Blog @ MoreWhat.com

Although the report below can be characterized as disappointing is it really a surprise or shock? You don’t really believe most campaign promises do you? And when is the last time a politician told you there would be transparency, open government, oversight, accountability, disclosure or ethics in government that actually came to pass? (the next story while expected is of more consequence)

Obama ducks promise to delay bill signings

It seemed among the easiest of his transparency pledges and is entirely under his control, but President Obama is finagling his promise to post bills on the White House Web site for comment for five days before he signs them.

Given the most recent example of a SCOTUS nominee who did not perform as predicted as in David Souter does it really matter who is chosen? But it is certain that if a white male SCOTUS nominee were to say ‘ I would hope that a wise white American male with the richness of his experience would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a Latina woman who hasn’t lived that life’ the screams of racist or biggot or xenophobe would be heard clear into the next century. You know what you can do with the race card or diversity appeal which is nothing more than a political tactic used against those worried about being labeled racist or xenophobic. That worry doesn’t live on this blog.

As for Sotomayor being nominated by Obama and once claiming she will more often than not reach a better conclusion than her white male counterpart….. in this case that is Latina-speak for the decisions I make will favor those I favor. How’s that for reverse discrimination?

Barack Obama nominates Sonia Sotomayor for Supreme Court

Even before news of her nomination emerged, conservatives had highlighted a statement by her that the Court of Appeal was “where policy is made” – an indication she would see her role as being much more than strict interpretation of the constitution, which conservatives insist on.

A racially-charged statement in which she argued that her minority status made her more effective than white male colleagues was also being highlighted by conservatives.

“I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experience would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life,” she said in a lecture at the University of California in 2001.

And as for the leaders of the US Senate who will take up the nomination of Sotomayor…..

Reid Statement On President Obama’s Nomination Of Sonia Sotomayor To Supreme Court

Washington, DC—Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid made the following statement today after President Obama nominated Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court seat soon to be vacated by Justice David Souter:

“As Majority Leader, I will do all I can to ensure Judge Sonia Sotomayor receives a fair and respectful hearing and the Senate’s quick confirmation.

“I commend the President for selecting such an accomplished, qualified and experienced nominee to replace Justice Souter on the Supreme Court. Judge Sotomayor has had wide-ranging experience not only in the legal world, but in the real world as well, which has helped to ensure that her understanding of the law is grounded not only in theory, but also in practice.

“Both Democratic and Republican Presidents have nominated Judge Sotomayor to the federal bench, and the Senate has confirmed her with strong bipartisan support in the past. I look forward to working with both Democrats and Republicans on the Judiciary Committee to confirm Judge Sotomayor as the first Hispanic and the third woman to sit on the Court.

“Justice Souter has been a friend of mine for a long time and powerful defender of our constitutional rights. Americans everywhere again thank him for his decades of service to the nation.”

McConnell Statement on Judge Sonia Sotomayor

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement Tuesday regarding the President’s announcement of his intent to nominate Judge Sonia Sotomayor to fill the upcoming vacancy on the Supreme Court:

“Senate Republicans will treat Judge Sotomayor fairly. But we will thoroughly examine her record to ensure she understands that the role of a jurist in our democracy is to apply the law even-handedly, despite their own feelings or personal or political preferences.

“Our Democratic colleagues have often remarked that the Senate is not a ‘rubber stamp.’ Accordingly, we trust they will ensure there is adequate time to prepare for this nomination, and a full and fair opportunity to question the nominee and debate her qualifications.”

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It is fair to say that Dems will vote for Obama’s pick and Republicans will not. But then it is never quite that predictable is it? So to defeat the Obama pick the GOP will need ‘no’ votes from across the aisle. One might expect that won’t happen. And what value is a filibuster worth?

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

A combination of typical misleading information, at least headlines, from the MSM, the political celebrity which is Gov Sarah Palin, Democrats and Republicans, the pork stimulus bill and an organization with a willingness to do anything for a drink. How can you not love a story like that? The jury here is still out on whether or not the opening line in the first piece below is correct or not. Are ‘most Republican governors’ pushing for pork in the massive Obamessiah pork package? On the one hand it would seem a needless slap at their own party with the recent House vote in which every GOP Congressman voted NO. On the other hand the most frequent abuse at the state level in politics (rather than government) is to please local constituents by stealing all the federal dollars possible. By the success found in that ploy one can only assume voters are too stupid to realize that money is also public revenue from their tax dollars. And it also steals from taxpayers in other states as it is part their money too.

The last sentence in the first piece below suggest Palin is going to Washington for pork. This post began with an interest in checking on the claims of the statement that ‘most Republican governors’ are targeting the pork. So go figure, if you’re starting to check governors and while Alaska isn’t the first state by alphabetical order who comes to mind when you think GOP governor? For others Palin might not be the first to come to mind but it was here and that was the first stop. The second piece below suggests with its title that ALL Alaska lawmakers question Palin’s focus. C’mon, when the terms Alaska and lawmakers (plural) are used together does it not suggest all of them? Oh no, you say, it only suggests more than one. Point is at least in that piece the author provides examples of those who do and those who do not. The best part is it begins with the leader of the political opposition in Alaska driving by the mansion and wondering why the place is not all lit up? Was he hoping it was so he could bash her on global warming or greenhouse gases or her carbon emissions? But it made him wonder if she’s focused? How absurd that is. And to anyone wondering, the piece itself says the legislative session started on January 20 and it is only the 31st. Criticism comes quickly in Alaska.

Questions abound with Sarah Palin’s weekend trip to Washington DC. You can guess what they are. The first paragraph in Gov Palin’s press release ‘Non-Partisan Events in the Nation’s Capital certainly suggests although mildly vague that the Governor and her legislature are pushing for federal pork. The one who rose to fame on her self-promoted maverick and reform reputation even with questions on the bridge that wasn’t too far but went to nowhere and connections to other scandalous politicians is now going to campaign for pork????

Her state of the state near the end of the post suggests they were successful in bolstering the state of Alaska and storing some cash for this rainy day. As asked below, what is their condition and do they need help? Along with other 49 states one has to expect all cannot be saved by the Fed. And it all ends up being tested amidst members of an organization who will do anything for a drink.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

GOP governors press Congress to pass stimulus bill

NEW YORK (AP) - Most Republican governors have broken with their GOP colleagues in Congress and are pushing for passage of President Barack Obama’s economic aid plan that would send billions to states for education, public works and health care.

Their state treasuries drained by the financial crisis, governors would welcome the money from Capitol Hill, where GOP lawmakers are more skeptical of Obama’s spending priorities.

The 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, scheduled meetings in Washington this weekend with Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and other senators to press for her state’s share of the package.

Alaska lawmakers question Sarah Palin’s focus

By ANNE SUTTON – 11 hours ago

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Driving home at night from her Capitol office, the leader of Alaska’s House Democrats often passes the governor’s white-columned mansion and wonders why more lights aren’t on.

Rep. Beth Kerttula assumes Gov. Sarah Palin is out of town, though Palin’s staffers say so far their boss has been there for most of the legislative session that began Jan. 20.

Non-Partisan Events in Nation’s Capital

Governor Sarah Palin to Attend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 09-12

Governor Palin to Attend Non-Partisan Events in Nation’s Capital

January 28, 2009, Juneau, Alaska - Governor Sarah Palin is traveling to Washington, D.C. this weekend to attend a number of non-partisan functions while also visiting with her D.C. staff to continue discussions concerning the president’s stimulus package and Alaska dollars. The Alaska Legislature is working on a joint resolution urging the Obama Administration to pass a fair stimulus package, a point Governor Palin will stress while in the nation’s capital.

Governor Palin will first attend a dinner at the residence of Fred and Marlene Malek Friday evening. Fred Malek is a prominent business leader and the founder and Chairman of Thayer Capital Partners. In addition to his work in the private sector, Mr. Malek has had a distinguished career in public service. The governor is honored to have received the invitation and to have the chance to speak about Alaska and other issues impacting our state. A number of high-profile business and economic leaders are expected, as well as political leaders who will be making decisions on the stimulus package, including U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), Dianne Feinstein (D-California), and Olympia Snowe (R-Maine). Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan will also be attending. On Saturday, in addition to the official meeting with her staff, the governor will attend the Center for Strategic and International Studies luncheon, which is a pre-Alfalfa event. Governor Palin will attend the Alfalfa Club Dinner.

These non-partisan and high-profile events provide Governor Palin with the perfect opportunity to speak further about not only Alaska’s needs, but how Alaska should be allowed to develop its natural resources in order to contribute to America’s quest toward energy independence. In keeping with tradition, President Obama is also expected to attend the Alfalfa Club Dinner.

The governor will return to Alaska on Sunday.

Contrary to published reports, the governor will neither be speaking at the RNC Winter Meeting, nor attending it.

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editor’s note: The Alfalfa Club is an exclusive Washington, D.C. social organization which exists only to hold an annual banquet on the last Saturday of January. The group’s moniker is reference to the plant’s willingness to do anything for a drink.

from Gov Palin’s State of the State Address:

At a time when other state legislatures are staring at multi-billion-dollar deficits, and when our federal government proposes a deficit in excess of a trillion dollars this year alone, we have all the cautionary examples we need in the virtues of living within our means. With less revenue, we have an obligation to spend less money.

With our share of federal funds and Congress’ stimulus package, our obligation is equally clear: we must ensure these public funds serve vital needs – as is the case of infrastructure for our gas pipeline, needed by the nation; and the Kodiak Launch Facility, adding to national defense. President Obama pledged not to let this stimulus package devolve into the past familiar scene of politicians lining up for obscure earmarks. This is reform at work.

The excerpt below raises the question of how well positioned is Alaska to meet the current fiscal nightmare?

Two years ago at this podium, I urged spending restraint. I asked that billions of surplus funds be deposited in state savings. This struck me as a simple precaution against, as I described it, massive single-year cuts down the road, if and when we faced tougher times. You legislators agreed, so we can now meet our challenge in a stronger position.

Damn! I miss Sarah Palin (Sister Toldjah) 

The GOP through the voice of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell does not provide a convincing argument that Republican leadership supports bankruptcy for the auto industry rather than a taxpayer funded bailout. Simply arguing over the details of a bailout does not protect the American taxpayer. If the auto industry is unable or unwilling to formulate a radical approach to solve the industry’s problems no amount of taxpayer money will succeed in solving the problem.

As for others who may be affected by an auto industry failure what is different about that then all the past failures of other businesses. Are businesses that tied themselves to the auto industry incapable of transitioning to a different industry? Are workers displaced by failure in the auto industry incapable of doing what others do when they lose a job? Isn’t labeling a business as too big to fail just rhetoric for believing you have enough political influence to have someone else pay for your mistakes?

When animals dominated the American landscape of transportation in the ‘horse and buggy’ days what happened to all the people and jobs involved in that arrangement when the internal combustion engine and mechanically powered vehicles arrived on the scene? Did the government bail someone out then? Or did people adjust to changing times and develop their own solutions?

A more recent McConnell response on video is only currently available in Windows Media at republican.senate.gov won’t be linked here as this blog will not promote MS products. But the text version is here. (click)

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

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
MoreWhat.com

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
MoreWhat.com

After the Senate passed S.1927, to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid still was not happy. Rather than summarize his statement it is presented below.

August 3, 2007
Reid Statement On Senate Action On FISA Legislation

Washington, DC—Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid made the following statement today in response to the Senate’s vote in favor of the Bond FISA legislation:

“A few weeks ago, I made a personal commitment to the Director of National Intelligence that I would lead the Senate to passage of a bill that would help protect America from terrorist attack by enhancing our intelligence community’s foreign intelligence collection capability.

“Senate Democrats worked in good faith with the Director of National Intelligence to produce the Rockefeller-Levin bill that was tough on terrorists, provided much-need oversight of the Attorney General, and did not infringe on the constitutional rights of American citizens. Rather than pass this bill, my Republican colleagues chose to rubberstamp a flawed Administration proposal that fails to provide the accountability needed in light of the Administration’s repeated past mismanagement of key tools in the war on terror.

“This bill will sunset in six months. Over the course of the fall, I expect the Senate to work diligently on more permanent legislation that will better serve American national security interests and the American people.”

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Some said many Democrats voted for S.1927 because the President had asked Congress not to leave on vacation before providing the tools necessary for counter terrorism in the next few months. In addition it was suggested that many who voted to pass this bill did so to not look bad to the American people by leaving town without finishing this. Whether it is true or not, Senator Harry Reid should not blame the GOP but admit that the Democratic majority in the Senate that he ‘leads’ is only really between 28 and 34 Demoratic Senators. You can tell that by the roll call votes for S.2011 which he wanted and S.1927 which he did not. Both bills needed a 3/5 majority or 60 YEA votes.

Vote Summary

Question: On Passage of the Bill (S.2011 )
Vote Number: 310
Vote Date: August 3, 2007, 09:37 PM
Required For Majority: 3/5
Vote Result: Bill Defeated
Measure Number: S. 2011
Measure Title: A bill entitled “The Protect America Act of 2007″.

Vote Counts:

YEAs 43
NAYs 45

Not Voting 12

The YEA votes belonged to one Independent and the rest, Democrats

The NO votes belonged to one Independent, one Democrat and the rest Republicans

Six Democrats and six Republicans did not vote.

Below are the results for the bill, S.1927, that passed.

Vote Summary

Question: On Passage of the Bill (S.1927 as Amended )
Vote Number: 309
Vote Date: August 3, 2007, 09:16 PM
Required For Majority: 3/5
Vote Result: Bill Passed
Measure Number: S. 1927
Measure Title: A bill to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to provide additional procedures for authorizing certain acquisitions of foreign intelligence information and for other purposes.

Vote Counts:

YEAs 60
NAYs 28

Not Voting 12

The YEA votes belonged to one Independent, 16 Democrats and 43 Republicans.

The No votes belonged to 28 Democrats.

Six Democrats and six Republicans did not vote.

A similar situation may have hamstrung Senator Harry Reid during the defeat of the amnesty bills in all their versions, amendments. But part of the problem is the so-called leadership of Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi. Bashing the President, the GOP in general and hoping that surrender in Iraq and elsewhere would vault them to the White House in 2008 is not the kind of leadership that gets the job done. But it does help give Congress the lowest approval rating they may have ever seen. Some say it is the lowest in decades if not in history. It is below the President’s approval rating. So much for calling your work the will of the American people. And limiting what the members of Congress can do while in session does not appear to be working either. It does appear however to be the method Reid and Pelosi have chosen to have things their way. Again, it is not working even among members of their own party.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Not long ago there was a post here indicating Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell woke up. He was leading the fight on a conservative issue. Apparently he went back to sleep again on DHS appropriations. Or more correctly, his agenda may not reflect the true conservative principles that are claimed by the GOP. A post on this blog about Senator Jim DeMint earlier is an example of trying to do things right. Fight the pork and earmarks in legislation. Especially if that legislation is about nationally serious issues like security. This is the surprising response from a GOP leader in Congress on an issue involving pork. You can also let this guy know he should trim the pork.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Senate Clears Homeland, Border Security Funding
from the Office of Senator Mitch McConnell

Friday, July 27, 2007

‘It’s possible that if we work together, like we did this time, we can still make good progress’

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement Thursday regarding passage of H.R. 2638, The Homeland Security Appropriations Bill. The bill, the first passed by the Senate this year, passed by a vote of 89-4:

“Today marks an important milestone for this Congress. It seems that after spending the first half of the year staging political show-votes and investigations, our friends on the other side have woken up to the fact they only had two things to show for it: an angrier base and a long to-do list. In the fog of battle they forgot that getting things done in the Senate takes cooperation.

“We’ve cooperated on this bill. And it’s a lot better for it. I’m extremely pleased the majority ultimately accepted Sen. Graham’s border security amendment. We got the message last month: border security first. And now, thanks to this effort, we’ll be delivering a $3 billion downpayment on a stronger border.

“I also appreciate Senator Cornyn’s insistence that interior enforcement be a part of that funding. To us it’s pretty simple: there is no homeland security without border security. We’ll continue to push this idea on the floor of the Senate in the coming weeks and months. Today is just the beginning.

“A lesson we can learn from the last six months is that there’s a cost to everything. And the cost of putting off legislating in favor of around-the-clock politics is that there isn’t much to show for it in the end.

“It’s been my view all along that we should have been working on appropriations bills all summer. Here we are almost in August and we’ve only passed one. So we’re looking at a potential train wreck in September. But it’s possible that if we work together, like we did this time, we can still make good progress. And I hope we do.

“A brief word about cloture. Look: anybody who’s been in the Senate for more than a week will tell you — if they’re being honest — that 40 or so cloture votes in six months isn’t a sign of minority obstruction; it’s a sign of a majority that doesn’t like the rules. The cloture club shouldn’t be the first option. It should be the last. Hopefully today’s vote is also a sign that we’re moving away from cloture as a first resort.

“I hope the majority will follow through on a pledge that the Senior Senator from Illinois made on the first day of the session. He said the American people put Democrats in the majority ‘to find solutions, not to play to a draw with nothing to show for it.’ Very well said.

“My Republican colleagues hope we can operate this way. I think it will be the best way to operate in the fall if we actually intend legislate.”

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Let’s just take a simple tour of the websites of Senate Republicans from the list of 24. In case you missed it, this blog suggests there are 24 members of the GOP in the US Senate who favor amnesty and illegal immigration. As a brief review, seven GOP Senators had voted for cloture with most Dems on S.1348 and yet cloture failed. That was a good thing because S.1348 also failed. Magically, when Sinister Harry Reid directed an S.1348 clone to the Senate and another cloture vote was held, another 17 members of the GOP voted for cloture. And thus we have the GOP 24.

A person might naturally think that a leader is someone who leads. Someone with the skills and intelligence necessary to direct the successful performance of a group. Especially if the leader is officially designated the leader by some authority or the rest of the group. A simple adjective can further define this leader’s role within the group. The word minority in this case would complete the leader’s role and the word Senate if the final piece of the designation. So Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Rino-KY) is the first subject of the tour.

Their is reference to the majority and minority leaders as ‘floor leaders’ at senate.gov. The idea being their leadership role includes leading members of their party in a planned direction on the floor when considering legislation. At Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s website was found no leadership information on illegal immigration. The first thing found on immigration and last thing looked for was this pathetic brief press release that says nothing.

Bipartisan Proposal for Border Security, Immigration Reform
from the Office of Senator Mitch McConnell
Thursday, May 17, 2007
‘Secure borders, real security infrastructure are required for my support of any legislation’

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement Thursday regarding the bipartisan proposal on border security and immigration reform:

“It’s encouraging to see a group of Senators from such a wide arc of the political spectrum reach an agreement on one of the most difficult issues facing our nation. The need to secure our borders, and to have a real security infrastructure in place is critical; it’s a requirement for my support of any legislation. I believe the agreement is far stronger than the bill the Senate produced last year. I will review the text of the bill and I hope to be able to support it when the Senate turns to this issue next week.”

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By the date this was issued on the arrival of the Bush/Kyl/Kennedy/McCain Amnesty Sellout of 2007 bill. Nothing is found after that. But the fine Senator, like many, makes sure he displays all the PORK he captured for his home state. By this brief research and Mr McConnell’s votes on cloture the determination here is that he too, like Bush et al are in favor of amnesty for millions of illegal immigrants that disgrace rather than honor the immigrant heritage of this nation.

To complete the GOP Minority Leadership tour is a brief analysis of Senator Trent Lott’s website information. You may think visiting a politician’s website is of limited value or even meaningless. If you are a politician and you have a website then the only accessible location for your views to be displayed for constituents and the public at large is the website. If you fail to make known your ‘honest’ stand or position on issues or if what you release is a lie, again, the website is the best place for that.

One press release from last year’s BS Senate debate on illegal immigration finds the Senator from the great state of Mississippi and Minority Whip of the Senate standing firmly against amnesty. Another expresses the opposition to amnesty in an explanation of his vote against cloture on S.1348. And then like sixteen others he magically changed his cloture vote on S.1639 to favor amnesty. Either Trent Lott is real stupid or he thinks the public is.

For now, reviewing the strangeness of the GOP 24 in the Senate will stop with McConnell and Lott. The next post will continue in alphabetical order through the other 22, including two Presidential candidates. Your reactions, opinions, Yeas or Nays on this topic are welcome and encouraged. Public debate on issues is important. Before you head off to Washington to address the Senate in person you can practice here.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

So much for Nancy Pelosi and ‘draining the swamp’ or ending the ‘culture of corruption’. Her claim that the Dems passed the ‘toughest ethics reform legislation is history’ is another myth from Washington. But she does have freshman Congress members like Betty Sutton and Gabrielle Giffords towing the party line on ethics oversight. The proposal for an independent panel on oversight is another myth. Congress still retains control over everything about it. That means nothing about it is independent. Just more lies out of Washington.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Lobbying and Ethics Reform Measure Produced Today Lacks Key Provisions

House Democratic Division Produces Modest Bill That Heads to Floor Next Week for Full House Vote

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The lobbying and ethics reform bill (H.R. 2316) approved by the House Judiciary Committee today falls far short of the Democratic Party’s promise to American voters to make this Congress “the cleanest in history,” according to Public Citizen.

“Gridlock seldom produces great results, and this is no exception. Opposition within a sharply divided Democratic caucus has resulted in a failure to fulfill the promise of real reform,” said Laura MacCleery, director of Public Citizen’s Congress Watch division. “The Democratic leadership and freshman class are firmly committed to sweeping reforms, but many of the ‘old bulls’ of the caucus – who are now chairs of committees – have dug their heels in and are opposing changing the way business is done on Capitol Hill.”

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.

If the previous post does not show you that Senator Harry Reid is a contradction then understand he said they would not cut and run in Iraq or raise taxes. Right at the moment the tax thing is secondary. He said they would not cut and run. Senator Reid would you kindly explain the report below if you are not planning on cut and run?

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

US Senate Democrats Draft Plan to Revise Military’s Iraq Mission
By VOA News
23 February 2007

Democratic Party leaders in the U.S. Senate are working on legislation that would effectively revoke the 2002 resolution authorizing military action against Iraq.

Senate Democratic aides say the proposal, which is not expected to be adopted, would limit the U.S. military’s mission to training Iraqi troops and police forces, securing the country’s borders and combating terrorist forces. Regular combat forces would be withdrawn by next year.

The proposal, drafted by Senator Carl Levin, the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, and Joseph Biden, who chairs the Foreign Relations panel is set to be presented to other Democratic senators next week.

If accepted, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid would likely attach the proposal to an anti-terrorism bill. If passed by the Senate, which is not likely, the revised authorization would also have to be passed by the House and would be subject to a veto by President Bush.

Democrats and the independents aligned with them hold a slim 51 to 49 majority in the Senate, but hold a more comfortable majority in the House of Representatives.

The 2002 resolution gave President Bush authorization to take military action against Iraq, because of its alleged arsenal of weapons of mass destruction. In a speech last week, Biden said the original resolution is now irrelevant because the WMD program did not exist, and former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein is “no longer there.”

The bill is the latest effort by Senate Democrats to challenge President Bush on his Iraq policy. A vote on a non-binding resolution criticizing Mr. Bush’s plan to deploy an additional 21,000 troops to Iraq failed in the Senate, but was passed in the House last week.

Meanwhile, Democrats in the House of Representatives are considering a proposal by lawmaker Jack Murtha that would link funding of the U.S. military mission in Iraq to strict conditions on troop readiness and training standards.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.

Trackposted to Outside the Beltway, The Right Nation, Leaning Straight Up, Maggie’s Notebook, and basil’s blog, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

from the Senate Republican Conference
Campaign Financing
February 8th, 2007 -
Senator McConnell stands up for freedom of speech and the reduction of government interference in campaigns

Those who support a candidate are free to contribute to his or her campaign. They always have been. But the idea that those who don’t support that candidate should also contribute to his or her campaign is worse than nonsense: It’s a coercive use of taxpayer funds.

from MoreWhat.com
It would be better if all campaign contributions were collected at a central or common trust with the contributor’s statement designating for which candidate they are intended. The funds would be distributed to the designees after adequate auditing data was recorded to document the transaction. Any campaign finance rules and procedures proven to be effective could be extended to assist with complete, honest and reviewable campaign mechanisms. We all know financing and other matters related to campaigns and elections are subject to criticism. Some warranted and some not. But satisfying reasonable public scrutiny is a matter that certainly deserves more attention. More than the attention, the process needs effective corrections.