House Republicans Vote for Pork Wrapped In an Unconstitutional Department
Cato analyst Tad DeHaven points to some depressing votes on amendments to the recent congressional appropriations for the Department of Energy. But wait -- the Department of Energy? If the GOP reps stuck to their principles, they would have voted for exactly zero appropriations for the DOE. What enumerated power authorizes the DOE? None! Get rid of it!
Anyway, I'm pretty sure DeHaven agrees with that fundamental point, but he was reporting on an even more depressing development. Not only did the GOP fail even to attempt to kill DOE, many Republicans joined with Democrats to maintain the department's worst corporate welfare programs. Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) introduced an amendment to eliminate the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy account at the Department of Energy and use the $1.45 billion in savings toward deficit reduction. But the House rejected McClintock’s amendment, with 107 Republicans joining every Democrat in opposition.
Then Rep. McClintock tried to get rid of the DOE loan guarantee program -- the very program that brought us Solyndra. He even got Dennis the Menace Kucinich to co-sponsor. This time 127 Republicans voted to maintain the program.
And these are the crazy, right wing fanatics of NYT fantasy. I can't think of a stronger argument in favor of a radical devolution of power to the states. Congress has a way of turning all but the most principled conservatives into statists.
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Sep '10
Re: House Republicans Vote for Pork Wrapped In an Unconstitutional Department
NormD: Adam,
The DOE has responsibility for responsibility for "the design, testing and production of all nuclear weapons"
Sure you want to zero out this line item?
I hate it when conservatives (I am one) go off on rants without thinking through the consequences of what they are proposing. They just enable the media to spin them as ignorant boobs.
I understand what your core complaint is. I agree with it. But if I were a liberal reporter, the first question I would ask you is "why do you want to outsource the design of nuclear weapons?" and you would have no good answer. · 1 hour ago
They outsourced Nuclear Weapons manufacturing to Russia, China, North Korea, Pakistan, India and Iran. To be honest I'm not sure a single Nuclear weapon has been constructed since the Energy dept came into existance under Carter.
May '10
Re: House Republicans Vote for Pork Wrapped In an Unconstitutional Department
I became interested in politics in 2000, at the age of 50. Since then I have donated increasing amounts to the political fray, peaking in the 2010 election. After watching the selection of House leadership, followed by actions and lack of action on various initiatives like these, I reached a conclusion. The only real difference between the two parties is the speed at which we hit the wall, not the final destination. This year I have contributed $0 as a result.
While Michael Barone is correct in saying that significant change in control takes various election cycles, I simply do not see the will for the types of policy changes required by those that call the shots. We are fast running out of road and most of these guys seem to live in an alternate universe.
McClintock's failed amendments are simply additions to a long list of examples that clearly show how blindly clueless our Congressional (both parties) leadership is.
Mar '11
Re: House Republicans Vote for Pork Wrapped In an Unconstitutional Department
Reading this I wish I could dismiss you as some crazed, bitter and disillusioned fool but unfortunately I have seen too much to indulge in such childishness.
There is a reason prophets are scorned, no one wishes to hear bad news. I am beginning to think Cassandra had it easy.
Spain has compelled a bailout from the ESM which Germany has not even ratified yet. No matter the assiduous attention given to Dancing With the Stars by fools, the World moves.
My Lord, even on Ricochet it is as if we are being forced to endure children. Are there actually individuals stupid enough to believe the Primary Dealers will continue to insure successful debt auctions regardless of what is happening in Washington? Forget Leftists and Statists are there actual Conservatives who are this stupid?
Does no one grow up anymore?
Nov '11
Re: House Republicans Vote for Pork Wrapped In an Unconstitutional Department
I'm going to jump in at this point and just comment on the original post:
I just want to say Hooray! Let's elect more Republicans!
Feb '12
Re: House Republicans Vote for Pork Wrapped In an Unconstitutional Department
Find your Rep and vote them out (if needed) in Nov and tell them why
Mar '11
Re: House Republicans Vote for Pork Wrapped In an Unconstitutional Department
Fred Cole: I'm going to jump in at this point and just comment on the original post:
I just want to say Hooray! Let's elect more Republicans! · 0 minutes ago
A cautious skepticism is one thing Mr. Cole and a French Revolution another.
I denigrate GOP failures at every opportunity, I have nothing but scorn for false Conservatives. Yet while you proclaim yourself to be a Libertarian I wonder if you are not an Anarchist.
I am forced to suspect that the temper-tanrum-throwing actions of the OWS crowd are more suited to your temperament.
Does the actual WORK of insuring freedom for US citizens in any way occupy your thoughts, or is this just some amusing puzzle you indulge yourself with while you attend to other affairs?
Nov '11
Re: House Republicans Vote for Pork Wrapped In an Unconstitutional Department
Roberto
Yet while you proclaim yourself to be a Libertarian I wonder if you are not an Anarchist.
Wonder no more, my friend! I am absolutely, unambiguously, most certainly an anarchist.
A little bit of column A, a little bit of column B.
Mar '11
Re: House Republicans Vote for Pork Wrapped In an Unconstitutional Department
Fred Cole
Roberto
Yet while you proclaim yourself to be a Libertarian I wonder if you are not an Anarchist.
Wonder no more, my friend! I am absolutely, unambiguously, most certainly an anarchist.
A little bit of column A, a little bit of column B. · 13 minutes ago
Infuriating.
Clearly are not a fool but you choose to use your talents simply to play games and to taunt those who speak on principal.
Is this your best, is this all you are capable of?
Mockery, clever segues and games?
Why are you here Mr. Cole, what do you want?
Mar '11
Re: House Republicans Vote for Pork Wrapped In an Unconstitutional Department
At least my future congressman, and current congresswoman voted for it. However, I have liked the Freshman congressmen Alan West and Danial Webster a lot but they voted against this. They have both gone way down in esteem as conservative congressmen from Florida.
Edited on June 11, 2012 at 3:16pm