Last I checked, the Democrats held the White House and had nearly 60 votes and over 250 in the House — more than enough to pass and sign this $800B monstrosity of a pork-barrel giveaway they call a “stimulus” (as well as every other pet project they want to put into law). So why don’t they shut up and do it already? Why are they wasting time trying to bring some Republican votes on board (even adopting a GOP amendment to the bill — albeit the one out of 18 total which would have no material effect on the legislation outside of commissioning a post-passage panel to study it)?
From where I sit, the answer to that question is pretty obvious: the Democrats know exactly what a terrible bill this is, and want some GOP votes to give them “bipartisan” cover (and someone else to point the finger of blame at when this behemoth utterly fails to fulfill its supposed purpose of stimulating the economy and creating jobs).
What the GOP should do here is obvious: every single Republican in the House and Senate should vote NO on this bill. Every. Single. One. No making speeches about how bad it is, then voting for it (I’m looking at you, Senator Cornyn). No voting on the side of utter fiscal irresponsibility and economic backwardness for whatever reason (memo to the 40 GOP Reps who supported the awful SCHIP expansion proposal). No excuses whatsoever — just vote no.
Voting against this bill — which recommends sinking more taxpayer-owned cash into legislators’ pet projects than the entire amount of currency in circulation right now* — would send the powerful, two-part message that Republicans want no part of frittering away nearly a trillion more dollars of Americans’ money on handouts and pork-barrel projects, and that, if such wasteful programs are going to pass during this period of Democratic dominance in Washington, they are going to do so without help from the more fiscally-responsible minority.
House Republicans made an effort last week to voice their concerns with this proposal, and to lay out an alternative, more realistically workable stimulus proposal — and the effort was met with a curt “I won” from President Obama.
Republicans need to remember that retort, and need to ensure that neither Obama nor Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid’s Congressional majorities forget that they, too, won. The best way to do this is by eschewing the inexplicable temptation to provide the Democrats with bipartisan cover, and voting in unison against monstrosities like this “stimulus” and SCHIP expansion.
In other words, the only help hte GOP needs to give the Democrats is an assist in ensuring that the majority has sole ownership of every one of the poor policy decisions being made during this period of Democrat dominance on the Hill. Make them prove they have the courage to follow their convictions and pass this on their own.
Let’s tattoo the phrase “I won” on the Democrats’ foreheads. They need to own every single one of their bad policies.
*According to the Federal Reserve, only $800 billion is currently in circulation (thanks to Ernest Istook for the email tip)
Steve Maley
KnightsofMalta
Dan Spencer
Moe Lane
Dan McLaughlin
Energy Independence
tnredstate Wednesday, January 28th at 10:13AM EST (link)Not that we should be spending money we don’t have, but…. It would be interesting for the Republicans to turn the entire stimulus issue around on the Democrats and make it about energy independence. Imagine how much more money Americans would have to spend domestically if it wasn’t being sent overseas. Put forth a “comprehensive” energy stimulus package to include nuclear, offshore drilling, clean coal, wind, solar etc. Let the Democrats chew on that.
Great photo! Republicans should vote NO
izoneguy (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 10:30AM EST (link)and they should be twisting every democratic arm possible to convince them that voting yes is like boarding the Titanic.
At this point the democrats will not listen to any counter proposals.
So since elections are 2 years away – obstruct. Republicans need to become the boulder on the highway. They need to set up stop signs for ANYTHING the democrats want to do. This bill does diddly squat to help business so KILL IT, STOMP ON IT, FLUSH IT DOWN THE TOILET.
The point cannot be made often enough: Modern liberalism, as embodied in the Obama presidency, is the defender of the status quo. And the status quo is a road to economic ruin. Political forces cannot redistribute the wealth that the economic system does not produce.
Absolutely 100% Agree!
dvdmsr (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 10:31AM EST (link)Just Say, HELL NO!
Personal Responsibility Conservative
Great points, Jeff
Kevin Groenhagen (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 10:32AM EST (link)I watched a special on Saddam Hussein on National Geographic last night. When Saddam took power in 1979, he held a televised Baath Party meeting during which he read a list of 60 or so names and labeled them traitors to the party. They were led out of the room to be executed. But before the executions took place, Saddam had one more surprise: Party leaders would personally take part in the executions. This way, the party leaders were complicit in Saddam’s crimes.
I believe the GOP should play no part in this “stimulus” package. Let the Democrats–and just the Democrats–be complicit in this offense.
I know the GOP is sometimes referred to...
St_Louis_Conservative (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 10:39AM EST (link)…as the “stupid party”, however surely every GOP Rep knows that the ONLY reason Obama wants their votes is for political cover. They have to know this. I’m not that smart and I know this – and I’m not in politics.
Especially now that revelations have come out about sops to ACORN, and the pro-abortion lobby have surfaced, why would any Republican sign on to this? Even the moderate squishy Republicans can point to 20 asinine things in this bill as reason to vote against it.
I hope to God that not a single Republican votes for this bill. Any of you RedState directors hearing anything on how many, if ANY, Republicans plan to vote for this?
“…..women and minorities hardest hit”
I think you are misdreading the intent of the "squishy Republicans."
larueladue (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 11:15AM EST (link)You are assuming that they automatically disagree with what the bill will actually accomplish, just because they are listed as Republicans. Their past voting record doesn’t have any indication that they fundamentally disagree with much of anything that the Democrats are trying to accomplish here, and I think you are mistaken if you think that they would even consider voting against this. They are really not Republicans in any sense of the word. They should be removed from the caucus, and abandoned by the party, unless they buy into the basics of being a Republican or conservative.
You actually make a good point with respect to the pork both parties eat, but
Mike gamecock DeVine (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 12:12PM EST (link)Given the only good public works in this bill are such a small pecentage and given that the repubs must know that this bill will not stimulate the economy as advertised, esp given the paucity of stimulating tax cuts,
FEAR of Obama is the main reason for so many’s silence/tacit/or explitic support so far, it seems to me.
Mike DeVine’s Examiner.com, Charlotte Observer and The Minority Report columns
“One man with courage makes a majority.” – Andrew Jackson
Perhaps you are right...
larueladue (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 2:50PM EST (link)I hadn’t considered actual fear of the ONE… It wouldn’t occur to me to fear him.
Perhaps it is similar to junior high school girl cliques: they just don’t want to be left out and called dweebs or nerds…
Whatever the motivation, they need to be primaried wherever possible, or at least strongly motivated to change party affiliation and stop lying to the electorate.
they fear Obama's popularity and supposed political clout
Mike gamecock DeVine (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 2:59PM EST (link)But I think its an inch deep and a mile long, unlike Reagan’s.
Mike DeVine’s Examiner.com, Charlotte Observer and The Minority Report columns
“One man with courage makes a majority.” – Andrew Jackson
If you were a public officer in a Red State, you'd fear him.
Achance (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 3:15PM EST (link)The Genie got let out of the bottle during GWB’s Administration and is the fruit of Republican unwillingness or inability to fire everybody they can legally reach in the federal government. The FBI and the Public Integrity Section of the USDOJ ran riot around the Country. Most people only look at the failure with Rep. Jefferson, and even that was a success because he lost an election, but these people have made being a politician a crime. The only difference between being a powerful, influential member of Congress and being a convicted felon is whether or not the DOJ has put a laser dot on your forehead.
The ethics, procurement, personnel, travel, expenditure, etc. rules are so chaotic and restrictive that NOBODY can truly follow them. Consequently, if you’re an elected or appointed official or a manager of a program that uses federal funds, every time you sign off on your FSR or any sort of report or take any action, you are potentially sentencing yourself to jail if you become the object of the DOJ’s affection.
Rest assured there will be an invasion of Red States by auditors, inspectors, investigators, FBI agents, and very hostile US Attornies.
In Vino Veritas
I wouldn't care if I lost my seat, and so would not fear him - nt
Mike gamecock DeVine (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 10:26PM EST (link)Mike DeVine’s Examiner.com, Charlotte Observer and The Minority Report columns
“One man with courage makes a majority.” – Andrew Jackson
Brave words, GC, and if it were just the office,
Achance (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 10:36PM EST (link)I’d feel differently. As you so often say, “people in jail want to get out.” I get to listen to people here excoriate political figures in my state who’ve really only been convicted of being polticians. There are quid pro quo arrangements in this business. Everyone loves that vaunted art of the possible, art of compromise, and all that rot, but the way you get to the possible, the way you get the compromise is you tell some guy; I’ll do this if you’ll do that. The USDOJ has made that a crime. And yes, I do understand the distinctions that can be involved, some subtle, some not subte at all.
In Vino Veritas
Saint Unruh rules
SteveLA (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 10:40PM EST (link)“If you can’t take their money, drink their whiskey, screw their women, and vote against ‘em anyway, you don’t belong in the Legislature” is a quote by Molly Ivins (1944-2007) that’s often attributed to Texas politics. It was first used by Jesse Unruh (1922-1987) in California politics in the 1970s. Unruh was talking then about lobbyists.
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Competency over ideological purity and litmus tests
That was pretty much my rule.
Achance (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 10:48PM EST (link)I never reached for a tab, always reached for the cutie, and never gave them a thing for their trouble. It was a fun game to see how big a tab you could run up on some lobbyist. I think my all time record was an astounding amount of money at the infamous Baranof Hotel in Juneau on the tab of the lobbyist who became the DOJ’s snitch in the recent unpleasantness here. And I didn’t even have anything to do with what he was after, but he thought I might and I didn’t dissuade him from the notion as I drank Johnny Walker Blue.
In Vino Veritas
It will require courage and risk to save this country
Mike gamecock DeVine (Diary) Thursday, January 29th at 9:30AM EST (link)Yes, if we can get substantial improvements in the stimulus in the senate then I would compromise, but if not, then we must oppose the bill and my expectations are that it would also be politically astute as well, similar to 1993 and what followed in the 1994 elections.
But we can’t scurry in fear and kneel at the later of quid pro quos as a default position. I am a realist. I have been excoriated here for weeks for suggesting compromise while we work for an acceptable bill, rather than, like some, not even trying due to expectations.
But the fact is that it appears we will not get a quid pro quo back scratch with a crap.
So don’t suggest I’m a dreamer. The fate of the nation is at stake if Obama can grow the govt 30% and we get no stimulus.
I have worked for me my whole life. That’s more than just brave words!
my brother
Mike DeVine’s Examiner.com, Charlotte Observer and The Minority Report columns
“One man with courage makes a majority.” – Andrew Jackson
Not so sure about that
SteveLA (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 10:36PM EST (link)Achance
I work supporting the Federal government, and have worked on Federal contracts for most of my 30 years of professional life. I go to ethics training about once a year, know the rules, don’t break the rules and know how to ask questions if I’m not so sure about what is the law or the regulations.
The assertion that poor politicians are picked on because of the mean old Feds and ethics rules somehow does not float my boat. The old “if you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime” rule applies.
Besides, ethics and procurement rules are just a full lawyer employment activity. If in doubt, ask for a written opinion.
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Competency over ideological purity and litmus tests
And with a team of auditors and malice aforethought,
Achance (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 10:41PM EST (link)I bet I could get a jury of twelve morons with driver’s licenses to put you in jail. I’m not talking about crime really. I’m talking about the USDOJ making technical violations of all sorts of things into some kind of fraud or doing the perjury trap game on you. A halfway decent prosecutor and a hostile jury can put anybody in jail.
In Vino Veritas
I thought I'd detected fear in some of the conservative media...
H (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 3:30PM EST (link)It seemed to me that the gushing praise for The One by the likes of Peggy Noonan before the election rose up as part of a chorus. Their ridicule of Sarah Palin and their “historic” view of the first black presidential candidate read eerily like D talking points. Made me reach for the tin foil hat wondering just who was pulling what lever to make them all speak up at once.
Olympia Snowe Can't Wait to Vote for "Stimulus"
Spartan4Life (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 12:16PM EST (link)I actually watched as much of the Finance Committee mark up opening statements as I could stomach. Olympia Snowe was the only GOP Senator I heard wholeheartedly endorsing the Pelosi/Obama plan.
There were some unbelievable things said during this meeting of our great Congress people. To paraphrase generally what the Democrats were saying is, “Hey, we know this bill sucks but we support it because Obama supports it.”
Chuck Schumer, the most partisan hack politician in my lifetime, actually implored his GOP colleagues to vote for it even though they hate it in the spirit of bi-partisanship. He cited voting once for tax cuts as an example of what was required of the Republican senators.
I will be so disappointed if this thing gets more than a handfull of Republican votes
Amen, GOP must vote no
char (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 10:39AM EST (link)Let the dems pass it on their own votes. Don’t share the disaster with the dems, don’t let dems in unsafe districts have the ability to say that they didn’t support the unpopular bill. Why does the GOP give cover to conservative dems?
There really is no way to be both a Republican and support this massive theft.
spainishirish (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 11:28AM EST (link)You are right. Let the Democrats own it. Let them own every piece of terrible legislation the Democratic Congress belches out, and as soon as it is signed have the leadership condemn what has happened. This not only is the fast track back to majority but the right thing to do. Polls indicate Americans are concerned about this insanity. Exploit it simply by acting properly.
There really is no way to be an American and support this massive theft.
izoneguy (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 11:34AM EST (link)This is anti-capitalism at it’s worst. I am amazed that Obama is trying to sell such a shoddy bill of goods. It was bad enough that 56% voted for the guy but that does not mean he is king. Don’t let socialism win out.
The point cannot be made often enough: Modern liberalism, as embodied in the Obama presidency, is the defender of the status quo. And the status quo is a road to economic ruin. Political forces cannot redistribute the wealth that the economic system does not produce.
What you don't know can and will hurt you
woodsman (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 11:41AM EST (link)This is what a lot of people who voted for BHO will soon be finding out. They bought into the hype and talking points and in doing so have screwed not only themselves but the rest of the country as well.
It’s not only the Lib’s who own this, but also the MSM.
The only reason for pushing this legislation through so fast is to get it done before enough people find out about it. Too little, too late…
Actually, Kind of Disappointed in Obama
Spartan4Life (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 12:36PM EST (link)Don’t like the guy or his policies.
However, based on some of the people he put on his economic team, in particular Christina Romer, I thought maybe he was going over to the supply side and they would structure a truly bipartisan initiative.
Instead he lets Nancy Pelosi write the bill and we get liberal warmed over big government goo. Then he parades it around like it is his bill and has all this massive support.
Was hoping for better from the annointed one.
Agree 100%
Kayla Wednesday, January 28th at 11:43AM EST (link)If the Dems want it, let them own it!!!!
Agree 100%
Kayla Wednesday, January 28th at 11:43AM EST (link)If the Dems want it, let them own it!!!!
Yep, my clients are walking on pins & needles
izoneguy (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 12:05PM EST (link)Most of my clients are small business people. I have never seen such desperation. Crap rolls downhill. Everyone is pulling back and if this porker of crap gets approved then my best guess will be a slight bump up in the markets for a few days and then it will collapse.
This will send a major signal to business that your days are numbered so sell now at firesale prices.
Watch the carnage here:
http://www.vault.com/companies/layoffs.jsp
The point cannot be made often enough: Modern liberalism, as embodied in the Obama presidency, is the defender of the status quo. And the status quo is a road to economic ruin. Political forces cannot redistribute the wealth that the economic system does not produce.
This Porker is Custards Last Stand for the GOP..
speciallist (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 11:37AM EST (link)you want a Bailout?…..If this passes…just watch people Bailout of the big tent…
Getta Load of this: The Political Case For The Stimulus, If You're A Vulernable Republican
izoneguy (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 1:09PM EST (link)The Political Case For The Stimulus, If You’re A Vulernable Republican
http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2009/01/the_political_case_for_the_sti.php
Sometimes you have to transcend politics for the greater good.
The point cannot be made often enough: Modern liberalism, as embodied in the Obama presidency, is the defender of the status quo. And the status quo is a road to economic ruin. Political forces cannot redistribute the wealth that the economic system does not produce.
"The public approves of the stimulus plan by a very large margin.."
speciallist (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 3:05PM EST (link)- the numbers vary with the wording of the poll question, but it’s at least a plus 40%.”
This is the LIE we must fight…….the public has NOT SEEN the plan…..
I told someone yestarday to go read the plan on the interweb……he said “no need to…..I trust Barry to do the right thing”….
Zombies do not want to be Enlightened…..they want to eat your brains…
As I have said before, remember 1993, then what took place in Nov. 1994.
RedWhite_and_Truth (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 11:46AM EST (link)Better buck up GOP. We are watching.
And yes, we WILL reward you for taking a stand against Hussein. Trust me, there are a LOT more of us out here than you realize. Stop watching PMSNBC and the rest. Stick to conservative principles.
Are These Transfer Payments to States Constitutional?
Spartan4Life (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 12:28PM EST (link)Thomas Jefferson must be rolling over in his grave.
Was wondering about this while watching some of the debate in the Senate Finance committee. Certainly sounded to me that they were planning to “back door” the payments into the states through a vehicle in Medicaid. It was stated openly that the concept was (paraphrasing)”…the easiest way to do it…” as if stealing the money from people of fiscally responsible states and giving it to the fiscally irresponsible people of other states might be problematic without some form of cover. The idea is that then those states could use the funds they would have used for Medicaid for some other equally mundane government program and they won’t have to declare bankruptcy.
It left me questioning whether all this was constitutional. It certainly would seem that the founders did not intend for the citizens of one state to pay for the financial foibles of the citizens of another state(e.g. NY, NJ, OH, MI, CA).
We got any good constitutional lawyers out there? I say, let the challenges fly.
States like Texas are not asking for a bailout
izoneguy (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 12:31PM EST (link)so Texas should sue the Federal Government if FEDERAL TAX DOLLARS go to bailout states like Kalifornia and New Yarrrkkk.
We will have a “Texas Tea Party”.
The point cannot be made often enough: Modern liberalism, as embodied in the Obama presidency, is the defender of the status quo. And the status quo is a road to economic ruin. Political forces cannot redistribute the wealth that the economic system does not produce.
Nebraska isn't asking for anything either
drohan00 (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 12:39PM EST (link)so why should my taxes go to states that have been mismanaged?
Republican states don’t seem to be in trouble, is that a coincidence?
Alaska isn't either, but we have to be judicious
Achance (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 12:40PM EST (link)in confronting the Fed or they suddenly decide they want to tax the Permanent Fund or turn a few million acres into wilderness, or have the FBI camp out here for a few more years.
In Vino Veritas
Don't Believe Arkansas Getting Money, Either
Spartan4Life (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 12:47PM EST (link)However, our two “Conservative Democrat” senators will vote for the package.
We need a new revolution.
Wisconsin is
woodsman (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 4:52PM EST (link)An article in the newspaper today listed the cost at about $4.4B, of which it all went to state government programs to keep the state employees employed. It’s not stimulus, it’s a real bailout!
how to stop this???
Janice Cantore Wednesday, January 28th at 2:54PM EST (link)I’m so frustrated, how can this be stopped? Never in my 49 years have I felt so frustrated with government, felt like they are totally not listening and there is nothing I can do about it. This is like that horrible immigration bill, but still enough people hated it that it went nowhere. People on the left and right hate this pork bill, why is no one listening?
Janice Cantore
It will take two years
izoneguy (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 3:06PM EST (link)of a depression for folks to get a clue.
But by then the government will be holding all the chips.
This is what the Obama bus is counting on.
Jump on board the Obama bus or get run over.
The point cannot be made often enough: Modern liberalism, as embodied in the Obama presidency, is the defender of the status quo. And the status quo is a road to economic ruin. Political forces cannot redistribute the wealth that the economic system does not produce.
I don't know about you, but I am getting off the road! (nt)
larueladue (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 4:29PM EST (link)IF and that's a big IF
DefendUSA (Diary) Wednesday, January 28th at 3:17PM EST (link)The house and the senate Reps were to man up and vote against it, which may or may not be possible, we would own 2012. The trouble is we have sheep on our side, too.
Let’s just say that of both places we managed a count of 20 yay’s and the rest nays…we know the left will rally the wagons and say that it was a bipartisan vote. Technically maybe, but we don’t get enough credit,anyway for being smart.
The point being that Obama will have failed and for the rest of us, he and his beloved dems will be the ones to own that. No matter what. I know, a bit Pollyanna-ish, but at least i do have fatih that something good can happen.
*starred thought*
To be a leader is to do the uncomfortable thing. Man up, Mr. President.
They did in the House
Jeff Emanuel (Diary) Thursday, January 29th at 9:34AM EST (link)But it’s just one bill. We need to be the party of Zero Votes for the D Agenda over the next two years.
JE