Yesterday the House passed a $40 billion dollar Homeland Security Department funding bill designed to roll back the president’s executive actions on immigration reform. Instead the bill serves to jeopardize the effectiveness of the security department at a time when threats against the country are escalating.
Chief among the funding cuts is an amendment that would defund the presidents’ Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) which provides work permits and protection from deportation for immigrants brought into the country illegally as children.
The bill faces an uphill battle in the senate and no hope of overcoming a presidential veto. But the delay ties the hands of the DHS at a time when tensions are heightened. White House intruders, the recent attacks in France on Charlie Hebdo and the two foiled plots against Speaker Boehner and the Capitol building have refocused the country’s attention on the necessity for strong security measures.
Republicans now control both the House and the Senate. They have promised to end the partisan gridlock that has reduced the legislative branch of the government to little more than a punch line on late night television. They have promised to pass meaningful legislation that moves the country forward. Using the DHS as a political pawn to thwart the president’s agenda is as hypocritical as it is dangerous.
If Republicans don’t like the president’s executive action on immigration reform then all they have to do is pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill and send it to the president to sign.
All they have to do is govern.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Laissez les bon temps rouler
Albert Einstein defined the definition of insanity as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
Apparently Mitt Romney didn’t get the memo.
The former governor has all but announced that he will make a third run at the White House in 2016. Romney has let it be known that he is considering a run while burning up the phone lines with former donors.
Skeptics think this is more about staying relevant than a serious run. I disagree. Why? Because every poll out there shows that when added to the list of Republican hopefuls Romney leads the pack by a wide margin. Never underestimate the ego of a guy who is used to getting what he wants.
You do have to wonder how Romney will get around some of the faux pas that haunted his last campaign. For example Romney says that if he runs his campaign will be a three pronged approach focused on helping the poor, rebuilding the middle class and developing a strong foreign policy. So how will this strategy play when framed against his history at Bain and his belief that “Corporations are people too, my friend.” Certainly his opponents will counter with a continuous loop of his comments about the “47%” and “I’m not concerned about the very poor; we have a safety net there. And of course he will be asked once again to release his tax returns. It promises to be great theater.
If Romney does officially announce he will join an ever increasing gaggle of political hopefuls that are already scurrying to secure donor support.
Jeb Bush, in all probability Romney’s strongest competitor, is in. He has already formed a PAC to get the donations rolling. Will he be able to bear the weight of his brother’s baggage all the way to the White House?
Chris Christie is in. His recent State of the State address sounded more like a State of the Union speech. He banned local media outlets from a recent appearance but invited ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and CNN to attend. He too is in the process of setting up a PAC. Will his bombastic temperament ruffle too many feathers?
Rand Paul has been in for months. But the Bush and Romney’s entrance has him relegated to media clips where he seems to be pleading: “Hey, hey…I’m over here. I’m running too.”
Scott Walker remains a conservative super star, but thus far he has chosen to remain under the radar.
Ted Cruz has kept his handful of right wing crazies in suspense by keeping his intentions close to the vest. Again this is more about remaining relevant than having any real chance at the White House. Whether or not he announces his inflammatory rhetoric will draw the attention of the media and give him the attention he craves.
Marco Rubio says he’s still deciding; but nobody outside of Florida cares.
As a political writer I hope they all get in. The more the merrier. I can’t wait for the inevitable cataclysmic campaign implosion. My bet is Chris Christie will be the first to implode. I give him maybe two months into the eighteen month marathon before he loses it…calls someone stupid…or goes off on a reporter for asking if he always orders fries with his Big Mac.
The 2016 campaign is about to begin. I can’t wait.
Laissez les bon temps rouler
Apparently Mitt Romney didn’t get the memo.
The former governor has all but announced that he will make a third run at the White House in 2016. Romney has let it be known that he is considering a run while burning up the phone lines with former donors.
Skeptics think this is more about staying relevant than a serious run. I disagree. Why? Because every poll out there shows that when added to the list of Republican hopefuls Romney leads the pack by a wide margin. Never underestimate the ego of a guy who is used to getting what he wants.
You do have to wonder how Romney will get around some of the faux pas that haunted his last campaign. For example Romney says that if he runs his campaign will be a three pronged approach focused on helping the poor, rebuilding the middle class and developing a strong foreign policy. So how will this strategy play when framed against his history at Bain and his belief that “Corporations are people too, my friend.” Certainly his opponents will counter with a continuous loop of his comments about the “47%” and “I’m not concerned about the very poor; we have a safety net there. And of course he will be asked once again to release his tax returns. It promises to be great theater.
If Romney does officially announce he will join an ever increasing gaggle of political hopefuls that are already scurrying to secure donor support.
Jeb Bush, in all probability Romney’s strongest competitor, is in. He has already formed a PAC to get the donations rolling. Will he be able to bear the weight of his brother’s baggage all the way to the White House?
Chris Christie is in. His recent State of the State address sounded more like a State of the Union speech. He banned local media outlets from a recent appearance but invited ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and CNN to attend. He too is in the process of setting up a PAC. Will his bombastic temperament ruffle too many feathers?
Rand Paul has been in for months. But the Bush and Romney’s entrance has him relegated to media clips where he seems to be pleading: “Hey, hey…I’m over here. I’m running too.”
Scott Walker remains a conservative super star, but thus far he has chosen to remain under the radar.
Ted Cruz has kept his handful of right wing crazies in suspense by keeping his intentions close to the vest. Again this is more about remaining relevant than having any real chance at the White House. Whether or not he announces his inflammatory rhetoric will draw the attention of the media and give him the attention he craves.
Marco Rubio says he’s still deciding; but nobody outside of Florida cares.
As a political writer I hope they all get in. The more the merrier. I can’t wait for the inevitable cataclysmic campaign implosion. My bet is Chris Christie will be the first to implode. I give him maybe two months into the eighteen month marathon before he loses it…calls someone stupid…or goes off on a reporter for asking if he always orders fries with his Big Mac.
The 2016 campaign is about to begin. I can’t wait.
Laissez les bon temps rouler
Monday, January 12, 2015
On the other hand...
A crowd of almost 4 million joined 40 world leaders in Paris yesterday in a march of solidarity against terrorism and violence. Noticeably absent…President Obama…Vice President Biden…Secretary of State John Kerry.
Yesterday was an opportunity for the United States to show that it stands with the world as an equal partner in the fight against terror. What better stage for the president to make the case for the global war against violent extremists…to rally the world in support of the effort. What better venue to emphasize that terrorism is not something that only occurs in a far and distant land; that it is home grown…alive and well in our communities and neighborhoods.
Certainly no nation has contributed more in blood and treasure to quell the reign of terror and bring violent extremists to justice. But optics matter! This was an opportunity lost.
On the other hand…
…while no one can question America’s significant contribution to the war on terror it is just as certain that no nation, through its interventionist policies, has done more to foment the anger and hatred that has mushroomed into what we now call “radical Islam.” America’s occupation of Islam’s holiest places along with its support of oppressive rulers and dictators is cited by the reasonable and the radicals as the root cause of extremism. Young men are recruited to avenge the oppression levied on their families by rulers whose pockets are lined by the US government.
So perhaps it is appropriate that America’s leaders were not present in yesterday’s rally. For how hypocritical would it have been for US leaders to march in solidarity against violence and terrorism when they bear at least some responsibility for its occurrence?
Yesterday was an opportunity for the United States to show that it stands with the world as an equal partner in the fight against terror. What better stage for the president to make the case for the global war against violent extremists…to rally the world in support of the effort. What better venue to emphasize that terrorism is not something that only occurs in a far and distant land; that it is home grown…alive and well in our communities and neighborhoods.
Certainly no nation has contributed more in blood and treasure to quell the reign of terror and bring violent extremists to justice. But optics matter! This was an opportunity lost.
On the other hand…
…while no one can question America’s significant contribution to the war on terror it is just as certain that no nation, through its interventionist policies, has done more to foment the anger and hatred that has mushroomed into what we now call “radical Islam.” America’s occupation of Islam’s holiest places along with its support of oppressive rulers and dictators is cited by the reasonable and the radicals as the root cause of extremism. Young men are recruited to avenge the oppression levied on their families by rulers whose pockets are lined by the US government.
So perhaps it is appropriate that America’s leaders were not present in yesterday’s rally. For how hypocritical would it have been for US leaders to march in solidarity against violence and terrorism when they bear at least some responsibility for its occurrence?
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Funny Guy!
Republicans have been reluctant to acknowledge the obvious signs of economic recovery for fear of attributing credit to the president’s domestic policies. Yesterday Mitch McConnell veered away from the conservative talking points and admitted that things are in fact improving. He also provided his thoughts as to why…
“After so many years of sluggish growth, we are finally seeing some economic data that can provide a glimmer of hope. The uptick appears to coincide with the biggest political change of the Obama administration’s long tenure in Washington: the expectation of a new Republican Congress.”
Mitch McConnell makes me laugh.
“After so many years of sluggish growth, we are finally seeing some economic data that can provide a glimmer of hope. The uptick appears to coincide with the biggest political change of the Obama administration’s long tenure in Washington: the expectation of a new Republican Congress.”
Mitch McConnell makes me laugh.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
It's Time To Govern
If you thought that the buffoonery and ineptitude that characterized the 113th session of congress was over you’ve got another thought coming.
The 114th session of congress was sworn in Tuesday. During the House proceedings Louie Gohmert, Ted Yoho, and Daniel Webster joined six other unwinnable candidates nominated for Speaker; putting to rest any hope that the clown show was finally over. The theatrics orchestrated by the right, which was nothing more than an effort to publically embarrass Boehner, comes at a time when party unity is crucial. The pointless display merely fanned the flames of doubt among those who wonder if the party is actually capable of governing.
In the end Boehner survived the coup and was sworn in for his third term as Speaker. Boehner cried, bussed a reluctant Pelosi on the cheek and acknowledged his seldom seen wife seated in the gallery. Mrs. Boehner, sporting the same orange hue as her husband, forced a smile but otherwise seemed indifferent.
Immediately after the embarrassing display Boehner enacted some amount of revenge by removing Webster and fellow Florida Congressman Ted Nugent from their important committee assignments. If you’re going to cross the Speaker you better be sure you win.
As all this was going on in the House Vice President Biden was presiding over the swearing in ceremony in the Senate. America’s favorite uncle was in full Biden form, cracking jokes, ogling the females, mispronouncing names and spitting out his mint. “It’s getting late” he said as his mint inadvertently flew past the ear of a newly elected senator.
While all of this was entertaining as hell the real show starts in next few days.
Speaker Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell have indicated that the first order of business will be to pass a ceremonial bill authorizing the construction of the Keystone Pipeline. The bill is considered “ceremonial” because the White House has already made it clear that it will veto the measure if it reaches the president’s desk.
The question I have is “Why?” I mean why is the president just sitting back with veto pen in hand waiting for Republicans to send him the bill? Why not get something for it?
Republicans are adamant about passing this bill. Their primary argument is that the pipeline will generate “42,000 good paying jobs.” JOBS, JOBS, JOBS! The White House argues that the project will only generate “2,000 part time jobs”…insufficient to offset the possible ecological damage to wetlands bisected by the pipeline.
So why not give the Republicans their pipeline and get something for it in return…like a massive jobs bill focused on repairing and replacing our deteriorating and dated infrastructure. JOBS, JOBS, JOBS!
Win, win!!! Republicans get their pipeline and the White House gets the jobs bill it has been lobbying for since the president took office. Our infrastructure FINALLY receives the attention necessary to take us into the next century and the American people get JOBS!
Yes there are ecological concerns. But those can be mitigated with proper oversight. You have to look at the big picture and COMPROMISE!
Boehner and McConnell are desperate to show the American people that they can in fact govern. The president is desperate to keep the country’s economic momentum moving forward…not to mention cementing his legacy.
Mr. President, don’t sit around with your veto pen at the ready. Give the Republicans what they want. Let them have their pipeline. But get something big in return.
The entertainment portion of this show is over. It’s time to govern.
The 114th session of congress was sworn in Tuesday. During the House proceedings Louie Gohmert, Ted Yoho, and Daniel Webster joined six other unwinnable candidates nominated for Speaker; putting to rest any hope that the clown show was finally over. The theatrics orchestrated by the right, which was nothing more than an effort to publically embarrass Boehner, comes at a time when party unity is crucial. The pointless display merely fanned the flames of doubt among those who wonder if the party is actually capable of governing.
In the end Boehner survived the coup and was sworn in for his third term as Speaker. Boehner cried, bussed a reluctant Pelosi on the cheek and acknowledged his seldom seen wife seated in the gallery. Mrs. Boehner, sporting the same orange hue as her husband, forced a smile but otherwise seemed indifferent.
Immediately after the embarrassing display Boehner enacted some amount of revenge by removing Webster and fellow Florida Congressman Ted Nugent from their important committee assignments. If you’re going to cross the Speaker you better be sure you win.
As all this was going on in the House Vice President Biden was presiding over the swearing in ceremony in the Senate. America’s favorite uncle was in full Biden form, cracking jokes, ogling the females, mispronouncing names and spitting out his mint. “It’s getting late” he said as his mint inadvertently flew past the ear of a newly elected senator.
While all of this was entertaining as hell the real show starts in next few days.
Speaker Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell have indicated that the first order of business will be to pass a ceremonial bill authorizing the construction of the Keystone Pipeline. The bill is considered “ceremonial” because the White House has already made it clear that it will veto the measure if it reaches the president’s desk.
The question I have is “Why?” I mean why is the president just sitting back with veto pen in hand waiting for Republicans to send him the bill? Why not get something for it?
Republicans are adamant about passing this bill. Their primary argument is that the pipeline will generate “42,000 good paying jobs.” JOBS, JOBS, JOBS! The White House argues that the project will only generate “2,000 part time jobs”…insufficient to offset the possible ecological damage to wetlands bisected by the pipeline.
So why not give the Republicans their pipeline and get something for it in return…like a massive jobs bill focused on repairing and replacing our deteriorating and dated infrastructure. JOBS, JOBS, JOBS!
Win, win!!! Republicans get their pipeline and the White House gets the jobs bill it has been lobbying for since the president took office. Our infrastructure FINALLY receives the attention necessary to take us into the next century and the American people get JOBS!
Yes there are ecological concerns. But those can be mitigated with proper oversight. You have to look at the big picture and COMPROMISE!
Boehner and McConnell are desperate to show the American people that they can in fact govern. The president is desperate to keep the country’s economic momentum moving forward…not to mention cementing his legacy.
Mr. President, don’t sit around with your veto pen at the ready. Give the Republicans what they want. Let them have their pipeline. But get something big in return.
The entertainment portion of this show is over. It’s time to govern.
Monday, January 5, 2015
Meet the new boss...
The 114th United States Congress will be sworn in this week and political hacks like me will be watching to see if the new version performs any better than its predecessor.
Republicans take control of the reigns pledging to find areas “where we can make some progress for the country.” But before conservatives can demonstrate their ability to govern the country they have to find a way to govern their caucus.
The first order of business tomorrow will be to elect the party leadership. Odds are John Boehner will be re-elected Speaker. His appointment will not come without some effort to placate his seriously pissed off party base. The right is still fuming over the way party leadership rammed through the CR/Omnibus spending bill at the close of the last session. Boehner, McConnell, Reid and Pelosi crafted the $1.1 trillion dollar continuing resolution behind closed doors and then gave membership just two days to review debate and pass the 1600 page bill. The message was clear…fall in behind leadership and pass this bill or spend your Christmas vacation in Washington in a protracted debate.
Boehner has pulled stunts like this before. Last March Boehner did not feel that he had the votes to pass an unfunded $10 billion dollar Medicare spending bill. After postponing the vote twice he told members that he was going to recess. Less than a minute after his members had dispersed he gaveled the House back into session and passed the bill on a voice vote with less than a dozen members in the chamber.
The problem that Boehner’s detractors have is that if any effort to defeat Boehner fails those involved will most certainly see their time in congress short lived. The Speaker has almost unlimited power in terms of committee appointments and fund raising efforts. He decides if a bill that a member has worked tirelessly to craft every see a vote on the floor. Cross the Speaker and you do so at your own peril.
Then there is the matter of Party Whip and third ranking Republican, Steve Scalise (R-LA). In 2002 Scalise agreed to speak before a white supremacist group called EURO. The invitation had been extended by Kenny Knight, a long time ally of David Duke. Duke is a former Grand Dragon of the KKK.
At first Scalise said he didn’t know that EURO was affiliated with the Klan. Then he said he made an error in judgment in accepting the invitation. The question for the Party is do they want a guy who has a history of hanging around with the Klan sitting at the leadership table.
If the Republicans can ever get past their internal strife perhaps they can try their hand at governing the country.
We’ve heard all the repeated talking points about finding areas “where we can make some progress for the country.” Actions speak louder than words and first accounts are that instead of compromise the Republican majority’s first actions will look more like same old, same old.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has listed trade, infrastructure and tax changes as areas where congress and the White might find agreement. Yet it appears that the first item on the Republican agenda is to pass legislation to build the Keystone Pipeline; a bill the president will probably veto. The second item on the agenda is legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act; a bill the president will definitely veto.
The 114th session of the United States Congress!
Meet the new boss…same as the old boss.
Republicans take control of the reigns pledging to find areas “where we can make some progress for the country.” But before conservatives can demonstrate their ability to govern the country they have to find a way to govern their caucus.
The first order of business tomorrow will be to elect the party leadership. Odds are John Boehner will be re-elected Speaker. His appointment will not come without some effort to placate his seriously pissed off party base. The right is still fuming over the way party leadership rammed through the CR/Omnibus spending bill at the close of the last session. Boehner, McConnell, Reid and Pelosi crafted the $1.1 trillion dollar continuing resolution behind closed doors and then gave membership just two days to review debate and pass the 1600 page bill. The message was clear…fall in behind leadership and pass this bill or spend your Christmas vacation in Washington in a protracted debate.
Boehner has pulled stunts like this before. Last March Boehner did not feel that he had the votes to pass an unfunded $10 billion dollar Medicare spending bill. After postponing the vote twice he told members that he was going to recess. Less than a minute after his members had dispersed he gaveled the House back into session and passed the bill on a voice vote with less than a dozen members in the chamber.
The problem that Boehner’s detractors have is that if any effort to defeat Boehner fails those involved will most certainly see their time in congress short lived. The Speaker has almost unlimited power in terms of committee appointments and fund raising efforts. He decides if a bill that a member has worked tirelessly to craft every see a vote on the floor. Cross the Speaker and you do so at your own peril.
Then there is the matter of Party Whip and third ranking Republican, Steve Scalise (R-LA). In 2002 Scalise agreed to speak before a white supremacist group called EURO. The invitation had been extended by Kenny Knight, a long time ally of David Duke. Duke is a former Grand Dragon of the KKK.
At first Scalise said he didn’t know that EURO was affiliated with the Klan. Then he said he made an error in judgment in accepting the invitation. The question for the Party is do they want a guy who has a history of hanging around with the Klan sitting at the leadership table.
If the Republicans can ever get past their internal strife perhaps they can try their hand at governing the country.
We’ve heard all the repeated talking points about finding areas “where we can make some progress for the country.” Actions speak louder than words and first accounts are that instead of compromise the Republican majority’s first actions will look more like same old, same old.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has listed trade, infrastructure and tax changes as areas where congress and the White might find agreement. Yet it appears that the first item on the Republican agenda is to pass legislation to build the Keystone Pipeline; a bill the president will probably veto. The second item on the agenda is legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act; a bill the president will definitely veto.
The 114th session of the United States Congress!
Meet the new boss…same as the old boss.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Happy New Year!
2015 promises to be a very interesting year.
A rising economy, plummeting gas prices, ISIS’ insurgence, Putin’s aggression, Cuba, campaign kickoff, Hillary, Jeb, Rand, Ted, Republicans in control and a lame duck president with apparently no intention of going quietly into that good night.
I look forward to sharing it all with you.
Thank you for your support and for taking the time to watch this space.
Happy New Year!
A rising economy, plummeting gas prices, ISIS’ insurgence, Putin’s aggression, Cuba, campaign kickoff, Hillary, Jeb, Rand, Ted, Republicans in control and a lame duck president with apparently no intention of going quietly into that good night.
I look forward to sharing it all with you.
Thank you for your support and for taking the time to watch this space.
Happy New Year!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)