It's Not About The Money . . . Actually, It Always Is
Posted: Sunday, November 22, 2009
by Michael Ramzy
delusionthread.com
Another beautiful day in America and here in Austin the fog is so thick it reminds me of what
the view from the Capitol in Washington must look like for politicians: they know the people are out there, somewhere, but they aren't really defined. And since they aren't defined, they might as well remain annonymous and inconsequential.
So. Healthcare has passed it's first hurdle in Washington, in which the powers that shouldn't be decided to debate this important legislation. That's good. Sure, the Republicans wanted to block, and the Democrats are all over themselves, but at least there will be a debate. Perhaps some of them will actually read the bill.
The big news, though, is how Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana held out for $100 million for her state in order to go along with the rest of her party. She claimed she was holding out in order to read the bill, yet in the end it turns out her state is to receive the above-mentioned money when (not if) this bill gets passed and signed by Mr. Obama.
Sounds odd, no? Actually, sounds like business as usual in Washington. But wait, there's more.
I know, there's always more.
Senator Landrieu is also hosting a fundraiser in New Orleans. That is a good idea, if you think about it, since New Orleans is still, after all of these years, reeling from Katrina. The city is broke, almost as devastated as Detroit (remember Detroit?), so it is a good thing for her to do something to help.
But the fundraiser isn't for the city of New Orleans. It isn't for Louisiana, either. This $4800-a-plate fundraiser (plus $1000 per guest) is for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada. Seems Mr. Reid is in danger of losing his seat and Senator Landrieu is there to help.
Of course, this fundraiser was set up a long time ago, we are told. And we are also told there is no quid-pro-quo here. If that is the case, why is the fundraiser held in New Orleans? Why there, and why now? That's like holding a fundraiser at Ft. Hood for Greenpeace. Wrong place, wrong time, wrong message.
It's not about the money, we are told.
Sure it is. When speaking of Washington politicians who should know better, it is always about the money.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)Spot on Michael! Economics is our religion, and our bank accounts are our god!Thanks, sir. I appreciate it very much. I would also offer Spending Money as another religion of the day.
Thank you ....from this Louisiana girl :) Good to read a great article with the truth. Please don't think that Louisianan's do not have our eyes wide open. We are invading her offices during the break and blasting her with faxes, email and calls.I know you all have your eyes wide open, especially after Katrina and the 'help' you've been promised. I heard the bribe (which is actually what it is) is at least $100 million - could be as high as $300 million. That is not the right way to serve the people of Louisiana. I would understand it if the money was going to something useful, but I can already see the waste and corruption. Thanks for chiming in.
Another outstanding commentary about current events. Your first paragraph was the best analogy I've ever read about some politicians and their constituents--you ought to use that as some quotable quote somewhere.Thanks, Steve, you're very kind. I appreciate it very much.
Well, you did it now.... with this article I am just going to have to join your fan club! Amazing and I wonder if they are handing out "barf bags" like the airlines do? Marijo (Mary Jo)Thanks very much, Marijo. I have suddenly been getting a lot of people joining, and I don't know why. I truly appreciate it, though. And as for those barf bags, I think they are going to start supplying them at the voting booths next year. Thanks again!They are joining for the same reason I joined some time ago... you do such great commentary and this is no exception.Your pieces are always among the most balanced I've read here on SearchWarp and I appreciate your voice very much.Keep up the good work Michael.Thanks very much, Edward. I truly appreciate your words.
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