On the subject of congresspersons for sale to the highest bidder, here's one more to add to the list--Rep. Melissa Bean (D-IL). From AP this morning:
"Moderate House Democrats are drafting a proposal that would continue to shield big banks from potentially tougher state regulations when it comes to selling products such as credit cards, mortgages and savings accounts.
The lawmakers say it's a practical approach to regulating large financial institutions that have customers in multiple states and to keeping costs low. But the proposal, spearheaded by Illinois Democratic Rep. Melissa Bean and subject of a hearing Wednesday, isn't sitting well with consumer advocates who say banks shouldn't be allowed to skirt state regulations if the restrictions don't suit them.
"That's the system we have now. That's the system that failed," said Ed Mierzwinski, consumer program director for U.S. Public Interest Research Groups.
...Bean's proposal is the latest effort by lawmakers to pare back - or at least put a finer point on - Obama's sweeping proposal to rewrite the rules governing financial institutions."
Why might Rep. Bean want to "pare back" regulations on financial institutions? Say it with me boys and girls, follow the money. A look at her list of campaign contributors tells the story:
Securities and Investment $545,750
Commercial Banks $208,122
Misc. Finance $179,729
Finance/Credit Card Companies $114,554
"Moderate House Democrats are drafting a proposal that would continue to shield big banks from potentially tougher state regulations when it comes to selling products such as credit cards, mortgages and savings accounts.
The lawmakers say it's a practical approach to regulating large financial institutions that have customers in multiple states and to keeping costs low. But the proposal, spearheaded by Illinois Democratic Rep. Melissa Bean and subject of a hearing Wednesday, isn't sitting well with consumer advocates who say banks shouldn't be allowed to skirt state regulations if the restrictions don't suit them.
"That's the system we have now. That's the system that failed," said Ed Mierzwinski, consumer program director for U.S. Public Interest Research Groups.
...Bean's proposal is the latest effort by lawmakers to pare back - or at least put a finer point on - Obama's sweeping proposal to rewrite the rules governing financial institutions."
Why might Rep. Bean want to "pare back" regulations on financial institutions? Say it with me boys and girls, follow the money. A look at her list of campaign contributors tells the story:
Securities and Investment $545,750
Commercial Banks $208,122
Misc. Finance $179,729
Finance/Credit Card Companies $114,554
BUT then you would lose good people....such as Teddy Kennedy. Who, yes, made mistakes in his personal life (who hasn't?) but managed to work for us. The little people. Those of us who don't have the money to line their pockets and buy them trips. There are some who manage to stay true to the people. Dick Lugar comes to mind. He's a Repub but I respect him.
Sometimes you have to accept the bad apples in the bunch.
BUT I think that the first time - the FIRST TIME - one of those lowlife suckers took one thin dime from any PAC or lobbyist and let that influence their vote, they should be kicked off their committees or reduced to the level of gofer. No influence. No chairmanship. Shun them until the next election and then vote their ass out.
Certainly don't let them be on the Finance committee and attempting to write a bill on HEALTHCARE.
WTF is wrong with THAT? Who was smoking dope the day they made that decision?
As for writing nice, polite letters to them? Fuck that. (And those of you who don't like my language...tough shit!). They had their chance for nice and polite letters from us.
It's ass-whuppin' time now.
BIG surprise! I am with you on that. I don't see any other solutions. That and campaign finance reform are the only things that will save our country. Oh, and control our borders. And protect OUR manufacuring, industry and jobs HERE.
And, now this is "progressive". I want a "Department of Homeland Celebrity". Celebrity is "bestowed" by the public so it cannot be regulated. BUT, if you do something really stupid or illegal, let's say, just for example, Rod Blagojevich. If you abusse your celebrity, then it is REVOKED. Permanently by the DHC. At that point nothing you say or do is newsworthy. Can't be broadcast or put on the internet or in the paper. Can't make a "movie of the week" of your life. NOTHING. Not even "The National Enquirer" can mention your name. UNLESS, YOU GIVE $5 MILLION to charity, save someones life, donate a kidney to a sick kid OR discover a cure for a disease. Then, the committee can restore your status by a 2/3 vote.
People on MY list...O.J., the Donald, Courtney Love, said former IL governor, I'm sure you guys can add to the list.
I know that we have discussed term limits for politicans on many occasions and some feel that the answer is simply to vote them out. However, I believe the time has come - NOW - to put term limits in place once and for all.
We have all of these idiots in Washington, taking PAC money, giving themselves hefty raises, wonderful health insurance and retirement packages that will keep them secure for life, and the rest of us are getting screwed in a most unpleasant way.
I will be most happy to vote against those that I am allowed to vote against, however, I want ALL of these doofus brained jerks out -- ALL OF THEM!
This lobbying money needs to stop flowing. They are bribes taken out in the sunlight in front of taxpayers' noses. But as long as the recipients are the ones who are voting on it's very existence, it will NEVER happen.
It's the same with Congress being able to determine its own salaries and benefits. I'm not sure that happens ANYWHERE else... where the employees get to tell their bosses what they will make.
We MUST find a way to stop this crap.
WE THE PEOPLE need a "plumbers" group (like CREEP) of our own.
Yet again screwed over by our elected officials.
Jesus. Another whore for the corporations. At what point did these morons forget that our government is supposed to be "of the people, by the people and for the people"? They've sold us all out.
I guess prostitution is LEGAL. If you're a member of Congress.