US Congress

Hat tip to Mark Binker:

“It’s hard to believe that just a decade ago Congress was debating what to do about the surplus. I opposed the irresponsible tax cuts of the last decade that created the deficit. Congress cut the taxes on the richest Americans by more than a third, and now working and middle-class families will suffer as a result.”

He's right, of course, but the truth doesn't get much mileage in today's political environment. Which is why I'm putting this on the front page, and why I'm going to be asking Progressives to put their money where their mouth is in the upcoming election. Brad has fought for us, and now it's our turn to fight for him.

Cross-posted from a Facing South article by Sue Sturgis.

Year that President Woodrow Wilson called for "open diplomacy" that "shall proceed always frankly and in the public view": 1918

Number of secret U.S. diplomatic cables the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks released beginning in November: more than 251,000

Number of classified U.S. war files from Iraq that the group leaked in October: 400,000

Renee Ellmers has pledged to oppose all earmarks.......but right after making that pledge she revealed that she didn't really know what an earmark was.

Renee Ellmers based her campaign on repealing health care reform.......but she says she will probably sign up for the federal health care plan that is offered to congressmen and women.

Renee Ellmers wants a smaller federal government.........but her district is home to Ft. Bragg and the local governments are being overwhelmed as a result of BRAC.

Although NC voters supported Democrats in 2006 and 2008, and the state went for a Democrat for President in 2008, the political map of North Carolina was painted bright red on Tuesday. The US Congress will be divided between the major political parties beginning in 2011, and so will the NC Congressional delegation.

Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) successfully defended his US Senate seat, and as expected, defeated two challengers with ease. The polls had been trending in his favor in the past week, and the Republican won with over 55% of the state’s votes yesterday.

I know Bob took some hits from the the Progressives here a while back and I'm his big defender here so I thought I'd let you know about a challenge he will be getting in 2010. Remember Bob has supported our President and health care reform despite getting raked over the coals from the right and the left. He is a highly ethical man, that is truly a public servant, character traits that seem hard to find these days.

It becomes more and more obvious that health care reform is needed. In just one short Google search on the NC 11th Congressional district the following information was found. It is appalling that the amount of uninsured in the district. In a quick search of Congressman Shuler’s official website (http://shuler.house.gov/ or http://shuler.house.gov/legislation-all.shtml) I found nothing related to the current debate on health care reform. Maybe you can find it. The handwringing and nay saying in Congress must stop. We elected these folks to pass progressive legislation. We lived with eight years of screw you politics and we see what that got us. Two wars and a huge debt.

In case you haven't heard, these are Congressfolk from NC who DON'T SUPPORT HEALTHCARE REFORM. If you are from these districts, please let them know that they must stand with Democrats on reform NOW, we will not have this chance again for another generation. What is the alternative? Do nothing and have the system collapse? Vote with Republicans and make things worse for more people?

...In the back.

I thought that Blue Dog Democrats were still Democrats, uh at least that they had enough sense to either support their leadership (who helped their sorry asses get elected) or keep their fracking mouths SHUT.

BUT NOOOOOOO! Not Heath, that crazy guy:

Shuler hits Democratic leaders on bipartisanship
By MIKE BAKER - Associated Press Writer
Published: Mon, Feb. 09, 2009

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Democratic Rep. Heath Shuler said Monday that his party's leadership on Capitol Hill has failed to pursue a bipartisan compromise to a costly economic stimulus package, arguing that a lack of Republican support is eroding the program's credibility.

NC Congressmen, Price, Watt and Miller all stood up today for the American people and the Fourth Amendment by voting against, FISA, the illegal wiring taping bill.

FISA, which passed the House on a 293 to 129 vote, has been called a “compromise” by supporters when in fact, it’s merely a capitulation to Republicans and Telecom Companies.

Just hours before the bill passed, George W. Bush praised the bill stating, “The enemy who attacked us on 9-11 will attack again is determined to strike this country again. It’s vita thatl our intelligence community has the ability to learn who the terrorists are talking to, what they are saying and what they are planning.” and what they are saying.”