Means Committee Ranking Republican Dave Camp (R-MI) offered a House GOP economic recovery plan that will create 6.2 million new American jobs over the next two years, according to a methodology used by President Obama’s own nominee as Chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisors, Dr. Christina Romer. House Democrats rejected the plan.
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from MoreWhat.com:

Much has to be done and there is a long way to go before many have confidence in the GOP but this week was a good start thus far. Other than the nagging problem of rubber stamping confirmations in the Senate.

Stanford Matthews

Oh joy, the new political season is beginning. Beyond all the other issues like Congress not having a total head count or complete roster right now there was a bipartisan meeting with the President-elect this week. Based on Speaker Pelosi’s press release on the topic, liberals must be ecstatic with her mantra of doom and gloom which leads to the feeling they can spend like drunken sailors on the public dime. Ya, ya, apologies to the drunken sailors, I mean, sailors. Concern about losing jobs, savings, homes. Go Nancy go. If Americans are worried it is not about what they will lose but how Congress would be an accomplice in that loss.

Why is no one focusing on the fact that all the trillions being spent by government belong to the same Americans about whom Pelosi speaks? Didn’t the GOP just get trashed a couple of times for abandoning the principles of fiscal responsibility and other conservative values? If you read the rest of Pelosi’s press release it becomes clear the liberals among us have no intention of moving to the center. Feeling as though the economic and financial situation gives them carte blanche to spend us into oblivion the deals are being processed right now to match spending to the highest prime number yet found.

On the contrary, House Minority Leader John Boehner once again provides a concise, brief and to the point press release on the current topic. In other words, let’s get it done but not go crazy. While the GOP has been as guilty as Dems for spending too much in recent years their current status with voters should improve the chances that someone will be minding the store and using restraint when it comes to taxpayer dollars. It is certainly no guarantee but it sounds better than the crazy lady from California.

And one must view all of these releases as words presented for public consumption by politicians. The private words are the ones that would be more helpful. While there will still be backroom deals and lobbyists involved the stakes may be higher for the GOP to get it right which may keep the Dems from getting it wrong, again.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

01/05/2009

Pelosi Remarks Following Bipartisan Leadership Meeting With Obama, Biden

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and Democratic House and Senate leaders held a press conference today following their bipartisan meeting with President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden.

Below are the Speaker’s opening remarks:

“Thank you, Mr. Leader. It is a new day here on the Capitol. The President-elect came and called together a meeting of the bipartisan leadership, Democrats and Republicans of the House and Senate. He talked about extending a hand of friendship, to work with civility, with fiscal responsibility, and with a sense of urgency, because the American people are hurting.

“People are concerned about losing their jobs, their savings, and their homes. Families are concerned about the health of their children. States are concerned about their financial situation, which affects the education and the health of their children, the well-being of seniors.

“And our country and our economy need an economic recovery package that will create jobs immediately and will grow the economy. And that’s what we talked about today — how we could do this expeditiously, deliberatively, and to act upon it soon.

“I won’t make an announcement about how soon, but we all know what our tasks are. We’ll return to our houses, and respective houses, to work on legislation.

“This legislation will begin in the House of Representatives. We know what the time constraints are. They are dictated by the sense of urgency that the American people have about their economic well-being.

“Lots of expectations have been placed on the new President. As a new Congress, we look forward to working with him, again, in a bipartisan way to bring relief to the American people.

“I commend the President-elect for his determination to act in a bipartisan way. That’s what we all came here to do. And now we have a President who wants to work with us to that end.”

Boehner Statement on Meeting with President-Elect Obama

Washington, Jan 5 - House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement after meeting with President-Elect Obama and congressional leaders on Capitol Hill this afternoon:

“Republicans look forward to working with President-elect Obama and congressional Democrats to help get our economy moving again. I’m particularly pleased President-elect Obama and his Democratic colleagues agree with Republicans that tax relief for middle class families and small businesses has to be a major part of this economic package.

“I remain concerned about wasteful spending that might be attached to the tax relief. Simply put, we should not bury future generations under mountains of debt and create 600,000 new government jobs – which, according to reports, the plan under consideration would do – in the name of ‘economic stimulus.’ We need a plan that creates jobs, encourages investment, and is crafted with transparency and strict protections for taxpayers. This means ensuring the plan is subject to bipartisan, public hearings, is available online for a week, and is kept earmark-free.”

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Congress and the American automobile industry’s CEOs from GM, Ford and Chrysler continue their kabuki dance in Washington. In public view it would appear that politics and business as usual are responsible for avoiding a sensible approach. From concerns about an initial bailout of 25 or more billion taxpayer dollars being offered as an early Christmas present for automakers the latest figure in the press seems to be 15 billion with oversight. Is that the Congressional effort to make the whole thing more palatable to the general public? Lowball the front end offering and when things quiet down hand them more money when no one is looking? Why are the carmakers not being required to use the typical restructuring plan of bankruptcy available to all troubled businesses?

Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) stopped just short of advocating bankruptcy for the automakers. His plan concludes with the following statement. “These are the same types of conditions a bankruptcy judge might require to ensure that these companies become viable and sustainable into the future, and if they will agree to these terms then we have something to talk about. The process I have suggested would allow them to avoid the problems and stigma that accompany a formal bankruptcy, while forcing them to do the things they need to do to be successful companies.”

The ‘problems and stigma’ Senator Corker states pale in comparison to the refusal of automakers to accept the fact they have done little to remain competitive over the last few decades. Bankruptcy is exactly the course that should be taken. It requires the same entities who were involved in this failure, the automakers and their creditors, to arrange for salvaging the situation they all contributed to without involving the American taxpayer. The same could be said for other bailouts on the public dime but it is probably too late for that but no reason for allowing the insanity to continue.

Progress made in bailout plan for Big 3 automakers
By JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS – 6 hours ago

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional negotiators continue hammering out legislation that would dole out billions to automakers — but promises to yank back the money if a government-run board and overseer decided the companies weren’t taking steps to overhaul themselves.

The plan would draw the emergency aid from an existing loan program meant to help the automakers build fuel-efficient vehicles. The size of the package hasn’t been finalized, but it is expected to be about $15 billion, several congressional aides said.

The unnamed Congressional negotiators and aides as well as the attempt to convince the public their money will be carefully utilized to save the auto industry provide little comfort based on Washington’s track record for decision making to date. It would not be a surprise if the politicians and business ‘leaders’ in this particular scenario employ the time tested tradition of dragging this out until the average citizen loses interest and they have no fear of public outrage to do what they planned from the beginning. Let the public pay for the fiasco. Perhaps that is why they always express concern for the ‘middle class’ as that is the group who shoulders the burden of paying for politics as usual.

Not that the general public shares no responsibility for the current economic problems and the bailout frenzy active in the nation’s capitol but they are not in as strong a position as those who control government and corporate America when it comes to influencing the outcome of public affairs. If the current problems and their implications for the future strength of the American economy are not sufficient to cause the public to change that fact it is likely nothing ever will.

(A Monday report from Reuters suggests a deal may be completed today. Wonderful, just wonderful

Stanford Matthews
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The same pair of politicians responsible for Democratic party leadership in both the House and Senate are at it again. The same two people who blame everything on President Bush and the GOP in general are content to continue with politics as usual even though their brand of leadership has kept the Congressional approval rating in the tank. Did Harry Reid tell Nancy Pelosi to issue a release on December 1st about ‘their’ economic recovery plan or is she so accustomed to repeating herself that it just comes naturally? Regardless of the topic these two always point to the opposition party when things fail. And with their failure rate and lack of public approval the finger pointing is nearly non-stop.

If you had your doubts about whether or not the DNC is socialism in America, the statements by Reid and Pelosi express their intent for government run everything. If that is not socialism, what is? Oh, the economy is in the tank, let the government fix it. Oh, we need more jobs, let the government fix it. We need to wean ourselves from dependence on foreign oil, forget domestic production, let the government fund alternative fuels. And with all this spending on top of what the GOP and Dems allowed over the last years we’ll even promise a tax cut. Yup, drain the treasury bailing out everybody and drive government spending up even more and promise a tax cut. How the hell is all this supposed to work?

Reid’s revelation that we all knew it was a recession before (below) the NBER announced it is not accurate. Given the psychological nature of financial markets it is not unreasonable to suggest the MSM and lefty politicians crying recession helped drive the economy down. A previous post on this blog points to the dubious nature of the NBER and its ‘recession dating’. In reaction to this near self-fulfilling prophecy the Senate Majority Leader and House Speaker suggest government spending to renew ‘confidence’ in the markets. If you believe in psychology for lifting the markets you have to believe in the reverse. So Harry, Nancy, how about it? Did you and your accomplices stress the economy during the 2008 campaign as a two-fold strategy? Make the economy the main issue since you lost the one on the war. While using it in the campaign you hoped your constant lament of how bad things were would wreak havoc on the financial landscape. There ya go. Wreck the economy in an effort to win an election and then spend the nation into oblivion bailing out everything you wrecked in pursuit of the socialist idea of government run everything

It’s almost genius in terms of political strategy but hard to believe it came from the same people who presided over the loser 110th Congress.

December 1, 2008
Reid: Confirmation That U.S. Economy Is In Recession Is Hardly News To American Families

Washington, DC—Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid made the following statement today after the National Bureau of Economic Research announced the American economy has been in recession since December 2007:

“To American families struggling every day, today’s announcement that we have been in a recession for the past year is hardly news. The announcement simply makes official what we have long known – with rising costs of living, rising unemployment, record foreclosures and depleted savings, we must do more to help families make ends meet. Those efforts must include a substantial economic recovery package that creates good-paying jobs here in America, cuts taxes for the middle class and instills confidence to stabilize a volatile market. With the cooperation of our Republican colleagues, we intend to send a plan to the White House as soon as possible following President-elect Obama’s inauguration next month.”

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12/01/2008
Pelosi: Economic Report a Clear Signal for Republicans to Drop Opposition to Economic Recovery Package

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today in reaction to the National Bureau of Economic Research’s announcement that the American economy entered recession in December 2007.

“Today’s report from the National Bureau of Economic Research comes as no surprise to America’s families and underscores the need for immediate, bipartisan action to create jobs and get America moving again.

“The report is a clear signal to President Bush and Senate Republicans to drop their opposition to the House-passed economic recovery package that will help lift our economy and begin creating jobs again.

“Congress will continue our commitment to new jobs and opportunity by working with President-elect Obama to enact bold economic recovery and job creation legislation in January that will cut taxes, invest in a cleaner and independent energy future, rebuild and modernize schools, roads, and bridges, and expand 21st century communications and energy infrastructure across the nation.”

11/26/2008
Pelosi: Economic News Makes Clear President Must Drop Opposition to House-Passed Recovery Package

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi today issued the following statement in reaction to the latest economic news that 529,000 Americans filed for jobless claims last week, consumer spending declined by 1% in October and the number of Americans on food stamps could exceed 30 million for the first time.

“The latest economic news makes clear that President Bush and Senate Republicans must drop their opposition to the House-passed economic recovery legislation that would provide a down payment on creating jobs, helping states avoid deep cuts to health care and essential services, and deliver emergency nutrition assistance to struggling families. Democrats again call on President Bush and Senate Republicans to work with us to enact this legislation in December.

“Congress will continue to work with President-elect Obama on bold economic recovery and job creation legislation that will cut taxes, invest in a cleaner energy future, and rebuild schools, roads and bridges. The 111th Congress will act immediately on this legislation to restore consumer and market confidence and ensure America’s global competitiveness.”

Boehner Statement on the National Bureau of Economic Research Announcement that the U.S. Economy is in a Recession

Washington, Dec 1 - House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today issued the following statement on the announcement by the National Bureau of Economic Research that the U.S. economy has been in recession since December 2007:

“The economic scorekeepers at the National Bureau of Economic Research have now confirmed what working families and small businesses have known for quite a while: the United States is in a recession. Clearly, we need to respond, but the American people know that the answer to this challenge is not out-dated policies that do nothing but increase Washington spending. We need a real plan that puts the American people – not bureaucrats – first. Congress should enact an economic growth plan that would double the child tax credit, suspend the capital gains tax to help people rebuild their 401(k)s, reduce tax rates that drive businesses overseas, stop unnecessary lawsuits that destroy jobs, and create a million new jobs by developing America’s energy resources. I look forward to working with the new President and his economic team as we confront this serious situation.”

NOTE: To respond to the economic downturn, Boehner has introduced a Rapid Recovery Plan for economic growth that emphasizes pro-growth policies such as energy reforms that would create one million new jobs, stronger 401(k)s, and tax relief rather than new government spending.

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There is the argument that when Reagan took office as President with a dismal economic situation his tax cuts raised government revenue and stimulated the economy to a point rarely seen in the past. House Minority Leader John Boehner seems to be playing on that theme with the same regularity that the Dems express their stand on the issue. With the exception of the lawsuit item his comments are reasonable based on past experience. But rather than publish press releases both parties should restrict most of this debate to meetings between Congressional leaders and committee members with the sole purpose of finding effective solutions and stop wasting time.

There is little point in politicians invoking typical expressions of gridlock or politics as usual or bipartisan or hope or change. The best chance for restoring confidence in the markets and helping Americans through tough economic times is for Washington politicians not to make things worse. Action from Washington is more often a hindrance than a help. Just throwing taxpayer money at problems is not the answer. Similar to problems faced by the public at large and private sector enterprise the government needs to get their own house in order. Stop talking about doing things differently and let results speak for themselves. If those in Washington perform effectively their will be no need for politics as usual and the rest of what disgusts Americans about our government. Now the question is, are they up to the task. History would suggest that is not the case.

Stanford Matthews
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To support our troops and all those who serve in uniform it is necessary as ordinary citizens to participate in the process that ultimately affects how well the nation serves those who serve it. While reviewing various sources for items related to Veteran’s Day two instances feature public response to the topic from the leaders of the House of Representatives of the United States Congress. Below are the press releases from Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and House Minrity Leader John Boehner.

Pelosi Statement on Veterans Day

For Immediate Release
11/10/2008

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the occasion of Veterans Day, which will be celebrated tomorrow:

“On Veterans Day, Americans across our great nation come together to honor the brave men and women who wore our nation’s uniform, to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and to pay special tribute to those serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the globe. Without the brave efforts of all the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coastguardsmen, none of us would live as free or be able enjoy the blessings of liberty.

“The New Direction Congress treats every day as if it were Veterans Day, as we work to strengthen our military and ensure that our troops have the tools they need to complete their mission safely and the benefits and health care they were promised once they return home.

“In the last two years, we provided more resources to care for American veterans than was done in the previous 12 years combined—including the single largest increase in veterans’ health care funding in the 77-year history of the VA. We also helped make the heroes of Iraq and Afghanistan part of a new American economic recovery—just like after World War II—by restoring the GI Bill’s promise of a four-year college scholarship.

“Our pledge to meet the needs of our veterans is about redeeming a promise made by an American president long ago in the midst of our nation’s bloodiest war. In his Second Inaugural Address, President Lincoln promised that our nation would “…care for him who shall have borne the battle, his widow, and his orphan…” We are keeping that promise to America’s veterans.

“On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind. On this Veterans Day, let us all pause to thank our men and women in uniform—both past and present—and to say a prayer for those serving today that they may return safely home.”

First of all let it be said here that in all likelihood Speaker Pelosi sincerely appreciates the contribution and sacrifice provided by members of the armed services. It is also a matter of public record that she has opposed the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, has taken it upon herself to visit places like Syria as a self-proclaimed diplomat for political reasons in opposition to President Bush. The Democratic party and their alliances with organizations like MoveOn and other anitwar, perhaps anti-American activists and the far left insulted General Petraeus as well as the service of heroes like John McCain and others. That sentiment is present in her press release above with her repeated mention of ‘return home’ which has become her not so subtle call for surrender and appeasement in light of the success of the troop surge which stilled the storm attempted by her antiwar base. Let’s see how supportive she is on veterans’ issues beyond the political rhetoric and minimally effective legislation along with her routine criticism of the opposition party and claim of innocence for her own. A little public oversight and interrogation of her is in order.

Boehner Statement Honoring Our Nation’s Veterans

Washington, Nov 11 - House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today issued the following statement honoring our nation’s veterans:

“As the United States begins another peaceful transition of power from one President to another, we are once again reminded of how truly fortunate we are to live in a nation where such a monumental task seems so routine. On this Veterans’ Day, we take the time to remember and thank those who have made this and all of democracy’s gifts possible. The men and women who have proudly and selflessly served our nation in uniform – and those currently protecting us here at home and overseas – can look upon the events of the next 10 weeks and know that they have had a stake in preserving and defending the oldest and greatest democracy on Earth. We are in their debt, and we express our gratitude to them, and those who came before them, on this special day.”

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House Minority Leader John Boehner was smart enough to avoid any direct links to the state of veterans’ affairs in his press release. That does not let him off the hook for responsibility in these matters any more than it would Nancy Pelosi. But at least he did not mar the observance of Veteran’s Day with political rhetoric. It is again worthwhile to note that the current peaceful transfer of power from one Preisdent to another is also an outcome preserved by the service of veterans to this nation’si ideals. From Minority Leader Boehner on this special occasion, enough said.

In the days or months to come there will be reports of how effective or ineffective inquiries to the above members of Congress were regarding veterans affairs. This would be the blog author’s gesture to honor Veteran’s Day by advocating for proper treatment of veterans to honor their service in addition to a special day which commemorates that service.

Reid Statement On Veterans Day

November 10, 2008

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid today released the following statement to commemorate Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11:

“Since America’s earliest days, brave men and women have put their lives on the line to protect our nation, its citizens and their freedom. This Veterans Day, we honor the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans and pause to thank those defending us throughout the world today.

“As our country continues to fight wars on multiple fronts and a new generation of soldiers becomes the next generation of veterans, we must renew our promise to our troops that we ensure they receive all the support and benefits they have earned.

“I look forward to working with President-elect Obama and my colleagues in Congress to fulfill our obligation to our military men and women who have dedicated their lives to our great nation.”

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Surprisingly, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s press release for Veteran’s Day touches on this blog’s specific point on veteran’s issues. Also surprising is at GOP Republican Senate dot gov there is no PR from McConnell on this topic. At his own Senate site is only a PR on $75 million he scored for a KY Vet’s Hospital. This too will require further explanation. But the bottom line is not primarily what public statements are available but what is actually being done to serve veterans. More on all this later.

Stanford Matthews
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