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The Money Pipeline
Author: BobR
Date: 11/19/2014 13:05:54
The new Republican-led Senate hasn't even started planning their legislative assault yet, and already the Democrats are helping them ease into it. They actually brought up a vote on the Keystone XL pipeline. Fortunately, it failed - by one vote:
Yes - they are willing to risk the environment and/or force President Obama to veto the bill just so Mary Landrieu can tout it as bringing more pollution to Louisiana? Does she really think all those people who voted for the 3rd place Republican are going to vote for her over the 1st place Republican? Does she think they won't be slightly repulsed by this blatant political action?
Fortunately for the U.S. environment, it looks like the corporation pushing for the pipeline has a plan "B" lined up:
So those 30-odd permanent jobs are going to Canada instead. Who cares? Well - some people will be financially affected by this. People who have money invested in TransCanada. People like - you know - House Speaker John Bohner:
In the olden golden days of ethical responsibility, that would be known as "a conflict of interest". Nowadays, not even an eyebrow is raised.
Who says corporate money doesn't talk?
The Senate's 59-41 vote Tuesday night was a nail-biter to the end.
The bill needed 60 votes to reach the White House. The House passed it overwhelmingly last week.
[..]
Democrat Sen. Mary Landrieu pushed for the vote in an effort to save her seat in a Dec. 6 runoff election in Louisiana. She faces an uphill battle against Republican Rep. Bill Cassidy, who authored the House bill.
Yes - they are willing to risk the environment and/or force President Obama to veto the bill just so Mary Landrieu can tout it as bringing more pollution to Louisiana? Does she really think all those people who voted for the 3rd place Republican are going to vote for her over the 1st place Republican? Does she think they won't be slightly repulsed by this blatant political action?
Fortunately for the U.S. environment, it looks like the corporation pushing for the pipeline has a plan "B" lined up:
In what may be the death knell for the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, the Canadian government of Stephen Harper has approved a purely Canadian pipeline to transport the Alberta tar sands to ships waiting to send it overseas. By eliminating the pipeline which would run across the nations largest aquifer, the environmental concerns raised over Keystone XL would evaporate immediately. It handily avoids the aquifers in Canada to boot, being east of the Paskapoo Formation in Alberta, running north of the Oak Ridges Moraine Aquifer System near Toronto, and ending before reaching the Annapolis-Cornwallis Valley Aquifers in Nova Scotia. Clearly, TransCanada has learned from its mistakes in the handling of Keystone XL.
The name of this Keystone XL killer pipeline? Energy East.
So those 30-odd permanent jobs are going to Canada instead. Who cares? Well - some people will be financially affected by this. People who have money invested in TransCanada. People like - you know - House Speaker John Bohner:
During the debates over the Keystone XL pipeline, John Boehner casually neglected to mention his varied investments in 7 firms which would make a direct gain from the pipeline.
In the olden golden days of ethical responsibility, that would be known as "a conflict of interest". Nowadays, not even an eyebrow is raised.
Who says corporate money doesn't talk?
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 11/19/2014 13:57:50
Mondobubba on 11/19/2014 13:57:50
Ugh! 
That sinking feeling you when you find out that that smart, funny, nerdy and sarcastic woman you have been flirting with turns out to be a conservative. 
That sinking feeling you when you find out that that smart, funny, nerdy and sarcastic woman you have been flirting with turns out to be a conservative.
Comment by 
Raine on 11/19/2014 14:31:21
Oooh, that is a tough one.
good morning!
Raine on 11/19/2014 14:31:21
Quote by Mondobubba:
Ugh!
good morning!
Comment by 
wickedpam on 11/19/2014 14:35:57
wickedpam on 11/19/2014 14:35:57
Morning 
Comment by 
BobR on 11/19/2014 14:38:34
smart and conservative? Is that possible?
I kid - but I suppose it depends on how conservative... Goldwater conservative? Reagan conservative?... or a Ted Cruz conservative?
If she utters the phrase "Nobama", drop her like a hot potato
BobR on 11/19/2014 14:38:34
Quote by Mondobubba:
Ugh!
smart and conservative? Is that possible?
I kid - but I suppose it depends on how conservative... Goldwater conservative? Reagan conservative?... or a Ted Cruz conservative?
If she utters the phrase "Nobama", drop her like a hot potato
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/19/2014 14:39:30
If it hadn't the borderline racist, zombie lie about welfare, I might have overlooked it. I will still continue the flirtation, but nothing past that.
Mondobubba on 11/19/2014 14:39:30
Quote by Raine:Oooh, that is a tough one.Quote by Mondobubba:
Ugh!
If it hadn't the borderline racist, zombie lie about welfare, I might have overlooked it. I will still continue the flirtation, but nothing past that.
Comment by Raine on 11/19/2014 14:47:21
Raine on 11/19/2014 14:47:21
Comment by wickedpam on 11/19/2014 15:04:14
wickedpam on 11/19/2014 15:04:14
I agree, constantly channeling my inner Veruca
Comment by 
TriSec on 11/19/2014 15:22:04
TriSec on 11/19/2014 15:22:04
Morning. Trisec is in a snit. An old friend deemed it necessary to text me again today and blame me for more of his problems. Did you know I decided not to attend my 30th High School reunion based solely on his planning to go?
He still doesn't get it. I will reply, but fully-nuclear. I expect to never hear from him again.
I know it's the drugs that destroyed what he was, but I'd have to state that this won't make me feel any better. I've known him more than 30 years- this is essentially a death in the family.
He still doesn't get it. I will reply, but fully-nuclear. I expect to never hear from him again.
I know it's the drugs that destroyed what he was, but I'd have to state that this won't make me feel any better. I've known him more than 30 years- this is essentially a death in the family.
Comment by 
Scoopster on 11/19/2014 15:33:05
Scoopster on 11/19/2014 15:33:05
Mornin' all! 
Sorry I'm late - I was on Mitch McConnell's coke boat and just kinda lost track of time!
Sorry I'm late - I was on Mitch McConnell's coke boat and just kinda lost track of time!
Comment by BobR on 11/19/2014 15:35:26
Drugs, Republican politics, religion - they can all put a wall between us and people we've known forever. That wall protects us, but unfortunately keeps them away. I don't have any solution for that.
BobR on 11/19/2014 15:35:26
Quote by TriSec:
Morning. Trisec is in a snit. An old friend deemed it necessary to text me again today and blame me for more of his problems. Did you know I decided not to attend my 30th High School reunion based solely on his planning to go?
He still doesn't get it. I will reply, but fully-nuclear. I expect to never hear from him again.
I know it's the drugs that destroyed what he was, but I'd have to state that this won't make me feel any better. I've known him more than 30 years- this is essentially a death in the family.
Drugs, Republican politics, religion - they can all put a wall between us and people we've known forever. That wall protects us, but unfortunately keeps them away. I don't have any solution for that.
Comment by Raine on 11/19/2014 16:09:47
Raine on 11/19/2014 16:09:47
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/19/2014 16:39:15
Nope, I've just been mining some salt.
Mondobubba on 11/19/2014 16:39:15
Quote by Raine:Quote by Raine:
Turley, slowly I turned.
Am I the only irritated by this?
Nope, I've just been mining some salt.
Comment by wickedpam on 11/19/2014 16:51:29
wickedpam on 11/19/2014 16:51:29
*sigh* silly semantics 
Comment by Raine on 11/19/2014 17:01:00
That caller from NY? he was too funny.
Raine on 11/19/2014 17:01:00
Quote by wickedpam:
*sigh* silly semantics
That caller from NY? he was too funny.
Comment by wickedpam on 11/19/2014 17:23:51
IKR - felt a little bad too - think he(she?) was duped into calling and not understanding a lot of what they were talking about. I'm glad they didn't get too aggressive with them.
wickedpam on 11/19/2014 17:23:51
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
*sigh* silly semantics
That caller from NY? he was too funny.
IKR - felt a little bad too - think he(she?) was duped into calling and not understanding a lot of what they were talking about. I'm glad they didn't get too aggressive with them.
Comment by Scoopster on 11/19/2014 17:41:09
I finally found a link to that story btw..
Scoopster on 11/19/2014 17:41:09
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all!
Sorry I'm late - I was on Mitch McConnell's coke boat and just kinda lost track of time!
I finally found a link to that story btw..
Comment by Raine on 11/19/2014 17:42:32
Raine on 11/19/2014 17:42:32
Comment by Raine on 11/19/2014 17:44:07
That story popped a few days before the election.
I find the story itself really disturbing, but even more so is that that the boat is registered in ---
Liberia.
Raine on 11/19/2014 17:44:07
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all!
Sorry I'm late - I was on Mitch McConnell's coke boat and just kinda lost track of time!
I finally found a link to that story btw..
I find the story itself really disturbing, but even more so is that that the boat is registered in ---
Liberia.
Comment by Raine on 11/19/2014 17:51:34
Raine on 11/19/2014 17:51:34
YLvis has a new video!
Comment by Scoopster on 11/19/2014 18:06:01
My coworker passed his kickstarter goal!
Scoopster on 11/19/2014 18:06:01
My coworker passed his kickstarter goal!
Comment by Raine on 11/19/2014 18:24:14
Hooray!
(can I ask for what?)
Raine on 11/19/2014 18:24:14
Quote by Scoopster:
(can I ask for what?)
Comment by 
livingonli on 11/19/2014 18:29:31
livingonli on 11/19/2014 18:29:31
Another day, another dime.
Comment by Scoopster on 11/19/2014 18:35:03
Oh damn I thought I told you guys. He's a singer/songwriter who was 'big' in the 70s (much more in Brazil than the US, and he didn't even know until a few years ago) and he's looking to get back to his music career after 40 years and a severe hearing loss.
obligatory he's got two days left on his campaign, so check it out!
Scoopster on 11/19/2014 18:35:03
Quote by Raine:Hooray!Quote by Scoopster:
(can I ask for what?)
Oh damn I thought I told you guys. He's a singer/songwriter who was 'big' in the 70s (much more in Brazil than the US, and he didn't even know until a few years ago) and he's looking to get back to his music career after 40 years and a severe hearing loss.
obligatory
he's got two days left on his campaign, so check it out!
Comment by Raine on 11/19/2014 19:23:10
That is wonderful and very, very cool!
Raine on 11/19/2014 19:23:10
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:Hooray!Quote by Scoopster:
(can I ask for what?)
Oh damn I thought I told you guys. He's a singer/songwriter who was 'big' in the 70s (much more in Brazil than the US, and he didn't even know until a few years ago) and he's looking to get back to his music career after 40 years and a severe hearing loss.
obligatory
Comment by Raine on 11/19/2014 19:23:29
HEy Liv!
Raine on 11/19/2014 19:23:29
Quote by livingonli:
Another day, another dime.
HEy Liv!
Comment by TriSec on 11/19/2014 19:49:52
TriSec on 11/19/2014 19:49:52
[rwlm]
Hey , I bet they're loving the Global Warming in Buffalo right now! Chortle, guffaw, buckteeth, moran.
[\rwlm]
Hey , I bet they're loving the Global Warming in Buffalo right now! Chortle, guffaw, buckteeth, moran.
[\rwlm]
Comment by livingonli on 11/19/2014 20:22:14
Hey, there! Now I have to go to work.
livingonli on 11/19/2014 20:22:14
Quote by Raine:Quote by livingonli:
Another day, another dime.
HEy Liv!
Hey, there! Now I have to go to work.
Comment by Raine on 11/19/2014 20:28:13
Raine on 11/19/2014 20:28:13
I heard the sound clip of Boehner saying this on the way home from the store. He is really losing his shit.
Boehner spokesman Michael Steel responded to the news that Obama will make his immigration announcement in Dallas on Thursday night by saying, “If ‘Emperor Obama’ ignores the American people and announces an amnesty plan that he himself has said over and over again exceeds his Constitutional authority, he will cement his legacy of lawlessness and ruin the chances for Congressional action on this issue — and many others.â€
Comment by Scoopster on 11/19/2014 20:31:58
It's not like they were doing anything anyways. Fucking windbags.
Scoopster on 11/19/2014 20:31:58
Quote by Raine:
I heard the sound clip of Boehner saying this on the way home from the store. He is really losing his shit.Boehner spokesman Michael Steel responded to the news that Obama will make his immigration announcement in Dallas on Thursday night by saying, “If ‘Emperor Obama’ ignores the American people and announces an amnesty plan that he himself has said over and over again exceeds his Constitutional authority, he will cement his legacy of lawlessness and ruin the chances for Congressional action on this issue — and many others.â€
It's not like they were doing anything anyways. Fucking windbags.
Comment by Raine on 11/19/2014 20:33:33
now those pathetic whiners are pissed that Obama said fuggoff you are not invited to dinner…. What a pathetic story.
Raine on 11/19/2014 20:33:33
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:
I heard the sound clip of Boehner saying this on the way home from the store. He is really losing his shit.Boehner spokesman Michael Steel responded to the news that Obama will make his immigration announcement in Dallas on Thursday night by saying, “If ‘Emperor Obama’ ignores the American people and announces an amnesty plan that he himself has said over and over again exceeds his Constitutional authority, he will cement his legacy of lawlessness and ruin the chances for Congressional action on this issue — and many others.â€
It's not like they were doing anything anyways. Fucking windbags.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/19/2014 20:46:06
:hold up left hand with thumb extended: This is a waa. :holds up right hand with thumb extended: This is another waa. :vigorously thrusts the L between the extended thumb and forefinger together: This is a waa fucking waa. Danm crybabies.
Mondobubba on 11/19/2014 20:46:06
Quote by Raine:now those pathetic whiners are pissed that Obama said fuggoff you are not invited to dinner…. What a pathetic story.Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:
I heard the sound clip of Boehner saying this on the way home from the store. He is really losing his shit.Boehner spokesman Michael Steel responded to the news that Obama will make his immigration announcement in Dallas on Thursday night by saying, “If ‘Emperor Obama’ ignores the American people and announces an amnesty plan that he himself has said over and over again exceeds his Constitutional authority, he will cement his legacy of lawlessness and ruin the chances for Congressional action on this issue — and many others.â€
It's not like they were doing anything anyways. Fucking windbags.
:hold up left hand with thumb extended: This is a waa. :holds up right hand with thumb extended: This is another waa. :vigorously thrusts the L between the extended thumb and forefinger together: This is a waa fucking waa. Danm crybabies.
Comment by BobR on 11/19/2014 20:48:30
I jest shuvveled 3 feet of global warming offfa my front steps, goob goob goob...
BobR on 11/19/2014 20:48:30
Quote by TriSec:
[rwlm]
Hey , I bet they're loving the Global Warming in Buffalo right now! Chortle, guffaw, buckteeth, moran.
[\rwlm]
I jest shuvveled 3 feet of global warming offfa my front steps, goob goob goob...
Comment by Raine on 11/19/2014 21:05:20
Raine on 11/19/2014 21:05:20
Mala, i would very much like you opinion of *Core Values* Today. It's not online yet, but you may hear it on the way home.
His core value (imo) clearly involves being totally uninformed….
His core value (imo) clearly involves being totally uninformed….
Comment by Raine on 11/19/2014 21:06:28
That took me a moment.
=)) well played, sir!
Raine on 11/19/2014 21:06:28
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:now those pathetic whiners are pissed that Obama said fuggoff you are not invited to dinner…. What a pathetic story.Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:
I heard the sound clip of Boehner saying this on the way home from the store. He is really losing his shit.Boehner spokesman Michael Steel responded to the news that Obama will make his immigration announcement in Dallas on Thursday night by saying, “If ‘Emperor Obama’ ignores the American people and announces an amnesty plan that he himself has said over and over again exceeds his Constitutional authority, he will cement his legacy of lawlessness and ruin the chances for Congressional action on this issue — and many others.â€
It's not like they were doing anything anyways. Fucking windbags.
:hold up left hand with thumb extended: This is a waa. :holds up right hand with thumb extended: This is another waa. :vigorously thrusts the L between the extended thumb and forefinger together: This is a waa fucking waa. Danm crybabies.
=)) well played, sir!
Comment by wickedpam on 11/19/2014 21:15:12
I'll listen for it on the drive home - usually hear it about 6:30ish.
Is it bad?
wickedpam on 11/19/2014 21:15:12
Quote by Raine:
Mala, i would very much like you opinion of *Core Values* Today. It's not online yet, but you may hear it on the way home.
His core value (imo) clearly involves being totally uninformed….
I'll listen for it on the drive home - usually hear it about 6:30ish.
Is it bad?
Comment by Raine on 11/19/2014 21:18:25
Raine on 11/19/2014 21:18:25
Well this is gonna be a butt hurt to Boehner.
The federalists can't come up with a reason to stop Obama going forward with executive action.
The federalists can't come up with a reason to stop Obama going forward with executive action.
“I don’t know where in the Constitution there is a rule that if the president’s enactment affects too many people, he’s violating the Constitution,†Schroeder said. “There is a difference between executing the law and making the law. But in the world in which we operate, that distinction is a lot more problematic than you would think. If the Congress has enacted a statute that grants discretionary authority for the administrative agency or the president to fill in the gaps, to write the regulations that actually make the statute operative, those regulations to all intents and purposes make the law.
“I agree this can make us very uncomfortable. I just don’t see the argument for unconstitutionality at this juncture,†Schroeder added.
Comment by Raine on 11/19/2014 21:19:20
Keystone ignorance with a healthy dose of straw man.
Raine on 11/19/2014 21:19:20
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Mala, i would very much like you opinion of *Core Values* Today. It's not online yet, but you may hear it on the way home.
His core value (imo) clearly involves being totally uninformed….
I'll listen for it on the drive home - usually hear it about 6:30ish.
Is it bad?
Comment by wickedpam on 11/19/2014 21:25:12
That might have been last nights - seem to remember him blathering on about Keystone - usual talking points.
wickedpam on 11/19/2014 21:25:12
Quote by Raine:Keystone ignorance with a healthy dose of straw man.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Mala, i would very much like you opinion of *Core Values* Today. It's not online yet, but you may hear it on the way home.
His core value (imo) clearly involves being totally uninformed….
I'll listen for it on the drive home - usually hear it about 6:30ish.
Is it bad?
That might have been last nights - seem to remember him blathering on about Keystone - usual talking points.
Comment by Raine on 11/19/2014 21:26:55
I did not see it on the WTOP core values page. Did the one you heard about mention the fracking?
Raine on 11/19/2014 21:26:55
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Keystone ignorance with a healthy dose of straw man.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Mala, i would very much like you opinion of *Core Values* Today. It's not online yet, but you may hear it on the way home.
His core value (imo) clearly involves being totally uninformed….
I'll listen for it on the drive home - usually hear it about 6:30ish.
Is it bad?
That might have been last nights - seem to remember him blathering on about Keystone - usual talking points.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/19/2014 21:43:27
It is better with actual visuals. I tried my best. I am very happy you figured it out. Feel free to use that any time. :)
Mondobubba on 11/19/2014 21:43:27
Quote by Raine:That took me a moment.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:now those pathetic whiners are pissed that Obama said fuggoff you are not invited to dinner…. What a pathetic story.Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:
I heard the sound clip of Boehner saying this on the way home from the store. He is really losing his shit.Boehner spokesman Michael Steel responded to the news that Obama will make his immigration announcement in Dallas on Thursday night by saying, “If ‘Emperor Obama’ ignores the American people and announces an amnesty plan that he himself has said over and over again exceeds his Constitutional authority, he will cement his legacy of lawlessness and ruin the chances for Congressional action on this issue — and many others.â€
It's not like they were doing anything anyways. Fucking windbags.
:hold up left hand with thumb extended: This is a waa. :holds up right hand with thumb extended: This is another waa. :vigorously thrusts the L between the extended thumb and forefinger together: This is a waa fucking waa. Danm crybabies.
=)) well played, sir!
It is better with actual visuals. I tried my best. I am very happy you figured it out. Feel free to use that any time. :)
Comment by wickedpam on 11/19/2014 21:46:54
hmm - must have confused it with an old one, he's talked keystone before. Cosby was last night.
I'll listen on the way home.
wickedpam on 11/19/2014 21:46:54
Quote by Raine:
Mala. which one is it?
hmm - must have confused it with an old one, he's talked keystone before. Cosby was last night.
I'll listen on the way home.
Comment by Raine on 11/19/2014 22:02:14
Ok let's talk about it tomorrow?
I am retty pissed at WTOP for this, I get the all sides thing, but it is now CRYSTAL clear that they don;t vet this at all.
Raine on 11/19/2014 22:02:14
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Mala. which one is it?
hmm - must have confused it with an old one, he's talked keystone before. Cosby was last night.
I'll listen on the way home.
I am retty pissed at WTOP for this, I get the all sides thing, but it is now CRYSTAL clear that they don;t vet this at all.
Comment by wickedpam on 11/19/2014 22:13:48
they haven't vetted him for years - if I had a station with music I liked and mom tolerated I would so listen to that instead of TOP - it barely tells 1/4 of a news story and has been skewing more and more towards its sister station MAL - the right wing station.
wickedpam on 11/19/2014 22:13:48
Quote by Raine:Ok let's talk about it tomorrow?Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Mala. which one is it?
hmm - must have confused it with an old one, he's talked keystone before. Cosby was last night.
I'll listen on the way home.
I am retty pissed at WTOP for this, I get the all sides thing, but it is now CRYSTAL clear that they don;t vet this at all.
they haven't vetted him for years - if I had a station with music I liked and mom tolerated I would so listen to that instead of TOP - it barely tells 1/4 of a news story and has been skewing more and more towards its sister station MAL - the right wing station.
Comment by Raine on 11/20/2014 00:04:45
My Response:
Raine on 11/20/2014 00:04:45
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Ok let's talk about it tomorrow?Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Mala. which one is it?
hmm - must have confused it with an old one, he's talked keystone before. Cosby was last night.
I'll listen on the way home.
I am retty pissed at WTOP for this, I get the all sides thing, but it is now CRYSTAL clear that they don;t vet this at all.
they haven't vetted him for years - if I had a station with music I liked and mom tolerated I would so listen to that instead of TOP - it barely tells 1/4 of a news story and has been skewing more and more towards its sister station MAL - the right wing station.
Mr. Core,
I seriously suggest you look into this issue. Your value segment was based on very few facts. Keystone provides NO fuel to the Unites States. Even TransCanada admitted this. This country will not be a recipient of any 'oil or gas'. They call it tar-sands for a reason, it is pretty much tar.
I agree, fracking is bad, but I know why it is bad. In your commentary, you said, and I quote: 'I don't know how I feel about fracking…'
I would strongly suggest you look into both issues from not just an environmental POV but from an economic as well as political.
This was a truly irresposible 'Core Value'. You have made it clear that you know little to nothing about either issue. I have to say yuor getting facts straight before mentioning a comment about it would be a core value .
I would also like to add that the pipeline is a congressional issue, The EPA and fracking is administrative issue and you confllated the two. This creates an intellectually dishonest debate. They are two separate things -- both deserve discussion, neither deserves to be tossed in a bin as though they are the same.
We all need to be smarter and more informed about such important issues.
Thank you for your time.