Democrats Attempt To Slaughter The Constitution

From The Wall Street Journal:

We're not sure American schools teach civics any more, but once upon a time they taught that under the U.S. Constitution a bill had to pass both the House and Senate to become law. Until this week, that is, when Speaker Nancy Pelosi is moving to merely "deem" that the House has passed the Senate health-care bill and then send it to President Obama to sign anyway.

Blinded by an ambition that makes Genghis Khan seem restrained, the Democrats are pressing on with their attempt to shred the constitution by passing . . . I mean "deeming" to pass a bill that is opposed by the majority of Americans. And the tool of Pelosi's subterfuge is appropriately named "Slaughter."

The House Rules Committee, Louise Slaughter (D-New York), is being asked to add a "self-executing rule" into the Senate passed bill, which means that the Congress won't actually need to vote on the bill. They'll simply add their own high-dollar pork to the already bursting bill during what is referred to by Congress as "reconciliation corrections" but Americans who are aware will recognize as bullshit.

As the Journal points out, this will allow the Democrats in Congress to send the bill on to Obama for approval while still claiming that they opposed it -- a critical need for them since "knowingly" passing this monstrosity that is sure to make insurance companies immeasurably rich and unemployment lines simply immeasurable will be political suicide.

This two-votes-in-one gambit is a brazen affront to the plain language of the Constitution, which is intended to require democratic accountability. Article 1, Section 7 of the Constitution says that in order for a "Bill" to "become a Law," it "shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate." This is why the House and Senate typically have a conference committee to work out differences in what each body passes. While sometimes one house cedes entirely to another, the expectation is that its Members must re-vote on the exact language of the other body's bill.

True, this is not the first time "reconciliation" has been used, but in the past it has been reserved for expediting amendments, not a bill that would seize control of 1/6 of our country's entire economy.

Where are you Jeffersonian Democrats?

As Protests Mount, ObamaCare Sneaks With Reconciliation

The number may be debatable, but we know that at least 2,000+ people gathered in the frigid Minnesotan air last night to protest the Democrats latest shenanigans to get ObamaCare passed. And this was in Minnesota, where some people actually voted for Al Franken.

Now I will admit that, while I don't trust the left any farther than I could throw up their authoritarian policies, even I never thought they would attempt the rarely employed tactic of reconciliation to pass a bill that most Americans want to see burned on the alter of fiscal responsibility. It appears even the Khaki Elephant can misjudge the depths of their desire for power. The dominion and control offered by government managed Healthcare is simply too tempting for Democrats to hear the voice of the people.

The reconciliation process would require the House to accept the bill already shoved through by the former Senate Super Majority . . . a bill that contains millions in bribe money to be paid out to states like Lousianna and Nebraska for their Senator's support. (Democrat Bribe List I -- Democrat Bribe List II). The tactic will prevent the House and Senate from re-examining the current debacle to look at alternatives that for years have been offered by the GOP. The tactic will prevent the American people from voting these power-hungry politicians out of office before they do their damage. The tactic would "Europeanize" the health care system and introduce the chronic unemployment numbers ever present on that continent.

Say your prayers, America.

What Did Pelosi Know About Massa?

When Nancy Pelosi plays dumb it's rather difficult to determine just how much is "play." Let's just say that I don't think we'll find her listed in the Mensa directory. I'm sure that every Obot-free mind in America remembers her "stunned" response when she "learned" that 3 terrorists had been waterboarded . . . followed by her stuttering chatter when the rest of us "learned" that she already knew. And I suspect that every American bright enough to recognize a Michael Moore whopper (the kind he delivers in his "documentaries," not to his stomach) remembers her "shocked" discovery that there were massive CEO bonuses in the second bank bailout . . . despite the claim that she had actually read the bill.

Well, once again Nancy Pelosi was "surprised," this time after finding out that Congressman Eric Massa (D - New York) has been Barney Franking some congressional aides. When the story first broke the speaker told the world that she knew nothing about it. Oh, there "may" have been rumors, but there are always rumors on the hill. As Pelosi put it, "you know what, this is rumor city. There are rumors. I have a job to do." Apparently that job doesn't include protecting young, impressionable aides from lusty, powerful congressmen . . . so long as they're Democrats.

Now we are learning that these were more than rumors and that Nancy Pelosi's "surprise" was was again feigned:

It turns out that the San Francisco speaker's office got wind of the allegations in October. That's when Massa's chief of staff told Pelosi's office that the former congressman was living with his aides and behaving in ways that made them uncomfortable. But the speaker's office didn't do a thing about it.

And if my guess is right, Pelosi will handle her denial in the same way that she always has: deny, deny, deny until another story comes along to steal the headlines.

John Conyers Corruption To Continue?

It looks like one of America's longest serving swindlers is prepared to continue his incumbent corruption. According to The Detroit News, 80-year-old John Conyers is planning to run once again for congress. If elected, it would be his 23rd term to the U.S. House, a record second only to fellow Michiganian Democrat John Dingell -- both evidently hoping to be rewarded once again for delivering the nation's worst economy to their home state.

It would be easy to ignore Conyer's record today in light of his wife, former Detroit City Councilmember Monica Conyers, recently pleading guilty to bribery charges and now sitting in their sweet estate to await sentencing. But let's give John his due since his name makes frequent stops on various "Most Corrupt Politicians" lists.

One can sweep aside some of Conyer's minor misdeeds, like his ridiculous Kangaroo Court, his staff allegedly stealing turkeys from charity and contacting federal agencies to supplement his own financial interests. However, the indictment from The Hill concerning his pattern of consistent ethics violations on the Judiciary Committee reveals a Dickensian level of dirt that should make even loyal supporters cringe at the ballot box. According to the report, Conyers has been involved with . . .

• Demanding that his congressional aides work on local and state campaigns (for example, his wife's fail state Senate bid).
• Forcing aides to baby-sit, tutor, and chauffeur his children.
• Stiffing a catering company.
• Allowing a staff member to use his office to obtain a fake passport in order to flee to Ghana after being convicted of fraud, making false statements, and government theft.
• Conducting a private law practice out of his office.

Sadly, the pattern continues today as Conyers continues to rank #1 when it comes to questionable use of time and money.

And now Conyer's is having a go at the Haitians relief effort. Conyers, not please with having the administrator of USAID, Rajiv Singh, in charge of the helping the Haitians wrote a letter to Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, demanding that the Singh be demoted because the group of 12 that he brought to Washington to describe the heroic efforts in Haiti did not contain an African American. I'm not kidding. Conyers wrote:

“I was alarmed and chagrined to learn that none of the approximately dozen staff he brought with him were African American. This is so serious an error in judgment that it warrants his immediate demotion to a subordinate position at AID.”

So this is the 80-year-old "leader" looking for re-election: a corrupt lifelong politician who continues to define worth by the color of one's skin rather than the content of their character. I certainly hope his constituents finally see behind the curtain and pull the lever in a different direction.

Bribing Democrats To Support ObamaCare

If ObamaCare is so wonderful, why are Obama, Reid and Pelosi trying to bribe their own party to shove this thing through?

Of course, not even every Democrat can stomach this prostitution of our future. Rep. Bart Stupak (D., Mich.) recently told the National Review Online that Obama and Pelosi won't buy him off. As reported by NRO:

Stupak tells us that he’s disappointed that Democratic leaders have offered him legislative favors in exchange for supporting Obamacare. “This shouldn’t be a bill where you use hush money,” says Stupak. “This isn’t an appropriations bill where you try to get the best projects for your state.”“In the House, we need to bring equity back into the process,” says Stupak. “We need to cut out those sweetheart deals.” If the deals in question are not removed, Stupak will vote against the bill. In the meantime, he says, “my reservations are growing.”

Other things that are growing due to Chicago-style politics in the White House: our national debt, our national insecurity and bile in the stomachs of every American who is actually paying attention.

What's In That Health Care Reform Bill?

Not sure what's in the House Health Care Reform Bill? Well, you're in pretty good company: namely the majority of house members who are actually going to vote on the thing. It's a little like watching my kitchen-challenged brother compete on the Iron Chef.

But if want to treat this bill like you did Tristram Shandy in your college days (which is to say, reading a Cliffs Notes version while you drink cheap beer that you bought at the party store by writing a check for $1.27) then you should check out the summary Ric put together over at Freadom Nation. You can find the whole post here: The final healthcare bill looks SCAAARY

Pelosi Lied And Terrorists Weren't Dry

The Speaker of the House barely flinches when she accuses the CIA, an organization with the primary purpose of protecting Americans, of being a bunch of lying liars. Of course, given all the injections I'm not entirely sure that Nancy Pelosi is physically capable of flinching.

Pelosi's accuasations have put CIA Director Leon Panetta in a bit of a quandary. On the one hand, he was appointed by Obama to the position, despite having intelligence experience on par with the President's executive leadership experience, to make sure there was a democratic lap dog ruining . . . er, running the agency. On the other hand, word is that CIA officials don't trust Panetta so he needs to step up and defend them or lose control. Pannetta's response: a midling letter to his underlings that tries to turn down the conversation to avoid embarrassing certain dishonest congressional folk while at the same time subtly pointing out that, well, Pelosi is lying.

"There is a long tradition in Washington of making political hay out of our business. It predates my service with this great institution, and it will be around long after I'm gone. But the political debates about interrogation reached a new decibel level yesterday when the CIA was accused of misleading Congress . . .

My advice -- indeed, my direction -- to you is straightforward: ignore the noise and stay focused on your mission. We have too much work to do to be distracted from our job of protecting this country. We are an agency of high integrity, professionalism, and dedication. Our task is to tell it like it is-even if that's not what people always want to hear. Keep it up. Our national security depends on it . . ."

Penetta explained, "our contemporaneous records from September 2002 indicate that CIA officers briefed truthfully on the interrogation of Abu Zubaydah, describing 'the enhanced techniques that had been employed.' Ultimately, it is up to Congress to evaluate all the evidence and reach its own conclusions about what happened."

All that's left is the release of those "contemporaneous records." And since the President already violated national security by releasing the initial documents, there should be no argument concerning the release of these supplemental memos. Let's find out who knew what and sort out the liars from those who've had the courage to stand by what they believe was right.

Constitution? We Don't Need No Stinking Constitution

There are some traditions that presidents usually keep when they enter the White House. For example, there's the annual Easter egg roll, throwing out the first pitch at a ball game, and taking the advise of the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel when it comes to Constitutional matters. I guess for the current administration, 2 out of 3 ain't bad. I just wish they'd have clung to that whole Constitution thing.

You see, in times past administrations approached the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) through the Attorney General to get advice concerning Constitutional issues. It makes perfect sense since the Just Department's primary role is to safeguard the Constitution. But nobody is ever going to accuse this administration of perfect sense.

Which brings us to this:

The Washington Post reports this morning that Holder has overruled OLC's objective, well-reasoned, constitutionally rooted opinion that the controversial D.C. voting-rights bill pending in Congress is unconstitutional. OLC's conclusion, if accepted by the attorney general, as is customary, would likely have doomed passage of the measure

But Obama's crony couldn't accept the OLC's conclusion because it just doesn't matter to the current leadership in the Democratic party. It's not about constitutional vs. unconstitutional, right vs. wrong, or even tastes great vs. less filling. It's all about their insatiable lust for power. Getting Washington D.C. representative votes would guarantee additional Democrats in the congress. Constitution? They don't need no stinking Constitution!

AIG Mystery Solved

The Chosen One promised us change and a government of transparency and accountability . . . which apparently doesn't mean honesty, integrity and the ability to count.

Blowing The Nation's Wealth

I'm not one generally given to quoting comics . . . with the exception of that zany Marmaduke . . . but I couldn't pass on this gem of a question posed in Chris Muir's Day By Day to a pair of Secret Service agents:

Chew on that for a sec. This administration and their soul mates who now hold absolute control in the congress have blown "over a quarter of the nation's wealth in 40 days flat." Obama, Pelosi, Reid and the rest make Jeffrey Dahmer seem sane. At least Dahmer didn't devour future generations.

Congressman Joe Knollenberg Says Goodbye

For 16 years he served the state of Michigan with honor and honesty. Today Congressman Joe Knollenberg said goodbye to a gathering of supporters as he prepares for life after Washington.

Joe's voice of reason will be missed in the D.C. halls where his work for Michigan and the rest of the country have always been a welcome respite from typical Congressional cop outs.

Thanks for everything, Joe.

May the best in life come to you.

And as my farewell gift to you, please accept this majestic image of Kimba the White Lion leading his faithful followers as you led the way for us all those years (and we can just ignore the creepy fact that Kimba used to sleep on his dead father's skin . . . a detail that always gave me the willies, even as a kid).

Bailouts: Why The Auto Industry Is Different

Sure, I'm hesitant to bite the hand that feeds me . . . and feeds my kids . . . and also pays for my Dr. Pepper habit, occasional cigars and Internet access, but there are legitimate reasons why even a fiscal "keep the government out of our business" conservative like me supports the idea of a government loan to the auto industry.

I was against the banking bailout since it did little more than feed a habitual harlot and her corrupt congressional pimps. And I'm also against an open door bailout policy where billionaire panhandlers show up in Washington looking for a tax-burdening handouts.

But the auto industry is different.

First of all, we are talking about millions of jobs. The latest estimates are between 1 - 5 million could be lost, depending on what happens to automotive suppliers who depend on the Big 3 for their livelihood (including hundreds of small businesses). When both sides of the aisle are talking about stimulus packages in hopes to produce a million or so new jobs, it would be self-destructive luncacy to allow the failure of job sustaining machines that already exist.

Secondly, though the Big Three have made their share of mistakes, much of their failure was outside of their control . . . and most of the blame can be laid at our government's feet. For example, government imposed CAFE standards consistently mandate fuel standards without regard to current technologies, forcing the Big 3 to invest and retool when there is no money to do so. In addition, unfair trade practices allow import vehicles to saturate the American market without reciprocal open policies for shipping U.S. cars to their countries. And the icing: labor costs are much higher for the Big 3 than most of their competitors. It's tough to compete when your own side ties your feet together.

Third -- I'm on point three, right? OK, thirdly, the congress has refused to "drill, baby, drill" which has put the American auto industry in the hands of foreign oil producers and their distribution whims. Yes, we all agree that alternative fuel sources are needed, but we're not there yet and we won't be for a few years. Without a solid energy policy the American auto industry and its future (regardless of fuel source) is in the hands of foreign oil-producing governments, many of whom would love to see America in economic chaos.

Fourth . . .ly, the automotive industry has long been a cog in our national defense. In times of war the auto plants have shifted production to develop military transportation and technology as needed. Jeep and Hummer have had your back.

Five golden rings.

Finally (and number 6), if we are to find alternative fuels in the near future we will need the technologies of a strong automotive industry to do so. The auto industry is a launching pad for innovation and a proving ground for ideas.

I agree that any loan from the government needs to come with a plan from the manufacturers; a plan that proves the money will not just be a short-term bandage for a gaping wound. But in light of the importance of this industry to our country's future, a plan deserves support.

The Khaki Elephant Endorses A Friend: Joe Knollenberg

I've written about him before but with the race tight and the stakes high, I'm writing again to ask those of you in Michigan's 9th Congressional District to vote for my friend, Joe Knollenberg. And he's not just my friend, but a friend to everybody who calls Michigan home.

The current congress is running about as smoothly as the old Pontiac Catalina that carried me during my college days. With a coat hanger in the turn signal, a rear bumper held together by Molly Hatchett bumper stickers and doors you had to hurdle like Bo and Luke Duke, my old hoopty was a rolling disaster. But that's not to say that nothing on her worked. There was . . . um . . . well . . . let's see . . . the lights, yes, the lights worked. And WOW, did they shine brightly!

Looking at the current do-nothing congress it is tempting to simply vote for change and throw out every incumbent that we can grab by the haunches. But just because the group is a sordid slough, that doesn't mean there aren't some bright lights shining through the morass. Joe Knollenberg is one of those bright lights (and I'll bet you never thought you'd read that about anyone this side of Sarah Palin on The Khaki Elephant).

Michigan's economy is stumbling under a Governor who has taxed corporations to southern flight, but that hasn't stopped Joe from working through the Federal Government to secure assistance for our struggling state. The Congressman has fought to bring nearly $39 million in grants to Michigan industries. These grants are currently helping to fund research and development for alternative fuel vehicles in the birthplace of the American auto industry. Joe has also formed Big3Defense.com, a grassroots effort to help defend auto industry jobs.

But Michigan industry and it's workforce aren't the only benefactors of Joe's congressional clout. He's also brought millions of dollars for health care research and treatment to places like Detroit's Karmanos Cancer Institute and my Alma Mater, The University of Michigan, for their "cutting edge ways to replace kidney function," (research that recently helped a friend).

And all of this is but a sprinkling of what Joe has done for us. He has also secured over $11 million for Oakland County schools and universities, he brought tax dollars back to us (the largest "donor county" in Michigan) to improve our roads, and while I have not seen him walk on water, Joe did bring home $60 million to clean up that nasty River Rouge.

Joe Knollenberg is my friend. And I hope you've seen that if you live in Michigan's 9th Congressional District he's your friend too. So do what friends do -- give Joe some love. On November 4th, give him your vote.

For more information, visit: http://www.knollenberg.house.gov/

The Vice President Is Always The President Of The Senate

During the the Veep debate, Joe Biden (who has been in the Senate for a hundred years or so) claimed that the relationship between the Vice President and the Senate is describe in Article I of the Constitution, and since that Article is about the Executive branch of government it proves that the Veep is not really a part of the Legislative branch. Of course, the major problem with Joe's observation is that Article I is actually about the Legislative branch, destroying the premise of his argument. It seems Republicans have "Joe the Plumber" and Democrats have "Joe the Dumber."

Biden went on to claim that the Vice President's role is to preside over the Senate (yes, that same body where ole Joe has been for a hundred years or so) but "only in a time when in fact there's a tie vote. The Constitution is explicit." Yes, Joe, the Constitution is explicit, but perhaps you should give it another read . . . or even a first read. The constitution actually says that the Veep is ALWAYS the President of the Senate, but only votes in the case of a tie.

The question is, What does it mean that the Vice President is the "President of the Senate"? Ah, there is the area of dispute. You see, the Constitution never fully defines it . . . though is does provide a definition of the term "President" (that would be found in Article II, Joe).

But while "scholars" may dispute what the term "President" means in Article I, it is clear that breaking a tie vote is not the only role the Vice President has played in the Senate. The Vice President can address the Senate with the Senate's permission, and the Veep can function to interpret senate rules, and his (or her) interpretation can only be overruled by a majority vote of the senate. For Democrats with a lust for history who may be reading this, head to the local library and check out the active role that Thomas Jefferson took as a Vice President.

So then why is the left incensed about Sarah Palin response when an 3rd grader asked what the Vice President does? Part of Palin's response (the part that sparked the latest wave of Palinphobia from folk like Matt Demon . . . I mean, Damon) was,

“But also, they're [the VP] in charge of the United States Senate, so if they want to they can really get in there with the senators and make a lot of good policy changes that will make life better for Brandon and his family and his classroom."

The fact is, through their titled role as "President of the Senate" and ability to interpret Senate rules, they are "in charge" of the Senate (as much as anybody else can be said to be in charge of that nest of vipers). And through their ability to cast tie breaking votes and address the senate, they can "really get in there with the senators and make a lot of good policy changes."

But left-wing constitutional scholars like, say, Mitch Albom, continue to spend time when they're not writing bogus stories about events that they never actually attended bashing Sarah Palin for her comments?

Why? Why? Why?

I'd suggest two primary reasons:

1) Given their take on the first and 2nd Amendments, we can safely say that liberals are not real big fans of the constitution in the first place.

B) Palinphobia (as Newsmax calls it). They are scared to death of the woman who left-leaning feminist, Camille Paglia, described as "an explosion of a brand new style of muscular American feminism."

Video Proof: Democrats Covered Up Fannie & Freddie

The "media" is treating the truth about the Fannie and Freddie debacle the way I treated my parents when they showed up at McDonald's after homecoming. But ignoring the truth doesn't mean it won't get out there.

Here is another MUST WATCH, a video record of congressional denial:



Spread the truth!

And another H/T to Z for his great work in tracking this corruption on geeeeeZ! (and for linking to Social Sense for the above video gem!)


UPDATE: "I am the only member of the congressional gay spouse caucus. On Capitol Hill, Barney [Frank] always introduces me as his lover." Herb Moses wrote in the Washington Post in 1991. Oh, did I mention that Herb Moses was Fannie Mae's assistant director for product initiatives. Can Frank enunciate "Conflict of interest"?

John McCain's Integrity . . . Or Just A Political Gamble

It's the economy, stupid.

The sentiment was echoed yesterday by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev) when he said, “We need the Republican nominee for president to let us know where he stands on what we should do . . . . We all understand the seriousness of the financial crisis . . . We have a Republican proposal they've given us. And we now need some Republican votes to help us with this.”

But the echo died today and Reid had a different take when John McCain called his bluff and planned to suspend the Republican presidential campaign so he could return to Washington to help push a plan through the clubfoot congress (with apologies to any clubfoot readers). Apparently Reid no longer needs McCain, now saying that McCain's presence would "distract important talks about the future of our nation's economy."

Needless to say, Obama will not suspend the most aggressive campaign since Hitler lined up his boys for a visit to Austria and Poland.

Was McCain showing political integrity as a presidential candidate in planning a Washington trip to provide leadership and a potentially critical vote before the Congress leaves the hill on Friday for a season of book signings and beachfront tax evasion? Or was this just a political gamble pulled by a candidate who has lost ground on the economic issue?

The bottom line is that the economy is the issue on most American minds. The Congress has been about as ineffective as a congress could be. If McCain's presence, or even the threat of McCain's presence, can get the do-nothing congress to negotiate a palatable solution to this economic crisis then McCain made the right call. If nothing else, his move will keep at least some of the focus on Congress, which may even embarrass them into accomplishing something before they head out of town. And if Wall Street rebounds, McCain wins this round.

Hey, Congress . . . What About Detroit?

While Wall Street mortgage companies benefit from bipartisan bailout votes, the "Big 3" automotive manufacturers continue to spin their wheels in the mud of costly FMVSS regulations, adjusted fuel standards and low-cost Asian manufacturing. But assistance in the form of low interest loans for these critical American Companies is slower than grandma after the St. Perpetua Incontinenta all night Bingo jamboree.

Wanna help?
Contact Michigan Congressman Joe Knollenberg to find out what you can do in your district to help these American iron icons.
or
Visit Big 3 Defense


Cartoon by Mike Thompson

CARTER Could Hurt The Carter Center

Congressman Joe Knollenberg, a Republican from Michigan, is pushing legislation to block federal funding of the Carter Center due to Jimmy Carter's manic meetings with top Hamas leaders. This bill, the Coordinated American Response to Extreme Radicals (get it, "CARTER" lordy, U.S. Representatives are clever), would stop the flow of cash from tax payer's pockets to Carter's projects.

According to Joe, the Carter Center has received $19 million in federal funding since 2001 and he believes that, in light of recent events, that is no longer acceptable:

"America must speak with one voice against our terrorist enemies. It sends a fundamentally troubling message when an American dignitary is engaged in dialogue with terrorists. My legislation will make sure that taxpayer dollars are not used to support discussions or negotiations with terrorist groups."

This is a tough call because the Carter Center also does a lot of good for those in need. That said, there is no shortage of charitable organizations in this country that could use that money to help others without their leader bucking U.S. policy and playing smoochy face with terrorist organizations.

Stayed tuned. And take a few minutes to write your representative to see where they stand on Joe Knollenberg's bill and Jimmy Carter's personal State Department.