I hate this argument. Why do people think that the average congressman has a staff of 30ish, and the average Senator a staff of 60? Do they think congressional staffers sit around doing nothing?
IMHO - a very narrow minded and antiquated view to think that our elected representatives actually write their own speeches, let alone the legislation - on either side
I don't give a damn if I ever hear another speech but I expect my congressman / congresswoman to read legislation before they sign it. They are legislators not celebrities.
Even Obama said the legislators will have time to read the health care bill. Let it be done.
Submitted by TheDastard on Mon, 08/03/2009 - 17:05
MTK...when 300 pages get dropped in at 3AM before a morning vote, I think it is warranted to ask if the staffers read it and report to their bosses what was added. I don't expect congressmen to read the bills. I do expect them to know what is in the bills when they vote.
As part of a previous job I had to read appropriations bills. It always amazed me when I would run across a random paragraph giving a tax break to corporations formed between this date and that date in the county of bumfuck Alabama.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/28/2008 - 13:12
I did this once. I was working on a tobacco (yes...nasty) farm in N.C. and every night I would dream about work. I was exhausted! Why could I have had a job oiling boobs at the strip club?
Dastard - I agree, and that's what happens - the staffers who cover that issue area live and die with the bill until it passes or dies. Many times the tax break in bumble is the price of business to get the bill passed, especially appropriations stuff.
In the end, as much as something like health insurance reform is a national issue, its the piece relating to the home state/district that gets the vote of your rep or senator
Submitted by TheDastard on Tue, 08/04/2009 - 07:34
MTK...I understand that is how the game is played. It doesn't mean I have to like it nor that it is good for the country. The "sweeteners" added to the health bill...for doctors, hospitals, and insurance companies, are counter productive and add to the overall unaffordable price.
Comments
Submitted by Devonsangel on Wed, 02/25/2009 - 14:26
Submitted by Mulchinator on Mon, 01/28/2008 - 18:20
Submitted by TheDastard on Wed, 02/25/2009 - 14:52
Submitted by TheDastard on Wed, 02/25/2009 - 14:53
Submitted by ekattan on Wed, 02/25/2009 - 14:59
Submitted by SoupNazzi on Wed, 02/25/2009 - 15:18
Submitted by Hunturic on Wed, 02/25/2009 - 15:44
Submitted by MTK005 on Mon, 08/03/2009 - 15:46
Submitted by millfire517 on Mon, 08/03/2009 - 16:33
Submitted by LtBlarg on Mon, 01/28/2008 - 13:05
Submitted by MGK on Mon, 08/03/2009 - 17:05
Submitted by TheDastard on Mon, 08/03/2009 - 17:05
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/28/2008 - 13:12
Submitted by LtBlarg on Mon, 01/28/2008 - 13:26
Submitted by MTK005 on Mon, 08/03/2009 - 19:14
Submitted by TheDastard on Tue, 08/04/2009 - 07:34
Submitted by Caesar on Mon, 01/28/2008 - 17:03