The Republican Bipartisan Myth
by John RidleyShangri-la and Brigadoon and Bipartisan. Three mythical places. One of which few Republicans have seemingly ever heard. Because if there is one thing we can take from the first weeks of the “New” Washington, it’s that the (liberal) Democrats are incompetent (old news, really) and the Republicans are disingenuous when it comes to bipartisanship. Oh, sure, they talk up the swellness of President Obama every chance they get. And will continue to do so as long as his approval numbers are above fifty percent. But most GOPers tend to become like children who dance hysterically in a sandbox when it comes time to play with others.
Despite all the sit-downs Obama had with the Republicans – apparently too many for Speaker Pelosi’s tastes – and despite the fact that the House version of the Stimulus Bill contained specific tax breaks for which the Republicans had asked – though not to the degree they wished – not a single GOPer would break ranks, step up and vote for the bill. A surprisingly “my way or the highway” attitude for the minority party whose eight years of good cogitating was a major factor in whipping America into the stellar fiscal shape we find ourselves.
When three Republican Senators voted for the Senate version of the bill – Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, and Maine Sens. Olympia J. Snowe and Susan M. Collins, who in particular worked tirelessly with moderate Dem Sen. Ben Nelson to try and reach a true bipartisan compromise – they were immediately put on a “hit” list by the conservative National Republican Trust PAC. The PAC’s executive director Scott Wheeler stating: “We just want to send a message that we’re going to have a long institutional memory, and we’re going to remind your constituents of what you did.”
What they did? What’d they do? Vote for a bill that might ultimately not be big enough to get the country out of the worst economic mess most Americans have ever lived through? Wouldn’t it be punishment enough to dis-invite them to some soirée held at South Carolina GOP chairman Katon Dawson’s whites-only country club? To be fair, Dawson resigned his membership to the Forest Lake Country Club in Columbia, SC last September. That was just a gratuitous dig I had to throw in because…I wouldn’t have been allowed into the club to hand it to him personally. But to the point of Trust PAC’s tactics; sure, it’s not unusual for one political party to target another political party over a vote. But for a party to head hunt their own…?
And then, of course, there’s Judd Gregg. Never mind that Gregg himself lobbied for the job of commerce secretary, never mind New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch making a deal to appoint Republican J. Bonnie Newman to Gregg’s seat. When it came time to engage in the greater good Gregg, in his own words, realized he could not be a “team player.” Worse, working with the president he “couldn’t be Judd Gregg.” Political solipsism if ever there was. Gregg being something like the T.O. to the Senate.
Regardless of the Republicans’ centrist deceptions, I would hope that Obama continues to rise above and reach out. Hopefully there will be others such as Specter, Snowe and Collins who put the people’s work above myopic party ideology. But if nothing else, as the economy improves, President Obama’s actions will serve to shame the lip servers of bipartisanship into taking up true residence.
For more perspective, visit www.thatminoritything.com
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225 Comments
John, I don't get it. The Republicans are not the one's claiming this is a bipartisan bill! The bill has almost nothing in it that any Republican would want-that's why they voted against it. The surprising thing is that they found 3 of them to vote for it.
The President spent the past year talking about how bipartisan he would be, and then the first thing he did was put out a bill that is 110% Democrat politics. You'll have to ask him what's going on.
John,
Thanks for giving the view of the 'opposition'. Debate is a good thing.
But, you guys are going to have to eventually grow up & realize that you have the White House, a huge majority in congress and a huge majority in the senate, along with a slavish media. At some point in time, you're gong to need to stop bitching and whining about the Republicans and blaming them for everything (even making Obama choose certain cabinet members! The messiah truly is immune, according to his lapdogs.). They can't do anything, John, it's all on your party.
Really, perpetual outrage is sooooo "last 8 years" (you knew the Democrats controlled congress for the last two, don't you?).
John, this isn't the worst economic mess that most Americans have ever lived through. Today, sacrifice means changing to a cheaper cell phone plan. Please. Enough with the dramatics. Time will tell if this Stimulus Plan works but let's hope it does because there isn't a Plan B. That's the problem.
http://the100mostannoyingthings.blogspot.com/
I don't get it either. I am so tired of the vile comments of Obama koolaid drinkers. Republicans are supposed to sacrifice their principles to be "bipartisan"? How does that make any sense? You post party line drivel.
I don't get it, Mr. Ridley. Why do you post here? So many comments I could make, but here are just a few:
First – newsflash – Pelosi and Reid have been running the Congress for the last two years, so don't put all the blame for the current economic mess on the Republicans.
Second – maybe the House Republicans voted against the massive Stiumuls/Spending Bill because they thought they should at least have the opportunity to read the darn thing before voting on it. And why should they be expected to vote against their core beliefs just to make the Dems feel good? If the Dems are convinced that this bill will save the country, then they should be fine with the Republicans not voting for it. After all, they have the votes, and if the spending does save the country, then the Dems can take all the credit for it and clean up in future elections.
Third – as for Gregg, good for him stepping down after Obama tried to pull a fast one and move the census from the Commerce Dept to the White House. Why should Gregg have to play the fall guy for Obama's politicization of the census? Why are you dumping all the blama on Gregg, and none on Obama who did a bait and switch. I have absolutely no respect for Obama any more. This whole chain of events is just typical Chicago-style politics. Maybe some people are fooled by Obama's attempts to look bipartisan and while arrogantly boasting every chance he gets, "I won, get over it," but not intelligent people.
Shangri-la and Brigadoon and Bipartisan. Three mythical places. One of which few Democrats have seemingly ever heard. Because if there is one thing we can take from the first weeks of the “New” Washington, it’s that the (conservative) Republicans are incompetent (old news, really) and the Democrats are disingenuous when it comes to bipartisanship. Oh, sure, they talk up the swellness of bipartisanship and openness every chance they get. And will continue to do so as long as President Obama's approval numbers are above fifty percent. But most Democrats tend to become like children who dance hysterically in a sandbox when it comes time to play with others.
Hey John–great first paragraph when you use the correct terms in their correct place.
You won. You won the stimulus bill, the ongoing wars, the military, the major airwaves and most print media.
Do you also want what remains of our conservative principles? Should we hand them over? Would that satisfy you? Probably not.
Love the power while it lasts. You know as well as we do that the pendulum of control will swing the other way at some point. That is political reality. Deal with it.
The Democrats have an overwhelming majority in congress. If this bill is so great and going to do so much good you can pass it on your own. You'll get all the credit and the Republicans will look like fools. However, If you have doubts about how well this bill will work, I can see why you want as many Republican as you can get involved. After all, you'll need scapegoats as the the country continues to have economic problems despite your massive spending. Looks like you've got three already. Don't worry about the rest. You've got until November 2010 to show America how much better Democrats are at economics. So show us and stop whining about how Republican won't play your game.
You morons won, but you're still bitching? Shut the fuck up, cry baby.
The economy wasn't doing too badly until the Dems got control of purse strings, though that argument is a bit dishonest. The root of the trouble as far as I can tell is ill-advised loans given to people to buy houses they couldn't afford, and that is a decidedly Democratic political want. McCain and Bush both warned against it, but let's blame Republicans and Wall Street for all of it, anyway.
In their insane power grab, this new administration has gone beyond liberalism into something evil. I'm not referring to mystic shades of good and bad. This conscious attempt to destroy representative democracy and capitalism is a new kind of evil.
What you fail to see is that when this stimulus all goes badly, ? the Republicans have created a very bright line of blame. Quite ingenious I might add and why are you so surprise at the political gamesmanship. That's POLITICS. This is what we want to happen. Bipartisanship is dangerous in most cases. For all of your railing, remember that it was a bipartisan effort that got us into the war that Liberals so despise.
By the way you might want to remember what Howard Dean and DNC did to Joe Lieberman for crossing party lines, Remember the 2006 Senatorial elections in Connecticut? They told him to give it up and he lost in the primary, only to run on the independant ticket and beat the Liberal Democrat. He knew his state and the Republicans rewarded him with votes.
If I am correct George Bush “gave” Ted Kennedy the “No Child left Behind” act as a concilitory move toward bi partisanship. He took Ted Kennedy to Hamilon, oh. for the signing and spoke warmly of bi partisanship etc. After that the democrats turned their back and admonished the President at every turn. Now the democrats rammed a bill through the house without any republican input. ENOUGH we need change from the ground roots up. Worry about America not about blue/red !!
If the situation were reversed you wouldn't be crying about bipartisanship. You would be praising the Democrats for standing firm on their convictions. Ridley's posts started off interesting but have quickly turned into the same kind of vapid wordy nonsense I can read on HuffPo. If we are going to have a contrarian on this site I would prefer someone who can at least hold my interest for an entire post.
It’s a good thing the Republicans are standing up against stuff like the “stimulus.” It’s just too bad they’ve waited until they lost most of their power to start standing on principle.
Mr. Ridley, it's nice to see that SOMEBODY on this planet doesn't think that this bill, passed by Democrats, unread by the American people and supporting every liberal wet dream imaginable, is a good thing. I know that there will be those who see this as a massive demonstration of Democratic incompetence and abuse of power. I am also well aware, as you must be, that this bill has virtually no hope of helping the economy and great potential for harning it.
But…wasn't THAT supposed to be covered by the Republicans?
Seriously, we ALL KNOW that this bill is going to fail…and fail spectacularly! By lashing on to a healthy bunch of Republicans, your party would become IMMUNE to the public outcry. You could just say it was a "bipartisan" bill.
Easy!
I also suspect, Mr. Ridly, that that is why the media and the Speaker ARE calling it a bipartisan bill, even thoug nobody in their RIGHT MIND would see itthat way.
So, sorry pal…it's THE OBAMA BILL…it's the DEMOCRATIC STIMULUS BILL…and when it goes down, and the American people (and the Republican caucus) finally get their copy to read…there WILL be hell to pay, sir….and it will be YOUR HELL!!
Sorry that you only found three of us to cover your sorry butt. I'm afraid that probably won't be enough.
Just 2 points
watching Glenn Beck one day, he said (paraphrasing) if your spouse came home one day and you knew you were broke, and he/she said "don't worry, if we keep spending money it will be ok!" Yes, that makes so much sense!
when the so called stimulus was signed last night (without being read) it reminded me of the people signing those nasty mortgage papers (interest free) who didn't know what they were signing cause they were told to sign cause their lives would be wonderful after that! Yes, look where we are now because of that!
Is there anyone out there planning some kind of revolution that allows us to get back to our constitution and to tell those of us who voted in those idiots that they work for us? If so, please let me know!!!
Why let this guy post here? We can read this stuff at The Huffington Post or DailyKos already.
And as far as Judd Gregg, The Messiah Barack Obama took away the Census responsibilities away from him, so it's no wonder he resigned. The appointment was a gimmick, nothing more.
"Vote for a bill that might ultimately not be big enough to get the country out of the worst economic mess most Americans have ever lived through?"
Okay- first things first. Don't know the demographics of our fine country, but IIRC we are a graying society, with the bulk of our population in the baby boomer generation. Assuming this is correct, you're wrong- Carter gave us two economic messes far worse than what Barney Frank/Dodd/Obama/etc. have given us currently. Though I do have every confidence that the pork package just passed will get us to at least as bad as 80-82.
Second- judging by the nature of the sentence I've excerpted, believe your theory is that keynesian style gov't spending is the way to solve our current recession. Was wondering if you could point out a country or time where this strategy has worked (and FDR's NRA don't count, WWII got us out of his mess). Japan was the last country to try this- in the 90's, and they pumped multiple times more cash into their economy. No positive effect.
Also- as others have asked, what do you lefties care if we don't sign on for your disastrous eejit bill? You've got the votes, you don't need us- hell, pelosi didn't even bother to invite us to her middle of the night committees- so why don't you worry about the seven senate democrats (like shuler) that voted against this thing?
And say, can you tell me how it's possible for every voting member to have read the 1000+ page legislation in 10 hours? I mean, we're talking about nearly a trillion dollars, don't you think it would be a good idea if the congress, oh I dunno, knew what the hell they were voting for? If you say such a thing wouldn't be necessary, I've got a magical time travel device I'd like to sell you for 27 billion dollars- trust me, it'll work great and you can try it out as soon as the check clears.
And finally- you seem to have a problem with long term memory, or perhaps your memory only began 26 or so days ago. Republicans aren't bi-partisan? Where the hell were you the last 8 years, son? I watched the infantile behavior of the lefties through two terms of Bush and was absolutely disgusted. How about that bi-partisan work when all you jackass lefties filibustered just about every court appointment Bush made to cite just one example? Forget that, did you? You're a pathetic hypocrite, or a blustering fool- you go ahead and pick.
Hmmmmm John sorry but what is YOUR idea of bipartisanship? Please explain it. Boehner and the rest of the GOP were not allowed even to talk about this pile of smelly garbage in meetings when your little band of merry robbers and taxers were creating it. They were closed out. So JOHNNY how is it that was bipartisanship? And the pictures of the unholy trio? Had these three wised up and decided they didn't want to bankrupt the future of the USA for momentary jolt you would be complaining for real and we would be sitting here asking you why you want to mortgage your childrens future so badly? Because John that is what this is. So please go and figure it out. You want bi partisanship? Hows about telling your Democrat buddies in that House of Ill repute to stay with in the context at least of the US Constitution. OK? Oh and tell Obamawan to. You know that law that is bigger than he is? You know that one? You know the one where any of us can ask him any question we want because we hired him. He serves US…..
Oh and about Obama's appointment of Gregg? I really find it funny how stupid you think Republicans really are. You and your buddies on the left must be either smoking something or so full of your own hubris you can't understand that you are not dealing with amatures. Gregg saw it for what it was. Taking another GOP vote from the Senate and a political tactic. Sorry if we sometimes are better at politics than Mr. Um……………dead space….Um…………you know…..Um……BTW awesome press conference. Do we get brownie points if we stayed awake for longer than 3 seconds? Please. Go condescend to the Dem rank and file they eat that stuff up.
The big problem with Ridley is the verbal hand-job he gives to Obama in every post. He's obviously intelligent enough to see the incompetence of the Democrats. And I'm no Republican cheerleader, I am as critical of the Republicans in Congress as I am the Democrats (well, almost). I'd be willing to consider his views if he wasn't so clearly a member of the Obama cult, and if his posts were at all engaging. Unfortunately we are seeing what passes for intelligent discourse in the Left today. Recycling the same drivel we hear daily from the MSM and adding a few big words here and there doesn't make it more interesting.
Obama's idea of reaching out is to invite the opposition to fancy dinners at the White House, but criticize them for (supposedly) listening to Rush. There is not a shred of evidence that he either understands or respects some of the well-spoken opposition views out there (including the views of many economists who spoke out against the stimulus bill). Some high road!! Wake up and smell the wilted roses–he's just an opportunistic politician like any other, albeit with a somewhat more silver tongue when it comes to reading off a teleprompter. I did expect Pelosi and Reid to roll him, and they have, I just didn't think it would happen this soon.
Hey John,
Have you even read a summary of the bill let alone the bill? Well, neither did any of these guys who voted on it.
The libs are funny. If you vote with them, that means bipart. If they vote against you, well they are voting their conscience.
Too funny..
Of course, trying to rig the next census MIGHT have pushed Judd back to his senses. You never know!
John:
Since you tagged on your slap at Judd Gregg for changing his mind, any personal feeling about Rahm Emanuel taking control of the 2010 census away from Commerce and putting into the White House?
That was one of Gregg's complaints in his decision to stay in the Senate, and I've yet to see one Democrat explain why this is a good idea. Perhaps you'd like to be the first?
The bill is called American Recovery and Reinvestment Reconciliation Act, or ARRRA. Arrrrrgh, just like the pirates that they are. I guess you could spin it to say they are being honest about pirating all of our money away for generations to come. Maybe we should send them all parrots and eye patches.
The gratuitous race card is the most offensive thing he said. Dude you are more privileged than me — a 40 year old white man. Get over yourself. Quit being a douche and except things as they are. You worked your ass off to get where you are so pull the stick out of your butt and enjoy it.
I am very curious; Mr. Ridley's views are more than adequately expressed at any number of other, left-leaning websites. My understanding was that this site was to be a counterpoint to the proliferation of Republican-hating, America-bashing sites that have been foaming at the mouth for years. I saw nothing new in Ridley's comments; the standard digs at Republicans, the obligatory comment painting whites as racists (yes, anyone can find racism if she looks hard enough), the snide and sneering tone…in short, there is nothing fresh or new in Mr. Ridley's column. I can get this at CNN, which is why I stopped watching long ago.
Fresh and new is why I have been coming to this site. Rehashing the same old Democrat/left wing complaints with a new face is not going to cut it. Mr. Ridley's candidate was elected, his party has a majority in both the Senate and the House; what more does he want? The ball, Mr. Ridley, is squarely in your party's court. Stop looking in the rear-view mirror and start leading.
What about the fact that the first time around, more Democrats in congress voted AGAINST the bill than Republicans voted FOR it? Sounds like a bipartisan rejection to me.
Does Mr. Ridley get any money from Mr. Breitbart for blogging on this site? If he does, then Mr. Breitbart better smarten up.
"What they did? Whatd they do? Vote for a bill that might ultimately not be big enough to get the country out of the worst economic mess most Americans have ever lived through?"
"What they did? What’d they do? Vote for a bill that might ultimately not be big enough to get the country out of the worst economic mess most Americans have ever lived through?"
Well, no, that's not what they did, Mr. Ridley. They voted for a bill laden with pork that will do nothing to affect the economy, other than make Americans owe more money to the world. As any good conservative knows, taking money out of free enterprise and giving it to the government to spend is an overall drain on the economy. And that's exactly what the bill those turncoats voted for does.
and…if Dem liberals don't get their way they will……receive funding from George Seros to open all kinds of liberal websites/groups who lie over and over about Republicans/Conservatives, use funding to seek out and destroy other politicians (See how Obama was elected twice in Chicago and his penchant for having sealed divorce records made public,).
They'll conduct violent protests against groups they disagree with, slash tires, burn down Gov buildings (Texas governors mansion ring a bell?) and the ultimate liberal trick, counting more votes for a candidate then people registered to vote (Franken).
But it's all for the good of the country.
How do you play in a sandbox with a kid who has no sand toys of his own, and as soon as you arrive, wants to take all your toys and either throw them across the playground just to see what will happen… or use them to purchase the affection (and muscle, should he ever need it) of kids who aren't even in the sandbox?
So we're supposed to be upset at Republicans for being Republicans?
Mr. Ridley,the holes in your logic are so obvious I'm surprised that an intelligent man like you would post this piece.
Mr. Ridley, Until the day when Democrats (and their sycophantic propogandists in the media) admit that the banking crisis is the unintended (but predictable) consequence of their own policies, there can be no honest discussion of how to solve it. As documented years ago by the NY Times (ironically), banks became desensitized to risk because of a series of Democratic initiatives to make more credit available to the poor. There is no growth in the "stimulus" bill. It contains a massive, long-term, taxpayer-funded lifeline to unions, the basis of nationalized healthcare, and blatant wealth-transfer; all to be funded through the issuance of debt which will suck capital out of the economy. Any sops made in an effort to buy Republican votes don't change this fact. The so-called "stimulus" bill contains little stimulus, and Congress' own budget office declared it to be anti-growth, but the Democratic line is already "it isn't big enough."
I appreciate the fact Andrew has a token goofball here who doesn't mention the Democrats in the House who voted against Porkulus. Maybe you didn't pick upon that because it wasn't in Barry's Robot Talking Points of the Day.
Does this guys cross post at huffington post? I though this website was for the non kooks in hollywood, how did this guys sneak in?
Also last time i checked more democrats voted against the stimulus that republicans voted for the stimulus. That would mean voting against the stimulus was bitpartisan and voting for it wasn't.
Isn't this the same guy who said Barack was the first real american president? I want to read his black supremacy and racism about as much as I would want to read someone from the Klans. The only difference would be that at least the Klan member would be honest about his racism. Black Pride=White Pride. It is all the same.
"Bipartisan" means "I'm right, you're wrong, I'm in power, deal with it." It's the last thing we need in government.
I normally like Mr. Ridley's counterpoint here, but this is borderline delusional. In one fell swoop, this bill more than doubles the spending of the entire New Deal, and that's adjusted for today's dollars. It is primarily made up of a long standing Democrat wish list of pet projects and pork. Every man, woman and child in the United States has just been put on the hook for between $5800 to $18,000(if you believe the ten year numbers), and not a single member of Congress even read this bill before signing it. Lobbyists on K-Street actually got a copy of this bill befoer members of congress did.
Keynesian stimulation has never worked anywhere it's been tried in the history of the world, but even if you believed it did, this bill just doesn't feature much of it for short-term stimulus. Essentially, congress has just stolen money from my family and future generations in order to lavish it on the politically connected and enhance the electoral prospects of Democrats.
And then there's the "bi-partisan" Obama and Democrats… The Democrats lied by voting unanimously to give the public a mere 48 hours to digest the bill after its posting, but then voting on it as soon as they could the day it was posted online. There would've easily been about 30 to 40 Republicans in the house who would've originally voted for this bill(the "Main Street" Republicans), but Nancy Pelosi played hardball and summarily stripped all Republican amendments from the bill before even debate or voting on them. Is that bipartisan? Later, the Republicans were locked out of the conference committee. Is that bipartisan?
Apparently, to a Democrat, bipartisan means Republicans abandoning all principles to vote with Democrats. But it never seems to go the other way. And as for Gregg, imagine the situation reversed. If Bush had taken control over the Census in order to try and stack the courts(as Obama seems to be doing), or for any other reason, and take it away from Commerce and hand it over to Karl Rove(Rham in Obama's version), liberals would be screaming totalitarianism. But Bush didn't do that – Obama is. And such a blatant power grab is okay with you guys because he's a Democrat, right? And Gregg objecting to such a cynical political move is not being "bipartisan" enough, eh?
Really, you guys are just delusional when it comes to the Obamamessiah. This guy may have talked as if he was going to be bipartisan, but he hasn't actually shown it, at all, in deed.
I am loving Big Hollywood so far. The posts are diverse, interesting, and entertaining. There is no chance of this dip—- running me out of here. But I hope Mr. Breitbart realizes that allowing Ridley to post recycled HuffPo and MSNBC propaganda will damage this site and cause readers not to come back.
'Vote for a bill that might ultimately not be big enough to get the country out of the worst economic mess most Americans have ever lived through?"
Once again, a leftist that believes history started the day he was born.
Mr. Ridley you’re a prime example of a Democrat box brain, stuck in time warp pounding off the same tired rhetoric of the past 50yrs. Your view of the world can’t get past skin color, constant victim hood. Screw, bipartisanship it’s for losers, observe how the Democratic Party consolidated it’s power. This Stimulus/ Porkulus package needs to be tied around Barry’s and Democratic parties neck. It’s nothing more than a welfare giveaway to every good for nothing, nar do well in America. What are you going to do with your $13.00? We owe Barry the same courtesy that was extended, “W,” absolutely none. This is the same worn out dogma of the Democrats have been peddling since LBJ, this is not change just more of the same. If you don’t like the rules of a club, start your own and exclude anyone you like, who cares.
I know John Ridley and have a great deal of respect for his intellect and generally his intellectual honesty. However,(you knew it was coming, right?) I must call him to task for this blog.
Why is it, John, when the Democrats threw Sen. Leiberman under the bus for breaking with the party line for supporting the war on terrorists that was just punishment but when Conservatives want to rid their side of left leaning Rhinos we are being vengeful or not "bipartisan" enough for the left?
As far as a "my way or the highway" attitude, I think that both the President and Ms. Pelosi have stated that, and I paraphrase here, "we won sit down and shut up, this is our turn" ( continued in next two comments)
Also whle I support the right of any private orginazation to restrict it's membership I would never join such an organization on moral grounds. That being said you take a cheap shot at Katon Dawson and that is below your level of intellect and humor. If I cared to, I am sure I could list a lot of minority politicians who belong to restricted orginizations and I could start with every member of the Black Congressonial Caucuss, which restricts it membership not only by race by by political ideology. (Continued in next comment)
Finally, with Sen. Gregg, is it possible that he was promised things by the Obama administration that he felt were not going to be delivered? For example, pulling control of the Census Beareau from Commerce if a Republican were going to run it, which was only anounced after the Gregg appointment. ( Continued in next comment)
"You post party line drivel." You had me until that line. In my opinion, Mr. Ridley is expressing a legitimate opposition point without the drivel (save the gratuitous shot). Although I disagree with it, his overall point would have never been presented this way from the current Democrat leaders (e.g. hyper-partisan).
I have written both here and on my personal blog ( http://www.jeffreyjena.wordpress.com) that when leftist talk about bipartisanship it always involves a Consevative moving towards the left and never the other way. The tax "consessions" you refer to Obama and the left making were already in the bill when it came down from the Reid/Pelosi cabal.
All that aside, it' seem a bit diingenuous when the last alleged Conservative president throws down almost a trillion in corpoate welfare as he is walking out the door, and the Republican leader in the house gets on the floor and starts crying that we need to pass this now, to start opposing the next bailout on some idealogical grounds. Bailouts don't work, it doesn't matter which side of the aisle they come from.
John,
I guess it doesn't make any difference that none of them took the time to read the bill before voting on it right? Or the fact that no campaign staffers couldn't review the bill because it was at K Street lobbyists for final changes right? Because being bi-partisan is way more important than actually doing something that helps right? Are you being serious John, or, are you playing devils advocate? I hope it's the latter.
It is no fun preaching to choir. Frankly I think it gets boring when everyone agrees. Diverse opinions create deeper understanding and keeps our minds sharp and clear. And remember that old saying – Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
People like you are the problem. Just because Mr. BO is part black you think he is "The Answer". This plan is about the government taking more citizens rights away and laughing in our faces as they do it. It doesn't stimulate the economy.
Barney Frank is bipartisan, he likes men and boys. Those three are bipartisan also, they like power and big government. Not saying these amoral creatures are evil, but they all get their kicks on Route 666. Ridley is just bipolar.
Moderate conservatism is what we've had for the last 8 years. Aside from the tax cuts and making national security the top priority, Bush was more of a liberal than a conservative. The only real "change" I see in Washington is that conservatives are acting like conservatives again. THAT is the closest thing to the "Change We Need."
The change we really need, in the next few rounds of elections, is to show every incumbent the door to the private sector, and get some new blood in Congress.
You had more democrats vote against the bill than republicans vote for it. So, shouldn't it be bipartisan opposition to the bill?
Mr. Ridley, if you're going to come to our side of the aisle and present the opposing viewpoint, you need to bring your A-game. Once again, you've presented something with dogmatic and unresearched default interpretations.
I'm just fine with having a liberal writer at BH, but we need one who's genuinely interested in arriving at truth rather than winning gotcha points.
Hey Dems, 2010 will be here sooner than you think. What will Dear Obambi be w/out Pelosi and Reid bowing down before him?
We should never forget who Obama is. A Saul Alinksky worshipper. I bet Axlerod, his Rasputin, is one too. And what are Alinskyites other than manipulative lying scheming Communists?
You folks watch.. everything these Democrats *do* will be the opposite of what they *say*. I firmly believe Obama and Pelosi are in a race to crush this nation, so that Obama can "Remake" (as he always says) in his Marxist wet-dream image.
They're going to use the welfare system to crash all confidence in American way of life.. Check out this article
http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/02/the_clowar...
They are out to destroy us.
Whoa! How'd I end up at the Huff Post?! Better run a virus scan…
Speaking of Harry Reid…I thought President Hopey was supposed to get the lobbyists out of Washington. What are Reid's sons and son in law gonna do for work now?
Bipartisan used to mean doing what it would take to get the other side onboard.
Now, with the fawning, liberal media covering Barack Obama's flank, bipartisan means whatever Barack Obama says it means. If he deems the bill to be "bipartisan" than it is. And if you don't vote for it, you're against bipartisanship.
Huh?
All the talk about the parties tries to effectively cloak the real issue: this is a really bad bill and someone should be getting hell for dumping it on the people. That someone starts with the President and moves to the Speaker and the Majority leader. It's either stupid or evil.
Pres. Bush was lambasted by liberals for the last eight years for not reaching out to Democrats,while he was busy passing perhaps as much liberal legislation as Mr. Clinton – does "No Child Left Behind" & "Drug Benefit for Seniors" ring a bell. And it got Republicans tossed to the curb by the electorate. Now Mr. Ridley wants Republicans to continue in that ignominious mode. Gee, I wonder why that might be.
I agree. For 8 years the left has been standing firm that dissent is the patriotic thing to do, and now that their savior is at the helm all of a sudden we are all suposed to consent to his will…when did we turn into North Korea?
The fact is that the Democrats, with Reid/Pelosi heading up and encouraging the lockout, refused to allow the Republicans in either house of Congress to have any input whatsoever into the stimulus package. Not even a whimper of a suggestion was tolerated by the Democrats, and until nine hours before the vote on the final bill the Republicans were not even permitted to glance at it.
Essentially the only participation in the so-called bipartisan portion of this stimulus legislation that the Democrats intended to allow the Republicans was to take part in the blame should the plan backfire or blow up in their faces, failing utterly as many economists have claimed it looks like will happen. That's why there was such enormous effort to get some Republicans to sign onto the bill, so that the Democrats would not take all the heat in the event of failure.
Basically, Mr. Ridley, you are accusing the Republicans of refusing to engage in a bipartisan effort from which they were completely locked out of any meaningful input or discussion. Did you really expect that, sight unseen, these responsible representatives and senators should have blindly signed onto a bill which, for all they knew, could have sold the country to some unseen conglomerate? I'm sorry, but when I put my money up to fund something the last thing I expect is to be given a plain wrapped and sealed box, to be opened only after the money's been paid. Is that what you expected from the Congressional Republicans? To take the Democrat's assurances that there was anything seriously related to a stimulus plan after the alternative media finally exposed that it was larded up with pork?
If so, you are more out of touch with reality than even President Obama when he trustingly turned the writing of the legislation over to Pelosi/Reid, expecting that they would actually adhere to his instructions and wishes. This whole process has been a joke and a fiasco, and frankly, I'm glad that the Republicans had the maturity and good sense to demand that a "bipartisan" effort be, in fact, bipartisan, rather than being locked out of the process so severely.
Ridley is emblematic of the overall Democratic attitude towards this entire situation. They clearly have enough votes to pass this criminal legislation, and yet still they wail about the lack of 'bipartisanship'(otherwise known as abondoning your principles and adopting theirs). Why do they do this? Because they are too afraid to take full responsibility for this horrendous piece of legislation.
When this abomination of a bill is passed and utterly destroys the economy, the Democrats will be on the receiving end of a political backlash the likes of which hasn't been seen in decades. Some realists in the party are now realizing this and frantically attempting to ascribe partial responsibility for this atrocity onto the Republican side. THIS is the true goal of the Democratic crying and hysterics – nothing else. It is in this way that Ridley's apologetics for the Democrat Party perfectly encapsulate their current strategy – to both simultaneously pass legislation solely aimed at satisfying special interests and also attempt to relieve themselves of the responsibility for it. Well, thankfully the American people still have legislators and representatives in Congress who will hold fast to their principles. And this travesty of American democracy will be laid at the feet of Pelosi, Reid, and Obama. And they will have to deal with the brutal consequences.
Couldn't agree more ,Bev. We have to show the Huffpo, MediaMatters crowd that we are not them.
It's always good to see what the other side is up to.
Having Ridley's stuff posted here is not ruining the site. If some of you don't want to come back because of this then that's just sad. You're no better than the creeps on the other team.
Think about it. You guys want to be like Keith Olberman. That guy never has an opposing opinion on his show because he's not man enough to take the heat.
Wouldn’t it be punishment enough to dis-invite them to some soirée held at South Carolina GOP chairman Katon Dawson’s whites-only country club? To be fair, Dawson resigned his membership to the Forest Lake Country Club in Columbia, SC last September. That was just a gratuitous dig I had to throw in because…I wouldn’t have been allowed into the club to hand it to him personally."
Dude, give it a rest. Seriously. You write like a girl. Your self-imagined 'victimhood' impresses no one. On the other hand, if your life's goal is to be a race-baiting poverty pimp, you're there. We get it. Poor you.
The problem with bipartisanship is that Democrats and their media allies define the term as "You Republicans shut up and do what we tell you to." That was the case during the Bush years, it's the case now, and until someone buys the Lefties a dictionary, true bipartisanship will never exist.
Ridley wrote: "But if nothing else, as the economy improves, President Obama’s actions will serve to shame the lip servers of bipartisanship into taking up true residence."
As another shame-avoidant captive of the Modern Liberal culture of shame, the self-satisfied Mr. Ridley finds comfort in distorting reality to protect himself from his own poor self-esteem.
Blaming other individuals or groups (Ripley et ilk's M.O.) for his own 'shamefully' divisive "sandbox" rhetoric and behaviors have simply become second nature. His transfer of shame/blame is an indicator of displaced internal shame.
We won't further analyze his incompetent paranoias further here. Suffice to say, his shrink must be so proud (enriched) by his/her prize patient.
FYI, according to Wikipedia:
"In the recent Writer's Strike of 2007-2008 John Ridley was the only Feature, and/or Primetime Television writer to elect for financial core status."
"SHAME" on you Mr. Ridley!
Screw the era of Bipartisinaship….I'm a Partisan Hack, Conservative as Reagen and I DON"T like the Three Turncoats! Out of the Party NOW!
Go join your brethern on the other side……no RNC Funds for you!
Do you guys ever stop whining and complaining, it looks to me like you got what you wanted (albeit the most ridiculous pork bill in our history), but you got your way and all you can do is blame others.. I hate to tell you, but this is yYOUR so called stimulus bill (and I mean so called) you guys are going down in 2010, so enjoy your time and stop whining!!!! You and your party are the most annoying people ever – grow-up and take responsibility isn't that what your parents taught you. Oh wait your liberals – your part of the give me, give me, give me – work for it?? what's that mean party of the left. Thanks for giving us such a lame duck, arrogant empty suit for a President.
I thought nothing could make me more disgusted than the picture of these three turncaots … then I read the article. I have sent a message to Michael Steele, urging him to withhold any RNC funding for these three RINOs. It would be great if other conservatives joined me in doing this.
It's funny that leftists keep saying the "stimulus" bill is bipartisan when only these three spineless traitors moved across the isle in both houses.
And know one thing: The minute all these people in congress agree, we're doomed — it's the last thing any one should want.
In the meantime, I'll dig in, keep writing emails and making calls to make make my voice heard — hopefully the next crap sandwich can be exclusively eaten by the left, too, paving the way for the next Reagan revolution.
And I guess Big Hollywood didn't hear the screams the last time this idiot wrote an article: If we're going to have an opposing voice here, can we PLEASE have one that doesn't just spit out the same, race-baiting, victimizing, generalizing, poison. Thank you.
As Far as the Judd Gregg thingy….A-W-E-S-O-M-E!
So let me get this straight Mr. Ridley….your party has the White House (run by an incompetent, totally inexperienced, massive fool), both houses of Congress (run by far leftist, anti-American, socialist morons), and the Supreme Court (it will ALWAYS fall on the side of the left on 99% of the issues)…and youre actually attempting here to blame Republicans for this Welfarpalooza bill? LOL…you Democrats truly are something else.
You have all the power slick….read again….YOU HAVE ALL THE POWER. You run things, you can pass anything your little, far leftist, socialist hearts desire…we Republicans have no voice whatsoever, as was very evident during the passage of this Crapulous bill. You got your massively, socialist bill passed…so that begs the question, why the hell are you bitching, whining and complaining?
So, the Republicans refuse to sign their name to nationalizing the economy, and they're called obstructionists? Fair enough, come election time people will remember who opposed this free fall to socialism.
Well that ones easy…its because every last one of you know its going to fail miserably and you needed Republicans to blame for it. You needed more than 3 thats for sure, but sorry….thats all you have. So you have 3 pseudo-Republicans to blame for this Crapulous when it fails horribly (however Im dead certain youll try to blame President Bush for it too lol)…and guess what fella, that aint gonna fly.
This bill is your baby….youre gonna have to reap the whirlwind buddy and its not going to be pretty. Translastion: 2010 is going to be a Republican Revolution…so have fun drowning in the power for the next 2 years. The time for honoring yourselves will soon be at an end.
Also, please explain all the times when Bush was accused of "forcing his agenda on Congress", even after he had no majority there! And when he lost, he was accused of "attempting to force his agenda…". The media consistently protrays opposition Republicans as cynically obstructive, while protraying opposition Democrats as priciplied dissenters. The hypocisy has infected you.
Did Gregg really lobby for the job? I know that's what Obama's claiming now, but is it true?
I find it amusing that the only partisan people are repubs. What of the dems that voted against it? I guess not allowing the minority party to put forth an alternative bill(only something that had been done for 100 years in the house) is also bi-partisan. Anty person that would vote yes on thias after only having 8 or so hours to read it is a waste of a representative. I suppose only allowing 8 or so hours to read this monstrosity is also bi-partisan. The real problem in this country are the partisan jackasses that make up both sides of the aisle. Unfortunately, Mr. Ridley, you seem to be one of those people.
The Bill was sold as a "stimulus" bill and it is nothing but a spending bill for Democratic special interests – including ACORN – which has had numerous indictments for voter fraud.
Actually in the House it was bipartisan – 7 Dems voted with the Republicans
BTW some thoughts of mine – Republicans lost control of the house in 2006 largely through a disgusted base that saw them doing the same things as the Democrats did – pile mountains of debt on future generations so they could pay off their own special interests – this latest "stimulus" bill just added $7,000 to every man, woman and child in the country – or could have paid off 90% of ALL mortgages – not just the bad ones.
Still think it is a stimulus bill John?
No he did not. That report is a total lie…Obama went to Gregg after Richardson turned out to be filthy dirty (not shocking). The reason Obama went for Gregg was twofold….he wanted to look partisan and wonderful and great and he wanted complete control of the Census so he could manipulate and control the vote, therefore solidifying his re-election and keeping Democrats in power for years to come. This worked for him because Gregg was a very strong, outspoken proponent of scrapping the Commerce Dept, the very Dept that sees over the Census.
Obama saw it as a golden opportunity to be seen as some great bipartisan savior and to get his dirty, corrupt hands on the Census.
Did you look at the photos at the beginning of this article? Oddly, each of these sell outs has an unusually large nose. Interesting.
Really,
So it's all Conservatives fault for the mess we are in. It was conservatives who voted for the CRA in the first place. When the regulator came to congress in 2006 to state Fannae Mae was undercapitlaized and Congress should raise that rate it was those conservatives balking saying the Regulator was "Racist". Frankln Raynes the big NeoCon was the gut who said to Congress "these insturments (mortgages) are inherently 'riskless' sinnce they are backed by real assets".
In 2006 RINO's led by the three individuals mentioned here who in my opinion should be primaried for voting for this are the ones who caved in and let the Congress ignore the issue when it could have been fixed not with a trillion dollars but wih a raise in Fannae Mae's capitialization rate from 2 to 4%.
But hey I am child if I don't take Mr. Ridley's "LIE" that Republicans are responsible seriously.
Sorry I DISSENT!
I'm not against having a dissenting opinion. But if we are going to have one it better be someone who can articulate themselves better than Ridley. His last post on "The Bushies" was insulting in it's ignorance and this one is just plain dishonest. The fact that I don't agree with Ridley isn't what bothers me, its that we are not going to get any kind of intelligent discourse with refurbished HuffPo drivel. I'm all for having a diversity of opinion on this site but it better be more intelligent than this stuff. So Gary, keep that in mind before you start comparing me to the drones at HuffPo and Media Matters.
Gregg has publicly stated he did not campaign for the job. Now in a open contradiction like this, it's fairly easy to decide who's telling the truth when you look at the track record of integrity,
Yeah, and Obama is the first true American President.
"White people's greed in a world of need"- Barack Obama
Yeah, that sounds really bipartisan to me.
Screw yourself, Ridley
Pelosi rewrites House rules to exclude Republicans.
Reconciliation takes place behind doors closed to Republicans.
Lobbyists get the bill before Republicans.
Again I say, SCREW YOURSELF, Ridley.
What's going on is Hussein is black and John is black. Blacks support blacks. Having a lack of moral fiber never enters into the equation. How else do you think a convicted criminal like Marion Barry was re-elected as mayor of D.C.?
blackhawk, you assume that there are liberals out there that are more informed, intelligent and articulate than Ridley. You give them too much credit. Let them spout their delusions, but you can still rest well, knowing that you are smarter than they are. They're the real angry hateful ones, remember?
SKATNG ON GLUE!
Well said but I think the focus of your outrage has been misplaced. IT should be on Senators Specter, Snowe and Collins. The Dems have had more than 10 hours to read it, they wrote it in their conference in a retreat somewhere we could not play.
The proper Republican Reponse should have been to filibuster on principle alone. Even if it was just to get a few days to read the D@#^#$ thing. Then we could state we tried to oppose it. Now when this thing destoys jobs as it is designed to do they'll state Republicans went along. Does not matter how many. does not matter they are not Conservative, the Mainstream Media will share the blame by forcing the debate along their spin for the unwashed masses.
When the H@!! does are side get the GD party discipline to stand up to this D@#@$ nonsense. The Dems never worry because the RINO's really are democrats in sheep's clothing.
If we show we can tolerate dissenting opinions without resorting to Olberman-esce vitriol, maybe we can get some intelligent liberals to post.
Skating on glue – next point
Ridley here is an example of a democratic partison liar. His purpose is to go back o HuffPo and act the victim. Oh I tried to tell them there just so mean… He'll use excerpts of your post to do it. A conversation can not be held with a Liberal because they are all dissembling liars with the morals and ethics of swine.
FOCUS your efforts on the RINO's where it belongs. Even it we get back into power these people will kill any real converative effort to lessen spending or get anything done. THEY HAVE TO GO FIRST!
THESE three senators should be the poster children for our effort. Not only should we primary them we shouild flood there office with calls everyday demanding their resignation until we have the chance to primary them.
Ridley plays the race card again. My question is have you read the bill and do you know what's in it.? If borrowing money got us into this mess how is borrowing money to spend on frivolous, speculative ideas going to get us out?
I just read the "details" of this Crapulous bill…my God its sickening. There is NOTHING in it that will create a job….and the tax breaks…an extra 13 dollars a week …until Jan 2010 when that drops to 7.70 a week. Its unreal. This is going to fail and fail horribly. I cant wait to hear the bitching and pissing and moaning from the Democrats when it does, as they scramble to find a Republican to blame for it all.
Check it out: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/02/14/raw-da...
Okay. That makes a lot more sense. I started reading his article and to be honest was pretty amazed that he could submit that drivel. Your explanation helps.
Yeah cause we're the problem. It has nothing to do with most leftists being perpetual children used to voicing their opinion in self-made echo chambers. If you think my above post was Olberman-esque vitriol then you have a lot to learn.
Mean old Republican party.
I'm sure that everyone can agree that so far, the Obama administration has been pitch perfect and all but amazing in efficacy levels. Truly an awe inspiring machine in action. Well oiled, worthy, experienced and a sight to behold.
Indeed, the pathetic treatment of past VP nom. Joe Lieberman came right to mind and the fact that the Dems are now in control. Didn't they win? Didn't they get what they want? Shouldn't these grievance people be a little happy? Aren't we living some miracle or something?
Of course Judd Gregg should just tow the party line (the opposition party), forgo his personal and philosophical beliefs and melt under the great light without heat of the Obama majesty.
Just sign here. Bipartisan!
What contrivance the Obama story has been from the word go.
Fantasist Ridley's posts are akin to the comics section for seal clapping people that think Maher is funny.
Actually, bipartisan means, "the Democrats are right." Whether the Dems are the majority or the minority, this definition holds true.
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