If you want to know why the Republicans are called the “stupid party,” you need to look no further than this story about John Boehner’s distancing himself from Congressman Joe Barton’s remark that, based on no constitutional authority, BP had been “shaken down” by the Obama administration and forced to fork over a $20 billion “slush fund.”
First, please take a look at Barton’s comments:
A relatively mild statement of fact, expressed inoffensively. So naturally, the spineless jellyfish who pass for the “leaders” of the Stupid Party immediately started backpedaling away:
House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) broke with a top Republican on Thursday who suggested BP had suffered a “shakedown” by being forced to set up a $20 billion fund to pay out damages.
Asked at his weekly press conference if he disagreed with Barton’s characterization of the deal struck Wednesday at the White House, Boehner quickly responded, “I do.”
“BP agreed to fund the cost of this cleanup from the beginning and I’m glad they’re being held accountable,” Boehner told reporters.
When is the Stupid Party going to wise up and realize that the only way fight Obamaism is by going on the attack, by using the weapons of the left against them — relentlessness, implacable opposition and a ruthless willingness to pick up beer bottles and paving stones and pool cues if it will help win the fight. The left never compromises unless it has to, never apologizes unless it is forced to and never cedes an inch of ground that it is not wrested from it in intellectual combat.
Where also is the conservative media, which ought to be hammering this point home on a daily basis? The modern Democrats are not your father’s lunch-pail Democrat party, but rather an unholy fusion of 1930s gangsters, 1960s Marxists and contemporary victimologists, and right-leaning pundits should be calling them out at every step: this isn’t politics any more, it’s a Cold Civil War. But no…
Before the press conference, Boehner had already signaled his disagreement with Barton’s comments in a television interview.
“They’ve agreed to put this $20 billion dollars in escrow,” Boehner said during an appearance on Fox News. “I don’t know what context Mr. Barton was making that remark, but, I’m glad BP has accepted responsibility for their actions.”
Instead we just back away politely and, like Oliver Twist, ask for another helping of gruel, and take our lumps.
Pathetic.
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150 Comments
It was a shakedown. It was an egregious overstep of autority by Obama, and a shameless way of pandering to the ignorant among the American people; as he uses this tragedy to prepare to tax and punish EVERY American citizen who simply uses electricity or drives a vehicle. It's disgusting. It's perverse. It's "Progressive".
When being popular is more important than being right, this is the result we get. We will all pay the cost of this disaster and it's clean-up through higher taxes; interest on the debt; higher prices on all petroleum derived products and transportation costs. Cap and trade will be the final nail in Obama's coffin. I only hope we survive long enough to witness the funeral.
Rep. Boehner has just asked for his pink slip. There is no "left" and "right". There is just right and wrong.
To say I'm disappointed would be like saying Poland had a bad day in 1939.
This has become a battleground of ideals. And in war, there is no "polite" discourse. There are winners and there are losers. If we relent, and allow progressives to move, either fast or slow, then the Constitution as we know it, will be nothing more than a quaint antique document.
I've just come back from the dentist, don't expect much levity today.
Testicular fortitude is severely lacking in the GOP.
The democrats are scum but they play for keeps, not like these country club Gentleman Jim types that define the republicans.
If these sissies are looking for a "real man" to follow, might I suggest Palin or Bachmann?
THIS is the guy who wants to be Speaker or Majority Leader, or whatever position he hopes to gain WHEN the Republicans win a majority in the House? Grow a pair John, real popularity will come if you actually LEAD! I'm not going to hold my breath. You are motoring up the Potomac at 100mph, but you have no rudder.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Vince Humphreys, Buddy Smith, davidthomsonone, Erika Franzi, TheDean&HeadMaster and others. TheDean&HeadMaster said: The Stupid Party Strikes Again As Boehner Distances Himself From ‘Shakedown’ Remark, Asks For More Gruel http://bit.ly/dpO29S [...]
Krauthammer nailed this one. While this $20 billion escrow account is clearly the result of a thuggish shakedown (A community organizer shaking down a giant corporation! Who'da thunk it?), the idiot Barton should not be apologizing to BP. The criticism should be solely against the shakedown tactics used and question whether this is a door we want to open for our government. Sticking up for BP just makes him look like the corporate bootlicker that he likely is.
Go figure. On one side of the world Neda Agha-Soltan takes a bullet for freedom and that disgraceful pathetic excuse for a publication – Time "Magazine" (KleinObama Brochure) – puts Ben Bernanke on the cover as "Man" of the Year.
On this side of the world John Boehner & The RINOs take a bullet for whom? For what? What did POTUS 44 make them believe?
President Make.Believe is done fooling most USA Americans. Obviously Boehner is either a complete sucker or a complete SELL OUT. We'll see how much of the $20 billion makes it into pre-November election coffers.
Bravo, let's add AZ governor Jan Brewer to the list.
Hey, maybe Barton was not apologizing to BP British Petroleum but to BP British Pensioners. Now it makes sense.
Due process (5th Amendment) has now become doo doo process.
If Republicans like Boehner don't grow a pair we're going to have a repeat of 2006 and 2008. There will be no going back if that happens.
I couldn't agree more. Joe Barton spoke of nothing but fact and truth. When will the Republican leaders like Boehner and McConnell realize that we are truly in a fight for our future? If they choose to keep the fight out of the streets and without a lot of bloodshed, they better wise up and quit throwing our side under the bus.
"Asked at his weekly press conference if he disagreed with Barton’s characterization of the deal struck Wednesday at the White House, Boehner quickly responded, “I do.”…" One man disagrees and the ENTIRE Republican Party is disparaged? Talk about your supermarket tabloid "journalism". That's really pathetic.
Like I heard Cavuto today…Obama is waging war on an oil spill but NOT on the Jihadist terrorists. There are no terrorists!!! Insane Hussein needs to leave and very soon before he destroys what is left of this country.
Someone did mention above that there are no Repblicans with testicular fortitude to lead us out of this mess. They're all country club suits.
We are doomed. The Democrats are Gangsters and criminals. The Republicans are total dumb asses. God help us.
Time for Jhon-Boy Boenerh to STEP DOWN ,, The GOP Needs to divest itself of these Kookaburra Repubs . Let Start Over .
Boehner supports extortion, Great!
He wants to replace Pelosi in January. LOL Get a spine first John Boehner!
BP may be the worst company in the world. This congress is the worst that has ever supported the constitution and rule of law in this country.
You are so right Jake, most inside the beltway Republicans, are political eunuchs. Your dealing with ‘60s radicalism there is no such thing as reasoned debate, either fight back or we’ll get people in there who will! The American people want no part, of a stupid liberal agenda, find your manhood!
As much as the $20 billion shakedown disgusts me, I don't find it much of a stretch to think that BP and the obama administration are co-conspirators. After all, it has been said that BP practically wrote the cap and trade bill, and they have been leaning hard "Green" since forever. The $20 billion gives the obama another nice sized slush fund, and with a wink and a nod, BP will be in the top position to reap the rewards of the new wind mill generation. Kinda makes Bernie Madoff look like a piker.
It's not like "Woody" was on my short list of potentials to begin with, but he is now on the growing list of those to remember.
It is starting to look like those of us who support the Tea Party are a little smarter than the GOP. The GOP has lost the confidence of America. They continuously snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. I like cowboys like Barton- at least he told the truth and most of us know it was nothing more than an old fashioned (think Jesse and Al) shakedown.
Facts: Tony Podesta, brother of John Podesta (Center for American Progress and funded by George Soros) is a lobbyist for BP. Also, the attorney representing BP is a former Clinton administration staffer.
Also, the regime wants to outlaw deep water drilling in the USA. The rigs will move to Brazil. George Soros has a huge stake in Petrobras (national oil company of Brazil). The rigs will drill much deeper off the coast of Brazil. Do the math. The price of petroleum for the USA will increase. Skyrocket.
Boehner sounds like a rino for his acceptance of the shakedown. Maybe he should also go onto the trash heap.
Yeah, when I heard that today on the news I just felt my heart sink…is he trying to appear politically correct? I hope the Tea Party takes him to the woodshed for a Come To Jesus lecture.
So it's now bad to speak the truth and try to open the eyes of the tyrrany staring us in the face?
What happened to patriots with spines? This nation is being taken over!
This $20 billion fund will be used exclusively for the Obama re-election campaign and for the November elections. It's almost as if it was planned.
A little smarter? Try a **** load smarter! The repubs are spineless capitulators. Know what "reaching across the aisle" means? It means violating conservatism and voting with the libs. The libs NEVER EVER compromise or reach across the aisle, just the repubs. Why? Because they actually believe the press represents what the majority of the US thinks when it does not. If they didn;t give a damn what the press clippings said, they'd get elected perpetually for doing the proper conservative thing.
Barton used those two little words that are a no-no around DC, 'due process'.
Is there estrogen in the water running into the Republican offices? As much as I hate the left, I do respect them for their relentlessness. Unfortunately most of our "men" seem to be suffering from LOW T. (I just saw the commercial).
BLATANT PROOF….THEY KNOW THE VALUE/INFLUENCE OF MERE WORDS!!!!!!!!! B$P……For our ears "British Petroleum" in reality…May I ask an unofficial question….What does BP stand for? They are all in CAHOOTS….The mob has evolved into the highest thresholds to usurp the honor of lawful positions!!!! Criminals in charge of the Civil!!!!!!!! This Man laid it out as truth, then succumbed to the pressure of the MOB (Including Boehner), to refract his feelings/accusations. a Coward in essence!! Jesus said "You will deny me before the rooster crows three times", WE NEED PEOPLE IN OFFICE WHO WILL NOT!!!!!!!!! THANK GOD, WE HAVE HAD THEM IN TIMES OF WAR, Not because we found them, but because they had the Courage to step forward and remained Courageous until literal death!!!!!!! YOU TELL ONE OF THESE IDIOTS, "THIS WILL BE YOUR 'POLITICAL" DEATH, they slink into the corner of their delegated bunk and Cower in the silence and submission!!!!! Contrary to popular belief, Thinkers don't produce paradise (Or as close as you can get to it)., Laborers do!!!! Anyone can dream,,,,,,including the laborer, difference is, when he/she dreams, nothing gets done, no money is made, no stone is turned!!!!!!!!!!! VALUABLE WORDS, about life!!!
That 'one man' is arguably the second most powerful person in the Republican Party, so it's not a stretch to say that Boehner speaks for the party when he is speaking at his weekly press conference, and not 'off the record'. What the author is trying to say is that the Republicans need to get on the same page and be tough, not wimpy.
I don't think there is any shakedown here. This fund is probably BP's idea, so it can avoid the litigation that would inevitably follow should it fail to pay all the claims in a timely manner under US law. BP is one of the longest-standing proponents of cap and trade (see, among other things, "Emissions trading: a market instrument for our times", Speaker: Charles C. Nicholson, Group Senior Advisor, BP p.l.c; Speech date: 28 October 2003 at the Royal Society of Arts, London).
They are also a serious contributor. According to Erika Lovley of Politico, (""Obama biggest recipient of BP cash", 5/5/10) "BP and its employees have given more than $3.5 million to federal candidates over the past 20 years, with the largest chunk of their money going to Obama, … During his time in the Senate and while running for president, Obama received a total of $77,051 from the oil giant and is the top recipient of BP PAC and individual money over the past 20 years, according to financial disclosure records."
Looks more like partners circling wagons and "spinning" to me.
Or possibly, 'due as I say, and not as I due' process.
How can this be called anything BUT a shakedown?! This is one US President acting like a dictator. Should we be surprised? His hero is FDR, whom Mussolini affectionately wrote letters to and referred to as "America's Dictator"! Well, now we have Dictator II in the White House!
What happened to the rule of law? What happened to the Constitution? What happened to courts, judges, and juries? What happened to the due process clause of the Constitution?
Duh! Republicans have abandoned their base once again for politics and expediency. This is why, as a Constitutional conservative, I have abandoned the Republican Party. They don't stand for anything any more!
Dump Boehner, dump McConnell, and dump any other repubs that don't have the stones to take the fight to the dems. The repub "leadership'', a term I use loosely, needs to step up and be counted instead of this backdoor dem light approach they have pulled out of their nether regions.
Looks like the conservative ladies are going to do a far better job than this current bunch of GOP wusses.
SUCK BOEHNER.SUCK!!!!! You did the night Obama care passed…I watched that fiasco when all appeared DRUNK!!!!!!!!!! Including you, the usurper of our opposition!!!!
THEY THINK THEY ARE BEING COOOOL, ALL AGREEING IN THEIR ALLEGIANCE, OF CORRUPTION!!!! They all pollute/populate the same basket!!!!
http://biggovernment.com/author/jboehner
Yes that guy.
LOOSER.
All part of the grand strategy to chase investment capital away from our economy. When O-thug-o took over GM and Chrysler he flushed the established bankruptcy law and gave it away to the union thugs. Bank failures? He's in charge now (less so, but still). Shutting down production in the Gulf was all to predictable. No sane person or capital management group will do much as long as he and his ilk are calling the shots. Watch for a plummet in 2011 when our artificially propped up market collapses in the face of the Obama tax increases. 2012 can't come fast enough…
Screw Boehner. Cantor is next in line, and he's a tough take-no-shit little bastard.
What are the facts? I think that's the most important question. Did BP propose this idea and are they doing it voluntarily, or were they forced to do it through unconstitutional means? What is the truth here? Only one thing is immediately obvious — an escrow fund is NOT the same thing as "paying for the costs of the cleanup", John. An escrow fund is money held in abeyance to pay for something else, usually insurance. In this case, it's not specified what the "something else" is, so it looks an awful lot like a slush fund.
Before you thumb me down, can someone explain to me how this is a shakedown when BP already committed to fund the cleanup? Honest question, maybe I'm missing something.
I'm 100% for holding all elected feet to the fire despite party affiliation but it seems like people are pretty quick to toss "Hell No" Boehner under the bus here. He's definitely no RINO as far as I can tell. And he has enough progressive radio hosts turning his easy-target-last-name into a d!ck joke for us conservatives to be doing it too.
If the reporting is accurate here, I'd say it was a smart move on Boehner's part and rationally stated. Did more good for conservatives than Barton's statement (which Barton himself apologized for) if you think about it.
I get the sentiment of this article and comments but have to disagree. Boehner has proven himself to be staunch. If he strays from that, I will be the first to donate to his opponent.
BTW, in battle you give up far more ground by being wrong and popular than right and unpopular.
Again, if I'm missing something…
That's OK. The Mama Grizzlies in the GOP are making up for the lack of testicles.
Yep, a few home truths is what Boehner needs to hear.
The only Republicans with balls are Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann! WTF!
I'm sitting here fuming. I hate the dems for what they are doing to this country. But I blame the GOP. They had the helm and blew it! I am actually nervous if they ever get back in power. Who knows if they are smart enough to act grown-up.
Everywhere you turn, the dems and Obama are making permanent damage to our country. I tell you, I am having trouble looking for the light at the end of the tunnel.
Here is my take
A dollar figure was asked for by a person/persons holding public office.
US Law does not allow for this type of transaction.
No transcription of the meeting being released.
No depth of terms and conditions being released.
US Courts or Congress is used so there is transparency.
You may want to ask yourself what did BP get in return for $20 billion? None of us know do we. We only know that Obama got $20 billion for a Czar to pass out as he/Obama feels fit.
Our political system has always been about checks and balances. We have no transparency regarding this 4 hour meeting. So we have no idea what the deal is. No company hands over $20 billion without getting something. We will never really know what that something is. Maybe everything is legit this time, how about the next time this president or future presidents have a $20 Billion dollar deal with a private company. That is why private contractors by law work out in the open when dealing with government officials.
Actually, I could care less if you thumb the above post down and am sorry I bothered type that. Fück, why worry about rep points on a message board when people are putting much more on the line for the cause.
Sorry, it just sticks in my craw bigtime when we have real important battles to win and people get hung up on büllsh!t non-issues like this. If we conservatives (of all stripes) don't find common ground and tamp down after victory we're effin toast. Washington is a brutal place (and is as fickle as the American public mind). Both can take a ridiculous squabble like this and turn it into an MG 42 against our cause. Dammit, I'm pissed I have to post this as unfriendly eyes wait with baited and tofu-tainted breath.
I expect this kind of whiplash turncoat B.S. From repulsive sites like KOS, not from the Bigs. Principles people…
Sorry Andrew. This article does more damage than good and is not worth the pixels the Bigs afford it.
Send me to red.
Don't focus on the fund. It is a McGuffin. BP (and the administration) doubtless do not want to test the "each responsible party" language of the cleanup bill in court. To make matters worse, in May, the Huffington Post's Robert Menendez reported that Democratic Senators were introducing legislation to retroactively make "responsible parties" liable for $10 billion rather than $75 million. (And that amount would doubtless ratchett up each time a vote took place.) BP is no doubt willing to front $20 billion to forestall this effort.
Could that be considered a shakedown? Sure. But BP is a long-standing proponent of carbon-trading. If cap-and-tax passes, the money will be more than enough to fill the fund (so BP won't have to).
The only thing Barton MIGHT have needed to retract was sticking up for BP rather than specifying the millions of BP stockholders, pensioners, laborers, & workers who were not involved in the faulty design & construction or collaborating with the administration.
But Boehner should carry the RINO label from here on out for choosing to condemn Barton's remark in total rather than clarify. If he had said that Barton meant to condemn the violation (yet again) of rule of law government, rather than the fact the BP is paying money, he would have been fine but he didn't. Therefore…RINO.
JOE Barton, JOE Wilson, JOE the plumber…..JOE Americans, THANK YOU!! Keep the truth coming.
God help us.
John Boehner is RINO through and through. Ask a guy who ran in the Republican Primary in Ohio-18 in 2010 named Fred Dailey about it. Better yet, ask Fred's Campaign Manager about John Boehner.
Boehner should not be allowed to become Speaker. All running Republicans should take a vow to nominate and vote for Michelle Bachmann as Speaker.
What do you expect of John Boehner, he's the silk and lace panty wearing RINO. Lest we forget, he's the same nit-wit who missed a golden opportunity to state a fact. To Wit: When asked if Obama is a Socialist, he "waffled" and "stuttered" and gave some lame answer…his short answer should have been…Yep or something else as eloquent.
The Republican "leadership" better develop some serious brass B—s and put some iron in their spines, else they are going to be mistaken for the other party.
When I heard what happened to Rep Barton, I called his office and told them that I agreed with his [Barton's] comments. At least there's one Republican who got the balls to tell the truth.
Define "IRONY": In history, Tea Partiers dumped tea in the water to stand in defiance of Britain. 2 Centuries later, America gets paid back 1000 times over and the Tea Partiers stand in defense of Britain. My how the times have certainly changed.
Sorry Sam Adams but you had to have had a$$holes then too. Benedict Arnold ring any bells?
do you think that the British Parliament should get Barney Frank and Chris Dodd to come before them and explain how the UK Banks were broken by buying the worthless mortgage backed derivatives that Freddie and Fannie via Goldman Sachs scammed them with?
This is why Boehner (RINO) has to go …along with all Dims….
if this 20 Bil is a slush shakedown fund, as we know it is,
then Boehner owes Joe Barton an apology..
Paul Ryan can "bring it".. and will take no Dim prisoners…
The Stupid Party eats its own while the Evil Party licks its chops.
I just wanted to make sure I said thanks to Congressman Joe Barton for his courage in standing up to this regime and its big government policies.
Thanks Joe!
No, this congress for the most part does NOT support the Constitution, or 'rule of law and not of men.' This congress, for the most part, enthusiastically approves of the current President (and his minions) doing, under color of authority, the same things private citizens are tossed into penitentiaries for doing.
Regardless of what deal was struck behind closed doors, the legal obligation of BP — in accordance with laws enacted following the Alaska (Valdez) oil spill — was limited to $75 million. I wouldn't argue with the premise that Obama was bought by BP (and numerous other big contributors), but I would suggest that he seems to be one of those less "honorable" politicians who doesn't stay bought unless it suits his own purpose.
Yes, it is a shake-down. You're right, though, that BP is pushing Cap & Trade — which may explain their willingness to roll over and stand mute in the face of the finger-shaking and feigned outrage: They want cap & trade, and Obama and his thugocracy are the likliest means to that end.
I had an argument the other day with my 80-year-old mom. She said that Obama is still the president and must be shown some respect because of the office. No, I said. He has betrayed his (bumbled) oath of office and behaves as a dictator. To show him respect is to to disrespect what this country stands for. I'm sure there are many who have these views. I would like to give Obama some respect but cannot, in good conscience. So I told her the reason Obama is letting this leak go on without granting permits and such to those who would try to clean it up – as with the ship that was ordered to stop skimming because of some missing permits (by the Coast Guard) – is because you need a lot of lubricant to screw as many people as Obama is screwing.
Boehner-no balls, He has been too long on the tanning bed…….
How the hell does a Democrat congressman get away with assault of a sub-adult and Boehner does not have the stones to stand behind a honest statement. BP should of said they will fund escrow if the law suit is dropped until the disaster is under control. Obama is holding the Gulf hostage until he gets his Cap and Tax and drags his feet on this clean-up, and all the Repub's can do is politely disagree. As far as I am concerned, the Repubs are complicit. If someone is stealing and raping the american people, I expect our leaders to come to our defense.
What the Hell is wrong with the Republican leadership? Grow a damn pair, you gutless wussbags!
You're an idiot. Barton wasn't defending Britain or even BP. He was defending due process and the rule of law, two things liberals are incapable of understanding.
Both statements need to be viewed in proper perspective. BP is one of the global architects of cap-and-trade schemes, as well as the push for alternative energy [read: subsidies]. As such, it is one of the parents of our current misery. BP and the Prez are allies in their future vision. Wrecking BP would not only divest the Prez of an important ally, but probably shove the UK into a deflationary tailspin.
– It is NOT a shakedown in that putting money in a fund to be doled out by an "independent" arbitrator solves a number of legal problems (and is good PR). Judges will send plaintiffs to pursue the arbitration process first.
– There IS a shakedown going on (but not from the White House) because the environmental trial lawyers are foaming at the mouth to find out who a "responsible party" might be, and congress is considering raising the liability caps in the law.
– There is a REVERSE shakedown in that BP is taking advantage of its "too big to fail" status and its political alliance with the President's energy agenda.
The Republican leadership is in bad need of an injection of growth hormone for testicles or replaced with real leadership.
Hey, Goo, disgusting and perverse indeed! God helps those who help themselves, so we must be proactive. I don't follow basketball, but a Laker game was on the same evening of California's primary election, and I asked some people I know (basketball fans) if they would be voting, and they're response was something like, "hell no, that's boring, I'll be watching the game anyway." Then, staying on the subject of politics, I casually asked them whom they had voted for president…surprise, surprise, they had voted for Obama. We are surrounded by ignorant, uninformed individuals who, when they do vote, vote smooth-talking demagogues into office at all levels. Let us continue to fight the good fight, and may God help us.
This was a potential fire bomb and the GOP did good to distance themselves from it. While I support Barton's statement, the MSM and dems would have had a field day spinning this to mean that the GOP does not think BP should be held responsible and liable for the damage their well has caused. While right thinking people know this isn't true, that's going to be the perception and could very well have resulted in a sweeping dem victory in Nov, and we do not want that.
I sent Barton an attaboy for calling a spade a spade, and Boehner doesn't take emails from outside his district. I called his office, and that line was busy, so I dropped a note to the GOP to let them know it was time to start acting like representatives of the people, and not a bunch of pussies.
I also let the GOP know they would not be getting a penny from me, my dough will be going to people that can answer a direct question directly, without qualification.
*cheers* Well done!
No disagreements here.
Hey I know it's been around before but would you please post the phone number to the GOP here. Like you I tried to email or contact Barton AND Boehner's offices but hit the same wall. There is a trick many use…putting in the address of a congressman's district office to get to their email, but since HC they've been makin paper airplanes out of them so a call is much more effective.
If anyone knows the number of the congressional switchboard…..ditched all those numbers after HC….it actually gets you through better than phoning directly because your area code doesn't show up on their office phone so they take the call instead of sending it to voice mail.
Anyway, if anyone can post either phone number I'm sure we'll ALL know what to do with it. Too bad we can't find Krauthammer's number or email too. His article today didn't exactly help. I like the man but he's dead wrong on this one.
The noise we just heard from Boehner was the sound of the GOP shooting itself in the electoral foot….AGAIN!
More than anything THIS should make it abundantly clear REPUBLICANS don't GET IT. Barton did NOTHING but state the fact that the demand for BP to put up money was a Constitutional overstep and utter disregard for the most sacred of concepts in law….DUE PROCESS.
What is DUE now is a reckoning!
For every inch we help them gain they give back a mile. For every mole hill they turn into a mountain, that's one more distraction to allow Dems to quietly go about the business of laying WASTE to every Constitutional guarantee and protection we enjoy. Every misguided political move they make takes them farther and farther from the will and want of the voter.
As far as DC is concerned there ARE NO OUTSIDE ISSUES. None of these self absorbed NEROS perceive a world beyond their hallowed chamber doors. They are locked in a power struggle for sound bytes while the country, the economy, our Republic, AND CONFIDENCE IN GOV'T burns!
I don't know WHAT audience clowns like Boehner THINK they're playing to….but it ain't voters! Republicans are now officially on my radar and my crap detector is set on maximum range!.
Republican National Committee
310 First Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003
info@gop.com
p 202.863.8500 | f 202.863.8820
Capitol Switchboard at (202)224-3121
I would have so much more respect for Barton if he hadn't recanted. Boehner should have stood behind Barton's comment. There was no due process, it was extortion.
BC,
I love it here….spend much of my free time here but this "vast clueless mass of voters" out there…they AREN'T HERE. We aren't REACHING THEM. How can we hope to win their support if their only information about candidates, their only perception of the public mood is from horrendously expensive TV sound bytes, paid political announcements, and MSM?
What can we do to get the word out better and faster? It won't work if these clowns are waiting to be told about the candidates through these HORRIBLE sources. And if we lose, or even only win small in Nov….we're cooked. Talk about overstep…the Dems will perceive that as the green light to shred the Constitution, stack the Supreme Court, and well, destroy this country.
November will make or break any hope of a correction….voters hitting the "reset" button, as Carville puts it. We can't fund our candidates and whether they don't have it or they're using it as leverage, the GOP is dropping that ball HORRIBLY. Many of the good young candidates don't have two dimes to rub together as the GOP pours money into recycled REPUB HACKS who lost back in 2006!
We need ideas on how to reach people. I actually talked to someone last month who had never even heard of Glenn Beck….no clue at all, and had not heard of ONE THING congress has or hasn't done for nearly two years. As they put it…."we're too busy working and livin our lives to waste time on politics. Besides they're all crooks anyway!"
How the hell do we "transform" gov't if voters are not only clueless, but totally unwilling to engage?
Looks like the spam filter ate my info post, so let's try again.
Here is the address for the Republican National Committee:
310 First Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003
And the e- mail addy info@gop.com
and the GOP phone number: 202-863-8500 and the fax number 202-863-8820
The Capitol Switchboard number: 202-224-3121
Read more: http://www.gop.com/#ixzz0rDKPThGG
Then might I suggest we phone HIM and tell HIM to git hisass in gear and speak up for Barton? If Cantor wants to lead then LEAD! Boehner just made a U turn after MONTHS of grassroots support to push this stupid party one INCH down the road to a win.
Now we and the Repubs are back to square one with NOT EVEN A TEE SHIRT TO SAY WE WENT ANYWHERE!
The posts I put up have been eaten by moderation.
congress/org has the switchboard number
gop/com has the contact info at the bottom of the page
Dave,
I couldn't agree more. I don't trust the GOP either. For every million PACs gave dems….they gave repubs hundreds of thousands so either way both candidates are bought and paid for. Meanwhile inspired young and/or new candidates don't have two dimes to rub together to get THEIR message out and the GOP knows that.
Repubs are literally holding the November elections HOSTAGE financially, to make sure we have NO CHOICE BUT THEIR CHOICE.
If we revolt and force runoffs….and we may have to…it will have to be in the next round of primaries in August. I suggest we plow our efforts into THUMPING THE GOP in those primaries. HIT BACK. They got thumped last round and got the message.
Some folks are waiting to see if or who Palin endorses. She carries more clout these days than the GOP. Either way, if we REFUSE TO DO THE SHEEPLE DANCE in the primaries, maybe the GOP will shake lose campaign money for populist candidates. It's either that or submit.
As for long term damage….remember, whoever we vote in in November, all of the Dem losers will be "lame duck, nothin to lose" legislators. THAT'S WHEN OBAMA WILL STRIKE sending down any idiot bill he likes and THE LAME DUCKS WILL VOTE FOR IT. No matter what, we will continue to see stupid laws being passed.
What both parties have forgotten is when you give voters NO CHOICE they will do what they gotta do. This really isn't about politics…..a fact neither party seems able to grasp. This is about the Constitution and America. They play power games at their peril. Fuses are way to short for this crap.
The light at the end of the tunnel may end up lookin more like a little red dot if the GOP doesn't stop jerkin the voters around.
what a coward this guy is.first he makes a statement then backs off when they scream.this is our main problem no balls to stand up for what they think.another rino that has to go.
The thick headed GOP ain't hearin us. I said it above. WHAP their ass in the August primaries….force runoffs….we got NOTHIN LEFT TO LOSE. That they don't GET THAT is NOT MY PROBLEM!
At least the protesters in GREECE got officals' attention on BOTH SIDES. Time for contingency planning, SD.
Democrats understand Due Process and Rule of Law; they simply choose to reject both.
And please remember ……NEWT IS RUNNING!
REMEMBER 1994? The CONTRACT WITH AMERICA? How'd that one work out for us? LET THIS RINO GET A TOE IN THE DOOR AGAIN AND WE DESERVE WHAT WE GET!
OMG….
McGuffin!
I thought I was the only person on EARTH who used THAT TERM. PERFECT for this occasion. Perfect.
Totally off topic…..anyone know where I can find a copy of an old 70's/80's movie called "The Double McGuffin?"
I can answer part of that one, Sanmon,
BP will get an expedient and well nigh ABSOLUTELY INFLEXIBLE pooling of all claimants into a class action suit instead of thousands of individual suits. Think Erin Brokovich. And the TOTAL SETTLEMENT AMOUNT will be decided by a judge, not a jury, and portioned out to claimants by that judge based on HIS determination of the amount due each person or business.
And me thinks, Obama will make sure there is an "oil company friendly" judge doin it, too.
I've used the term "Cold Civil War" for years to characterize the conflict between those who love America and those who wish to destroy it. It is refreshing to see that phrase out there. It is accurate. Whether we like it or not, we are in a fight with self-loathing, America-hating Progressives who would rather see the United States converted into some kind of industrial serfdom along the model of China than return to economic health and vitality. But, if all we as lovers of our country do is sit and complain at their hatred rather than meeting it head on, we're all screwed and will soon be wearing red, trimmed with green of course. Wake up and realize you are huddled in the corner and being kicked. You are already in a fight whether you knew it or not.
I sent Joe Barton an email telling him he shouldn't have apologized and that Obama is shaking down BP like he is shaking down all of America.____I'll be calling Boehner tomorrow to tell him I'm ticked off and the GOP won't be receiving any more funding from me.____Obama is trying to be a dictator and the GOP is letting him.
Mytz,
No worries. That is our strength, frankly. Our ability to be of very different minds on small stuff but never doubt we're all one voice on the big issues. Two things make this issue worth talking about, neither of which is BP or oil.
1. The GOP needs to figure us out AND FAST. They aren't even tryin hard yet….and that will have SERIOUS consequences in Nov. If they FORCE candidates on us in the primaries that are NO DIFFERENT THAN THE CRAPWADS WE GOT NOW….WHAT'S THE POINT OF HOLDING AN ELECTION? THEY AREN'T ANY DIFFERENT THAN THE DEMS. SO WHY BOTHER. This issue just reinforced our belief that the GOP is no better choice. So for that, it's worth at least acknowledging.
2. We really can't DO anything till August primaries and Nov elections. So there's not much point in talking about them till we know who the candidates are gonna be.
Meantime if we can nudge the GOP toward OUR candidates, OUR issues……we CAN GAIN SOME FUNDING FOR NEW AND BETTER GUYS. And we' can out guys like Boehner, make sure he knows he just stepped over the line, and maybe give a bump to his opponents if they're smart enough to listen and use this as a talkin point to rid ourselves of a RINO too.
Don't worry, my friend…..we WILL get to business when primary and election days come. If you're talkin about the Gulf….well that's a WHOLE WEBSITE WORTH OF DISCUSSION….AND BRING A BUCKET TO THROW UP IN. KARMIC IN SCOPE. This is the "payback" moment for decades of putting our national head in the sand over the dangers of deep water drilling. Paybacks truly are hell, Mytz. Bad mojo.
And never be afraid to say what you think. My God if we can't be honest and frank, we're cooked anyway. Fire away! But we won't fail you when election day dawns. Cross my heart….:-)
Newt a RINO? Maybe not to the same degree as McCain has proven himself to be, but, despite his political acumen, after crawling in bed with Pelosi over climate change, Gingrich has proven to me that he is NOT to be trusted.
Yet the current repub leadership, a totally disgusting and spineless lot, will hand the 2012 presidential candidacy to a senior member of the GOP, as they did for McCain and for Robert Dole (look what those two choices have gotten us), rather than to someone that can, and WILL, take this country back for the people.
Please don't confuse thinking Obama can walk on water with wishing to see him try.author unkn.
WTH?
Why would they ax public information while screamin about free speech and a free press, exactly?
anybody?
Joe Barton is correct…it is a 'shakedown' of sorts.
Obama ' scar',oops, I mean 'czar'… Feinberg, is to be the 'independent' guy doling out the money to Gulf residents ? C'mon, we know better, don't we?!
It will be something, if ANY of that loot makes it to those who are really hurt by this BP mess. I believe that I saw a clip of Michigan's creepy Bart Stupak suggesting that some of the BP Loot be used for supporting Health Care.
Also, thank goodness for Rep. Michelle Bachmann. She has more stones than Boehner, in that…she pointed out that Rep. Barton was right to be concerned about the way the BP shakedown was handled, and who may REALLY benefit from the $20 mil.
Part Deux: And BTW…Rep. Barton may not have presented his case 'smoothly', and I'm not sure he should have 'apologized' to the 'twerpy and arrogant' Tony Hayward…….but, he certainly was correct in bringing up his 'concerns' about BP Loot confiscation by the likes of Obama and Biden , IMO.
This matter needs further investigation and exposure! I hope it happens on the Breitbart sites by the investigative journalists, here!
j911,
LOL….most excellent quote at the bottom!
As for Newt….not to pile on but look at what his last minute meddling did to NJ when he jumped in and endorsed Dede Scozzafabean and queered the Tea Party candidate's chance of winning! That was pure grandstanding for his own ego gratification at the expense of giving the Dem the election!
The man is a professional politician, a total hypocrit….trying to impeach Clinton for MONICA while having his own extra marital affair…….the list is endless. He's the male Pelosi
I can live with that, vaal! Not a problem. Pop theirass on the next flight!
Couldn't tell ya. My thinking is the e-mail link from the GOP site, along with a read more link kicked the filter in.
I have intense debate on my blog, and if you tighten up the settings, it will boot you to moderation almost instantly.
I wouldn't take it personally, because there really is no human hand in what gets sent to moderation.
They have a field day anyway, conservative….they make stuff up when they don't have enough grist. This was a Republican sell out and it needs to be called out for what it was….grandstanding dog at the expense of owning the moral and ethical high ground.
I'm glad Barton stood for SOMETHING and I'm glad Boehner revealed his nature…political animal not the least bit interested in the Constitution or law. It's called due process for a reason and without it, you HAVE NO LAW. You have only politics.
Fubard don't half cover that situation
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