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Padding the Bill
Author: BobR
Date: 09/22/2010 12:12:47
The Senate vote yesterday on the Defense Authorization Bill showed America where Republican Senators' priorities are. They think keeping gays out of the military is more important than ensuring our military continues to even function. Their rationale smacks of hypocrisy, as recent history has shown. "Do as we say - not as we do" seems to be their mantra.
Their beef with the bill? It includes amendments for de-authorizing DADT, and includes the DREAM act, which helps provide a path to citizenship for the most vulnerable among us: children. According to Lyndsey Graham:
At lease he acknowledges that the Republicans have done the same thing. McCain denies even that:
No? - perhaps McCain needs a reminder:
Back in 2005 when the Republicans were solidly in control of Congress, the Republicans added an amendment to shield vaccine makers from lawsuits. What did that have to do with the military? In 2009, John Thune (R-SD) got an amendment added to allow people with concealed carry permits to carry across state lines. Again - completely non-military related.
What's interesting is the politics behind amendments that ARE related. In 2005, the lobbying group U.S. Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to the House, requesting that amendments that supported private contractors be added, and amendments that made it more difficult for private contractors to get jobs be removed. That same year, McCain tried to add an amendment to prevent torture, and the White House (Bush) threatened to veto the entire bill. Even this year, the Republicans tried to add authorization for a jet engine the Pentagon has stated they neither want nor need. Democrats get blamed for pork, but this is pork, plain and simple. Republicans have also played politics with the defense bill, like in 2005 when they pulled the bill to avoid embarrassing then president Bush.
In 2007, the Defense Authorization Bill had over 300 amendments in the queue, threatening to drag it down simply by weight of the required procedure to consider them. In 2008, they just said "fuck it", and passed the bill while ignoring 101 potential amendments, which meant some good ones got tossed with the bad.
The problem with the process (for ANY bill) is that tons of amendments get tacked on that are completely unrelated to the original bill. That happened with the DREAM act this time (DADT is absolutely related to Defense), and has happened in the past with both Republicans and Democrats in charge. That it happens with any bill is aggravating; that it happens with such important bills as these should be prohibited.
For Republicans to claim outrage, however, is disingenuous at best and flagrantly hypocritical at worst. Pot - thy name is "kettle".
Their beef with the bill? It includes amendments for de-authorizing DADT, and includes the DREAM act, which helps provide a path to citizenship for the most vulnerable among us: children. According to Lyndsey Graham:
"The 'DREAM' Act is a hot topic in the immigration world but not hot among our troops. I've been to Afghanistan and Iraq numerous times and I haven't had one soldier ask me about the DREAM Act. Are they going to get paid more? Do they have the tools to win the war? I think this is politics at its worst. I stand here saying our party has probably abused rules in the past but not like this."
At lease he acknowledges that the Republicans have done the same thing. McCain denies even that:
Prior to Graham, McCain had insisted that in year's past, Republicans "didn't allow" extraneous items to be tacked on to such bills.
No? - perhaps McCain needs a reminder:
Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich) noted ... McCain himself "offered a non-relevant amendment to the defense authorization bill," Levin added, proposing "to acquire campaign finance disclosure by the so-called 527 organizations as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization."
Back in 2005 when the Republicans were solidly in control of Congress, the Republicans added an amendment to shield vaccine makers from lawsuits. What did that have to do with the military? In 2009, John Thune (R-SD) got an amendment added to allow people with concealed carry permits to carry across state lines. Again - completely non-military related.
What's interesting is the politics behind amendments that ARE related. In 2005, the lobbying group U.S. Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to the House, requesting that amendments that supported private contractors be added, and amendments that made it more difficult for private contractors to get jobs be removed. That same year, McCain tried to add an amendment to prevent torture, and the White House (Bush) threatened to veto the entire bill. Even this year, the Republicans tried to add authorization for a jet engine the Pentagon has stated they neither want nor need. Democrats get blamed for pork, but this is pork, plain and simple. Republicans have also played politics with the defense bill, like in 2005 when they pulled the bill to avoid embarrassing then president Bush.
In 2007, the Defense Authorization Bill had over 300 amendments in the queue, threatening to drag it down simply by weight of the required procedure to consider them. In 2008, they just said "fuck it", and passed the bill while ignoring 101 potential amendments, which meant some good ones got tossed with the bad.
The problem with the process (for ANY bill) is that tons of amendments get tacked on that are completely unrelated to the original bill. That happened with the DREAM act this time (DADT is absolutely related to Defense), and has happened in the past with both Republicans and Democrats in charge. That it happens with any bill is aggravating; that it happens with such important bills as these should be prohibited.
For Republicans to claim outrage, however, is disingenuous at best and flagrantly hypocritical at worst. Pot - thy name is "kettle".
Comments:
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Comment by 
wickedpam on 09/22/2010 12:55:33
wickedpam on 09/22/2010 12:55:33
Morning 
Comment by 
TriSec on 09/22/2010 13:09:35
TriSec on 09/22/2010 13:09:35
What's the process on this now? Can Harry Reid call another vote on the unaltered bill today? And again tomorrow? And each and every day until the election?
But, that would suppose the impossibility of Mr. Reid growing a pair.
I think it's time to check out Ms. Gaga's music; her politics suit me just fine.
But, that would suppose the impossibility of Mr. Reid growing a pair.
I think it's time to check out Ms. Gaga's music; her politics suit me just fine.
Comment by TriSec on 09/22/2010 13:22:10
TriSec on 09/22/2010 13:22:10
Complete dirtbags.
Reminds me of when Catholic Charities stopped all adoptions in this Commonwealth when state law was changed to prevent banning same-sex couples from adopting.
Reminds me of when Catholic Charities stopped all adoptions in this Commonwealth when state law was changed to prevent banning same-sex couples from adopting.
Comment by 
velveeta jones on 09/22/2010 13:42:28
velveeta jones on 09/22/2010 13:42:28
Don't forget those putrid dems (little d.... grrrrr) that vote with the rethugs! 
Comment by velveeta jones on 09/22/2010 13:44:53
OMFG!! I am laughing my ASS off imagining TriSec dancing around to "Bad Romance".
velveeta jones on 09/22/2010 13:44:53
Quote by TriSec:
What's the process on this now? Can Harry Reid call another vote on the unaltered bill today? And again tomorrow? And each and every day until the election?
But, that would suppose the impossibility of Mr. Reid growing a pair.
I think it's time to check out Ms. Gaga's music; her politics suit me just fine.
OMFG!! I am laughing my ASS off imagining TriSec dancing around to "Bad Romance".
Comment by 
Raine on 09/22/2010 14:00:25
good morning.
Excellent blog, today BobR.
Raine on 09/22/2010 14:00:25
good morning. Excellent blog, today BobR.
Comment by Raine on 09/22/2010 14:01:41
Raine on 09/22/2010 14:01:41
In the meantime the GOP/Fox meme is all taxes all the time.
Comment by 
BobR on 09/22/2010 14:12:50
wow - seems like we need an incremental change to the law...
BobR on 09/22/2010 14:12:50
Quote by TriSec:
Complete dirtbags.
Reminds me of when Catholic Charities stopped all adoptions in this Commonwealth when state law was changed to prevent banning same-sex couples from adopting.
wow - seems like we need an incremental change to the law...
Comment by Raine on 09/22/2010 14:29:08
Raine on 09/22/2010 14:29:08
There was a lot of other really good stuff in the Defense bill.
Revamping US Military and Foreign Policy
• No permanent military bases in Afghanistan.
• Report on long-term costs of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
• National Military Strategic Plan to Counter Iran.
Anti-Corruption
• Standards and certification for private security contractors.
• Inclusion of bribery in disclosure requirements of the Federal awardee performance and integrity information system.
Environmental Progress
• Report identifying hybrid or electric propulsion systems and other fuel-saving technologies for incorporation into tactical motor vehicles.
Service Member Welfare
• Information sharing relating to investigation of exposure to drinking water contamination at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
• Adoption of military working dogs by family members of deceased or seriously wounded members of the Armed Forces who were handlers of the dogs.
• Recognition of role of female members of the Armed Forces and Department of Defense review of military occupational specialties available to female members.
• Protection of child custody arrangements for parents who are members of the Armed Forces deployed in support of a contingency operation.
• Improvements to Department of Defense domestic violence programs.
• Department of Defense recognition of spouses of members of the Armed Forces.
• Department of Defense recognition of children of members of the Armed Forces.
• Enhancements to the Troops-to-Teachers Program.
• Fiscal year 2011 increase in military basic pay.
• Improving aural protection for members of the Armed Forces.
• Comprehensive policy on neurocognitive assessment by the military health care system.
• Report on feasibility of study on breast cancer among female members of the Armed Forces.
• Pilot program on payment for treatment of members of the Armed Forces and veterans for traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Assessment of post-traumatic stress disorder by military occupation.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder counseling for civilian victims of the Fort Hood shooting and other similar incidents.
Disaster Response
• Authority to make excess nonlethal supplies available for domestic emergency assistance.
Comment by TriSec on 09/22/2010 14:31:52
Hey now, at one point in time I knew all the moves for all the songs performed in "Purple Rain". (Let's Go Crazy, Computer Blue, and The Bird in particular.)
TriSec on 09/22/2010 14:31:52
Quote by velveeta jones:
OMFG!! I am laughing my ASS off imagining TriSec dancing around to "Bad Romance".
Hey now, at one point in time I knew all the moves for all the songs performed in "Purple Rain". (Let's Go Crazy, Computer Blue, and The Bird in particular.)
Comment by Raine on 09/22/2010 14:37:56
Here is some more dirtbaggery.
Raine on 09/22/2010 14:37:56
Quote by BobR:Quote by TriSec:
Complete dirtbags.
Reminds me of when Catholic Charities stopped all adoptions in this Commonwealth when state law was changed to prevent banning same-sex couples from adopting.
wow - seems like we need an incremental change to the law...
Here is some more dirtbaggery.
Comment by wickedpam on 09/22/2010 14:49:04
I'm not sure you helped your arguement there Tri
wickedpam on 09/22/2010 14:49:04
Quote by TriSec:Quote by velveeta jones:
OMFG!! I am laughing my ASS off imagining TriSec dancing around to "Bad Romance".
Hey now, at one point in time I knew all the moves for all the songs performed in "Purple Rain". (Let's Go Crazy, Computer Blue, and The Bird in particular.)
I'm not sure you helped your arguement there Tri
Comment by TriSec on 09/22/2010 15:00:27
TriSec on 09/22/2010 15:00:27
Mass Tea Partyer tells Palin to stay away.
NEWTON, Mass. -- The Republican running for the only open congressional seat in Massachusetts says former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is "an entertainer" and he would decline any offer from her to campaign on his behalf.
State Rep. Jeffrey Perry told New England Cable News in an interview Tuesday that while Palin might represent the tea party nationally, she does not speak for the movement in the 10th District.
Perry said if Palin called and offered to campaign for him, he would say no.
Aides to the former Alaska governor did not immediately return calls seeking comment.
tee hee.
NEWTON, Mass. -- The Republican running for the only open congressional seat in Massachusetts says former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is "an entertainer" and he would decline any offer from her to campaign on his behalf.
State Rep. Jeffrey Perry told New England Cable News in an interview Tuesday that while Palin might represent the tea party nationally, she does not speak for the movement in the 10th District.
Perry said if Palin called and offered to campaign for him, he would say no.
Aides to the former Alaska governor did not immediately return calls seeking comment.
tee hee.
Comment by Raine on 09/22/2010 15:00:42
Raine on 09/22/2010 15:00:42
Wow -- Imagine this man as POTUS:
McGrampy loses it a scoche.
McGrampy loses it a scoche.
Comment by Raine on 09/22/2010 15:43:52
And for those that saw this last night on Dr. Maddow, I am happy to report that Chris Geidner is a friend of Bob and Myself.
Raine on 09/22/2010 15:43:52
Quote by Raine:
Wow -- Imagine this man as POTUS:
McGrampy loses it a scoche.
And for those that saw this last night on Dr. Maddow, I am happy to report that Chris Geidner is a friend of Bob and Myself.
Comment by TriSec on 09/22/2010 15:54:25
TriSec on 09/22/2010 15:54:25
Comment by Raine on 09/22/2010 16:00:20
I'd rather it not get national traction. POTUS has enough stupid crap on his plate.
Besides Doesn't everyone POTUS have a *Billy Carter* in their family?
Raine on 09/22/2010 16:00:20
Quote by TriSec:
Don't know if this is getting any national traction, but the President's aunt is completely insane.
Besides Doesn't everyone POTUS have a *Billy Carter* in their family?
Comment by 
livingonli on 09/22/2010 16:00:30
livingonli on 09/22/2010 16:00:30
Good day everyone.
A little pooped from walking around without a car and my feet are killing me so I needed to sleep in. Good thing I am off the next two days.
A little pooped from walking around without a car and my feet are killing me so I needed to sleep in. Good thing I am off the next two days.
Comment by livingonli on 09/22/2010 16:01:27
In W's case, it was most likely the POTUS himself. No wonder why they just made sure they only showed him clearing brush on the phony ranch.
livingonli on 09/22/2010 16:01:27
Quote by Raine:I'd rather it not get national traction. POTUS has enough stupid crap on his plate.Quote by TriSec:
Don't know if this is getting any national traction, but the President's aunt is completely insane.
Besides Doesn't everyone POTUS have a *Billy Carter* in their family?
In W's case, it was most likely the POTUS himself. No wonder why they just made sure they only showed him clearing brush on the phony ranch.
Comment by TriSec on 09/22/2010 16:20:33
TriSec on 09/22/2010 16:20:33
An interesting snippet from the History Channel today.
On this day in 1975, Sarah Jane Moore aims a gun at President Gerald Ford as he leaves the Saint Francis Hotel in San Francisco, California. The attempt on the president’s life came only 17 days after another woman had tried to assassinate Ford while he was on his way to give a speech to the California legislature in Sacramento.
Moore’s attempt was thwarted by a bystander, Oliver Sipple, who instinctively grabbed Moore’s arm when she raised the gun. She was able to fire off one shot, but it failed to find its target. Secret Service agents quickly hustled Ford into a waiting vehicle and sped him to safety...
...Sipple received a written letter of thanks form Ford. Later, some critics claimed that the White House initially hesitated to publicly thank Sipple, a former Marine and Vietnam veteran, because he was gay.
Comment by wickedpam on 09/22/2010 16:33:46
Well, so long as you drink water and don't over do it -look at it as getting some excercise
wickedpam on 09/22/2010 16:33:46
Quote by livingonli:
Good day everyone.
A little pooped from walking around without a car and my feet are killing me so I needed to sleep in. Good thing I am off the next two days.
Well, so long as you drink water and don't over do it -look at it as getting some excercise
Comment by livingonli on 09/22/2010 16:37:49
livingonli on 09/22/2010 16:37:49
Thom Hartmann is talking about how the GOP is trying to intimidate people from voting. Mike Malloy is supposedly going to do a whole show on it tonight. I am hearing rumors that there are new attempts by the GOP to suppress the vote. This is making me nervous that even if we get the vote out that the elections might be rigged again. There have been complaints about the new electronic voting machines in New York State. I am really going to miss the old lever machines.
Comment by TriSec on 09/22/2010 17:42:15
TriSec on 09/22/2010 17:42:15
Prayers have been answered. All praise and glory is due to Allah.
Comment by Raine on 09/22/2010 19:01:38
Raine on 09/22/2010 19:01:38
Comment by BobR on 09/22/2010 19:28:43
to make lemonade from lemons - this might be healthier for you in the long run. You might lose some more weight too...
BobR on 09/22/2010 19:28:43
Quote by livingonli:
Good day everyone.
A little pooped from walking around without a car and my feet are killing me so I needed to sleep in. Good thing I am off the next two days.
to make lemonade from lemons - this might be healthier for you in the long run. You might lose some more weight too...
Comment by BobR on 09/22/2010 19:30:15
DETAILS!!!
BobR on 09/22/2010 19:30:15
Quote by TriSec:
Prayers have been answered. All praise and glory is due to Allah.
DETAILS!!!
Comment by TriSec on 09/22/2010 20:18:11
TriSec on 09/22/2010 20:18:11
Earlier optimism may have been premature.
There is an offer, but less than what I make now. I am trying to negotiate; ball is in their court at the moment.
There is an offer, but less than what I make now. I am trying to negotiate; ball is in their court at the moment.
Comment by BobR on 09/22/2010 21:47:22
Assuming that this is a permanent position with benefits? Your current one is contract with no bennies, correct? And - I'm sure they expected you to negotiate.
BobR on 09/22/2010 21:47:22
Quote by TriSec:
Earlier optimism may have been premature.
There is an offer, but less than what I make now. I am trying to negotiate; ball is in their court at the moment.
Assuming that this is a permanent position with benefits? Your current one is contract with no bennies, correct? And - I'm sure they expected you to negotiate.
Comment by livingonli on 09/22/2010 21:55:39
livingonli on 09/22/2010 21:55:39
At least when I got rehired in '06, they wanted to start me at the beginning despite my years with the company but they at least to push me up a tech level so I got a little money back although my salary did go down from what I made before I was laid off. It definitely seems like corporate America's whole scheme has been to push down wages irregardless of what a person's experience or qualifications are.
Comment by 
clintster on 09/22/2010 22:01:04
A little moonwatching music, anyone?
clintster on 09/22/2010 22:01:04
A little moonwatching music, anyone?
Comment by livingonli on 09/22/2010 22:42:36
livingonli on 09/22/2010 22:42:36
One of my FB friends posted that the harvest moon is tomorrow night. Can someone get a confirm?
Comment by Raine on 09/22/2010 23:21:07
It was tonite....
Raine on 09/22/2010 23:21:07
Quote by livingonli:
One of my FB friends posted that the harvest moon is tomorrow night. Can someone get a confirm?
It was tonite....
Comment by TriSec on 09/23/2010 00:17:33
TriSec on 09/23/2010 00:17:33
Evening, folks.
Finished training to lead some outdoor excursions from the store. Anybody want to go on a TriSec-led LL Bean walk this season?
I may have seen a UFO on the way home tonight. There was an unmistakable moonlit contrail, and in front of that a much larger, triangular-shaped object just hanging there. It did not look like moonlit clouds, and I think I know my aircraft.
I keep telling myself that I'm sure I got a lowball offer today...I named my price (eminently reasonable, IMHO), so now I'm waiting for their move.
It is full time with benefits, yes. Outside the city, closer to home, and about 5 minutes from the store. It would be a good fit.
Anyway...we have the benefit of sleep this evening. Hope springs anew, eh?
Finished training to lead some outdoor excursions from the store. Anybody want to go on a TriSec-led LL Bean walk this season?
I may have seen a UFO on the way home tonight. There was an unmistakable moonlit contrail, and in front of that a much larger, triangular-shaped object just hanging there. It did not look like moonlit clouds, and I think I know my aircraft.
I keep telling myself that I'm sure I got a lowball offer today...I named my price (eminently reasonable, IMHO), so now I'm waiting for their move.
It is full time with benefits, yes. Outside the city, closer to home, and about 5 minutes from the store. It would be a good fit.
Anyway...we have the benefit of sleep this evening. Hope springs anew, eh?
Comment by livingonli on 09/23/2010 00:23:21
livingonli on 09/23/2010 00:23:21
There's a nice track of thunderstorms heading across the tri-state area right now.