wheeljc's Blog

What lost the September 29 vote was the current speaker (Nancy Pelosi)!  What possessed her to lambast the republicans prior to this critical vote is totally beyond me, BUT SHE IS NO LEADER!  Through her partisan speech today, she set up some members who may lose on November 4 -- not against them as much as there will be a vote against HER!!  

There is enough blame to go around on this fiasco.  The Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999, started the ball rolling.  And while there is a lot of blame to be placed on the Administration for not ram rodding more regulation through, there is a lot of culpability in Franklin Raines, Jim Johnson and Jamie Gorelick (who are not members of the administration), and their cheer leaders in Congress.  Candidly, it is probably time for a new chair of the banking committee.  Barney Franks provided a lot of cheerleading to keep lose credit going, as did Chris Dodd in the Senate.   

Point being, it is time for new leadership in the House and Senate. We cannot afford the current speaker any longer.   In the largest vote of her career -- she lost!  40% of the Democrats DID NOT VOTE FOR THE BILL!!  Historians will ask the rhetorical question: WHAT WAS SHE THINKING?????

OBAMA NOT READY FOR PRIME TIME??

Last November, thought that Obama was the leader of the future. He could bridge the racial divide; he could bridge the partisan divide in DC; he could do the work of the people, vice the work of a particular party or special interests; and he could articulate an issue better than any of his opponents, regardless of party.

BUT, that was last November, and this is now August 2008. Think that what we have learned thus far is that Obama just DOES NOT HAVE THE RIGHT INSTINCTS!!

This recent flare up with Russia is a prime example. We could see oil prices rocket if the pipeline in Georgia is ruptured. His energy plan is timid at best, and very politically measured at worse. TRUE -- he could be the Second Coming, BUT, the SECOND COMING OF JIMMY CARTER!! Can we afford that again??

He seems to be able to change his mind on a dime, and seems to have limited loyalty down -- EXAMPLES: Rev Wright; Tony Rezko, William Ayers; Father Michael Pfleger;  Jim Johnson; and more recently, Wes Clark. He may have had good reason to distance himself from these individuals, but “why was he initially associated for such a long time with them?  Did he misread their intentions?  

He seems to have changed his stance on Iran; Cuba; and certainly on campaign finance. Do not think that he has thought through his economic policies and what they would do to the small businesses -- if he has, THEN WE CANNOT AFFORD HIM!!

The more I hear from him, the more I feel that he is just not ready for prime time. Hate to admit it, but Hillary's '3 AM' commercial is now hitting home -- especially with his timid response to Russia. He could be extraordinarily DANGEROUS!

Think that John Edwards'  actions, and lying to cover up his indiscretions, are just plain pathetic!

The guy is no doubt egotistically loquacious. As of late August 8, he had not yet decided if he would make an appearance at the Democratic National Convention (no doubt to talk about 'Family Values'!!!)

In just recent years, we have had a string of scandals and lies: Rep. Vito Fossella, Gov. Eliot Spitzer, Rep. Mark Foley, Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, Sen. David Vitter, President William Jefferson Clinton, Gov. James E. McGreevey, Sen. Larry Craig, Rep. Bob Livingston, Mayor Kilpatrick (Detroit), and now, Sen John Edwards. When they lie to their families; lie to their friends and colleagues; and lie to the press, why should we ever consider trusting them??? The question is: HOW MANY MORE OF OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS ARE DOING THE SAME THING ON THE TAXPAYER'S DIME??

A serious question: ARE WE ELECTING THEM TOO YOUNG!! DO THEY HAVE WAY TOO MUCH TIME ON THEIR HANDS ..... AT TAXPAYER'S EXPENSE??

Hon John Barrow (D)

Hon Sanford Bishop Jr. (D)

Hon Hank Johnson (D)

Hon John Lewis (D)

Hon Jim Marshall (D)

Hon David Scott (D)

As each of you campaign for votes during your FIVE WEEK ‘RECESS’, would ask you share answers to the following questions with your constituents:

•    What is the estimate of job losses from the lack of an energy policy from the US Congress?
•    What percent of the increase in inflation constituents have suffered in the last 12 months is due to increased fuel prices – both direct (fuel for tanks), and indirect (food stuffs, services, air travel)?
•    Of all of the talk of ‘Oil Company Profits’, what was the real profit margin, and of that margin, what was the dollar amount that will be paid to the Federal Government in taxes; and what was the dollar amount devoted to exploration?
•    What is the rationale for the majority party’s continued reliance on foreign oil, when we have shale, coal and an abundance of proven reserves within the US boundaries?
•    What was the rationale of the majority party’s decision to leave Washington without at least bringing offshore drilling to a vote on the floor of the House?   Is the majority party so in lock step with the Speaker that the use of logic for your constituents is secondary in your thought process?
•    Have you researched the impact of high energy costs of small and medium sized businesses within your own districts?  If so, what is the impact in terms of their profits and hiring abilities?  If you have not conducted such research, WHY NOT?  
•    How many small and medium size businesses could fail by the end of this year if there is not some hope of relief at the pump – within your own districts?   How do you justify your lack of action given what you learned from your ‘research’?
•    Why should your constituents vote for you in November, when you have not voted for them in 2007 and 2008 to cause us to become energy independent?  
•    The point was made by the media on August 2, 2008, that Florida may be in a recession due to lack of tourists this season.  For your friends to the south in Florida, what is your best estimate of individuals from your district who were unable to travel to Florida for a vacation this year, due to high energy prices?  Would appreciate you sharing your findings with Congressman Wexler.
•    There is an old Chinese proverb that says, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a first step.”  When will the majority party take the first step towards the US becoming energy independent – including the use of ALL sources of energy?  

Thank you in advance for your timely and, no doubt insightful, responses.  Will be looking forward to your straight forward answers.  You do owe answers to your constituents.