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So a cartoon at the New York Post depicts two cops who shot a monkey in the street and that caption reads ‘they’ll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill.’ And in no time at all it is reported that the cartoon created an ‘uproar’. Before everyone gets all worked up or more worked up consider this. Some people just might have viewed the cartoon and not read anything extra into it. You know, taking it at face value rather than looking for something sinister.

This blog’s author accepted it as a way of expressing dissatisfaction with the stimulus bill and in addition suggesting it was so ridiculous it was written by a monkey. Some others have decided it is racist. I suppose the cartoonist could have used a sandwich indicating the author of something so stupid has the IQ of same. Or the cartoonist could have used a box of rocks or a dull knife to use as a metaphor for the intelligence suggested by the bill’s author but instead he used a monkey. Primates are often described as a close relative of humans and displaying some of the same characteristics. And they are frequently characterized as not quite as intelligent as humans. That of course is subject to debate. As is the suggestion this cartoon is racist.

For those who object to the cartoon on the basis of racism…..get over yourselves.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

(related content provided below)

The Cartoon…..

The AP video on the story…..

If you agree that the cartoon is racist then kindly accept the following as the same.

Another take on the Obama ‘clinging to guns or religion’ statement…..

Going ape over the New York Post (Michelle Malkin)

A report from The Hill dot com from December features the changing of the guard on Oversight in the 111th Congress. Longtime super sleuth and self-proclaimed defender of the free world Henry Waxman left the Oversight Chairmanship for a post at Energy and Commerce and that can’t be a good thing. At least when he was doing nothing worthwhile at Oversight his exploits were useful fodder for eomedic episodes on various media including blogs.

Edolphus Towns is the new sherrif in (pardon me) town as far as House Oversight is conerned which is usually only with the opposition party. Based on a quick review of the associated websites there seems to be little of interest happening which is also a good thing. Partisan hangings are not worth the price of admission even though the Minority Office of Oversight has a nice note on David Obey’s son lobbying for billions in pork from the porkulus bill.

Below is The Hill reference mentioned above.

“I am humbled and honored by my colleagues’ support and confidence,” Towns said in a statement. “There is a great deal of work to be done to ensure a smooth transition, and I look forwardto working with both my Democratic and Republican colleagues in concert with the Obama Administration to ensure the federal government is transparent, responsive and efficient.”

On Town’ own house website he points out ‘community activist’ on his resume’. Is that a bigger deal than community organizer in liberal circles or simply an oversight? Maybe he really meant organizer since it may be good to cozy up to the new Commander-in-Chief.

Edolphus “Ed” Towns, a former social worker and community activist in Brooklyn, New York, is a 13-term veteran in the House. In the 110th Congress, Rep. Towns served on both the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. On December 10th 2008, Rep. Towns was elected chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for the upcoming 111th Congress.

A Wikipedia account featured personal history on Towns that has its impressive qualities. Now it will of course be a matter of time to see if this Oversight Chairman simply attempts to execute opposition party members or even-handedly pursues ethical and legal violations. It must have been too early for investigating the string of minor criminals standing in line for confirmations at the Senate hearings. But if he follows Obama’s lead the criteria for ethics and other matters will be modified as the situation warrants. For example, allowing a tax evader to become Treasury Secretary.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

From nearly one month ago the following press release is presented as exhibit one for one Wisconsinite’s apology for the action of another Wisconsinite. The vast left wing conspiracy is alive and well in the Upper Midwest. The second line below the date of the press release demonstrates full knowledge by liberals that this dog won’t hunt. Sorry Gov Palin but I need to use the ‘lipstick’ reference (the original). There’s not enough lipstick to put on this pig. There is no credible evidence to support the notion that this bill will stabilize the economy nor restore public confidence whether intended or not.

Some may think blogs like this one have focused too much on this topic. It is only because there seems to be too little outrage displayed by the general public. Beyond this blog’s author contacting numerous members of Congress and no response from the Messiah at his wunnerful version of www.whitehouse.gov keeping this topic alive is the most pressing issue currently on the table. There are others of equal or greater importance perhaps but not right now.

If you are one of those the Dems need to payback for some favor you stand to gain from this package. If you are a lobbyist or other special interest like the National Education Association you stand to gain from this package. In nearly all other cases the only thing you will get from this massive pork legislation is the bill in the form of more taxes if you are lucky enough to keep your job or business operating. The burden placed on you will pay for the perks given to others. If that does not cause you to contact your elected rep in outrage nothing will and you deserve what you get.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

January 15, 2009

OBEY UNVEILS AMERICAN RECOVERY & REINVESTMENT BILL
Measure Intended to Stabilize the Economy and Restore Public Confidence

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Seventh District Congressman Dave Obey (D-WI) today unveiled details of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill of 2009, which is intended to help stabilize the economy and restore public confidence.

“The economy is in a crisis not seen since the Great Depression. Credit is frozen, consumer purchasing power is in decline, in the last four months the country has lost 2 million jobs and we are expected to lose another 3 to 5 million in the next year. Conservative economist Mark Zandi was blunt: ‘the economy is shutting down,’” Obey noted. “In the next two weeks, the Congress will be considering the American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill of 2009. This package is the first crucial step in a concerted effort to create and save 3 to 4 million jobs, jumpstart our economy, and begin the process of transforming it for the 21st century with $275 billion in economic recovery tax cuts and $550 billion in thoughtful and carefully targeted priority investments with unprecedented accountability measures built in.”

The package that was unveiled today contains targeted efforts in:

• Clean, Efficient, American Energy
• Transforming our Economy with Science and Technology, including expanding Broadband Infrastructure for rural and underserved communities
• Modernizing Roads, Bridges, Transit and Waterways
• Education for the 21st Century
• Tax Cuts to Make Work Pay and Create Jobs
• Lowering Healthcare Costs
• Helping Workers Hurt by the Economy
• Saving Public Sector Jobs and Protect Vital Services

“The economy is in such trouble that, even with passage of this package, unemployment rates are expected to rise to between eight and nine percent this year. Without this package, we are warned that unemployment could explode to near twelve percent. With passage of this package, we will face a large deficit for years to come. Without it, those deficits will be devastating and we face the risk of economic chaos. Tough choices have been made in this legislation and fiscal discipline will demand more tough choices in years to come,” Obey added.

Obey pointed out that, since 2001, as worker productivity went up, 96% of the income growth in this country went to the wealthiest 10% of society. “While they were benefitting from record high worker productivity, the remaining 90% of Americans were struggling to sustain their standard of living. They sustained it by borrowing… and borrowing… and borrowing, and when they couldn’t borrow anymore, the bottom fell out,” Obey said, adding that “this plan will strengthen the middle class, not just Wall Street CEOs and special interests in Washington.”

“Our short term task is to try to prevent the loss of millions of jobs and get our economy moving,” Obey concluded. “The long term task is to make the needed investments that restore the ability of average middle income families to increase their income and build a decent future for their children.”

# # #

Update:

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

WASHINGTON. D.C. – A report by House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Minority Staff contradicts assertions by the House Appropriations Committee that National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) lobbyist Craig Obey does not lobby the House Committee chaired by his father, Rep. David Obey. The House Appropriations Committee approved a $2 billion earmark for the National Parks Service lobbied for by Craig Obey and the NPCA.

Click here for the report

Update:

House GOP holds the line; Nancy’s leaving on a jet plane (Michelle Malkin) 

The extreme peaceniks and others expressing less venomous opposition to the Iraq war often begin their arguments with reference to inherent characteristics of war as their central theme. Aside from the obvious death and destruction that accompanies armed conflict, they stress the loss of troops and civilians as their largest concern. But they will never accept the fact that this same expression of opposition has prolonged the war in Iraq by strengthening the determination of the enemy. In other words, opposition prolonging the war shares responsibility for the death toll that the anti-war crowd views with such disdain. How’s that for irony?

Each day that politicians seek political cover on the war in Iraq from these same anti-war critics also causes more loss of life. A prudent and practical human being regardless of ideology would sacrifice their own selfish interest in favor of the valiant contributions by those actually at risk of death. To express the realities of politics is simply more rhetoric and of little consolation to those who shoulder the real burden. If you are not now nor have ever been in Iraq, shut the hell up and get this thing done so those who are can satisfy the demands of both sides of the issue by achieving victory in Iraq and coming home that much sooner.

To a much less dramatic issue but with equal potential for serious injury to the United States is illegal immigration. The reason for addressing it at the same time as the Iraq war is the focus afforded these two issues will distract from attending to other matters until resolved. The sympathy argument for illegals is another ploy that compels politicians to seek political cover rather than face the reality that this is simply an economic or financial issue.

The open borders crowd claims that illegals are merely seeking a better life is really describing a better income. The business community’s scare tactics about economic disaster without illegals is really describing lower costs and higher profits by exploiting artificial wage competition. Trying to solve the world’s problems by eliminating border and immigration control only exacerbates the symtoms.

Not securing the borders or controlling immigration is a national security risk we cannot afford. Allowing amnesty for lawbreakers only encourages its continuation. Not enforcing existing laws is a violation of the oath of office of all or most elected and appointed officials in the executive branch. Both sides of the issue, again, can be satisfied by effective control and management of the flow of people in and out of this country. Conceding to the demands of selfish special interest is not an option. Common sense demands this issue be solved now. The guiding force should be the rule of law not the whim of personal preference.

As a personal note, if you truly believe open borders are a good thing, I suggest this. Leave all your locks unlocked 24/7 from now on. Then let us know how long it takes before you experience something really bad. It is nice to think the best of people but that does not suggest ignoring the worst. They invented security because both exist.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Congressional Democrats Negotiate With Bush Aides on Iraq

Congressional Democrats and President Bush’s aides meet again Thursday to negotiate on funding for the Iraq war.

Senators Work With White House to Craft Immigration Deal

Bipartisan group of senators and White House officials work to craft an immigration agreement.

It may sound outragious to the casual observer or typical apathetic or bleeding heart version of American, but the laws against treason should have a section that addresses politicians who sell this country by accepting money from every special interest and who do their bidding regardless of the negative impact on this nation.

A report from Politico has it right and wrong. The report describes the power and influence, meaning political contributions, etc., of the ‘goliath’ supporting amnesty in immmigration legislation. Senate bill 1348 is the culmination of Harry Reid’s push via Kyl, Kennedy and others to circumvent existing legislation that has been rendered useless through the Bush Administration and others before them refusing to enforce immigration and border control.

Amnesty lobby is immigration Goliath

Nearly every major corporation, trade association, union and civil rights group has a dog in this fight — but most of them seek slightly different things. Companies and trade associations mainly seek reforms in the green card and visa process, while most unions want changes in the guest worker program; civil rights groups press for a path to citizenship above all. The challenge, lobbyists say, remains for these groups to band together to thwart anti-immigration groups like the Federation for American Immigration Reform, NumbersUSA and others trying to fan the flames of grass-roots angst against illegal — and legal — immigration.

The Politico report describes the ‘goliath’ push for easing unenforced immigration laws against what it called the grassroots angst against illegal and legal immigration. That part is wrong. It is not angst. And it is not against legal immigration.

There are seven immigration ‘reform’ bills on the active legislation list at the Senate. This is just a dog and pony show to mask the elimination of immigration and border control as ‘’immigration reform’. The middle class will pay for the crushing burden of opening the immigration flood gates while the politicians and corporate interests line their pockets with the profit from illegal immigration in the form of cheap labor and campaign contributions.

The result will include an increased risk in attack by terrorists that is being sanctioned by political and corporate wrongdoing that explains the ealier suggestion of expanding the laws against treason in this country to include this type of criminal behavior.

But the vast majority of Americans have not the vision to see what is being done to them and have developed such an iron clad shield of apathy they simply nod in agreement and continue to bend over and let it happen again. To which the powerful interests are unable to ignore the opportunity to abuse it again. The few individuals and ‘grassroots’ groups that continue to oppose such travesties are mostly ignored and the cycle repeats itself.

While some of us lobby our representatives and get involved in local, state or national efforts to thwart the open borders crowd and other threats to this nation, the rest of you sit idly by with a front row seat watching the ease with which special interest steals the country from under you.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Democrats File Joint Funding Resolution for FY 2007

WASHINGTON - Today, Dave Obey (D-WI), Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, filed a $463.5 billion measure to complete work on last year’s appropriations bills. He co-wrote the measure with Robert C. Byrd (D-WV), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The House is expected to consider the measure on Wednesday.

Last year, the Republican leadership passed a budget so unrealistic they were unable to complete work on 9 of the 11 annual appropriations bills.

Chairman Obey:
Quit whining about the opposition party. Did we hear Speaker Pelosi and President Bush mention working together in bipartisan fashion? Although most citizens are probably not optimistic about that happening, you could at least give it a try. If members of either major party want to continue political bickering, rather than mention mistakes that criticize your political opposition, start listing all the mistakes. None of us will live long enough to view the entire list, but you could try that rather than the tired strategy in parts of this news release.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Mark My Words OTA 

So how did the United States Congress do in the first month of the 110th session? You be the judge. First, a little review of the fact that posts here have sometimes asked why we get so focused on what Congress does. After all, they legislate. That’s it. They legislate. The can pass laws. Whatever the House passes must be passed in the Senate also. So both Houses of Congress must pass the same version of a bill before it can become law. Then it goes to the President. He can sign it into law. He can veto it and send it back to Congress. He can pocket-veto at the end of the session. Or he can pretty much ignore it and it becomes law. All you expert legal types out there, feel free to refute this if you must.

Next, Congressional action is either a bill or resolution. Most of the time, resolutions are pretty much useless to the ordinary citizen. There is one example this past month that is not useless. It should not have to come to this but usually does. A joint resolution is similar to a bill. The one last month was for appropriations. You know, to keep the government operating until Congress and the President figure out what they’re doing.

So six bills and one joint resolution have the term “on passage” next to them in the voting record in the House. Being that it is joint and includes the Senate, that’s the only thing showing up on their completed list. Then there are the six bills. You’ll remember them from the daily reminder of the 100 hour agenda. Here’s a take on that.

On January 9, 2007, House of Representatives 1 or HR1 was passed.
This is to implement 9/11 Commission items.
On January 10, 2007, HR2 was passed.
This is for increasing minimum wage over 26 months.
On January 11, 2007, HR3 was passed.
This is to “enhance” stem cell research.
On January 12, 2007, HR4 was passed.
This allows government to negotiate medicare drug prices.
On January 17, 2007, HR5 was passed.
This lowers interest rates on government backed student loans
On January 18, 2007, HR6 was passed.
This is an act for alternative energy creation. That’s quite an act.
On January 19, 2007, HR475 was passed to revise the House Page Board.

The above items are what the House passed. The Senate passed the one joint resolution with the House. And one item became law that was posted here earlier. It is for renaming a National Recreation Area.

One law was passed to rename a park. And the other bills have many hurdles to cross before they can become law. Even if they become law there is no guarantee they will have any positive effects. No one, with any regularity, will follow up on them. So the Congress has done nothing for one month. They have solved nothing. There is only one item as law and it is not critical. 21 Senators are worried about 2008 due to re-election. Other Senators are worried about running for President. And the rest have passed one joint resolution and participated in renaming a park.

We would be better off paying more attention to the remainder of government. At the federal level at least, nothing productive is happening in the legislative branch. Ask anyone from the House or Senate if they care to dispute this. The new Democratic majority are developing disharmony among themselves as are the GOP members. If any of you still hold out optimism for the 110th Congress, good for you. Currently, the chances of Congress contributing to the overall good of the country are slim. That is unless they change their ways. And they will not.
Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

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