Slowly Liking Republicans Again
November 21st, 2005 at 10:25 am by CrankyFrom Instapundit
One recent poll found that more Americans know about the Bridge to Nowhere than know who their local Congressman is. Which, given Congress’s 30% approval rating, is probably the way most Members prefer it these days. The one hero of this episode is Senator Tom Coburn (R., Okla.), who sponsored an amendment to block funding for the bridge and use the money to repair vital bridges on the Gulf Coast destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. . . .
A few thoughts:
1. It’s about dang time.
2. You’re giving me that warm, fuzzy feeling again.
3. I’m not so stupid to believe that you’re doing this for the “principle” of it, but because I and so many other fiscal conservatives are getting a little steamed. But thanks anyway, we’ll take it any way we can get it.
Resuming…
It would be nice to think that this bridge humiliation would teach Congress about the folly of spending earmarks. The uproar has done enormous damage to the GOP majority’s public image, which is of course why Mr. Stevens blew up his bridge. But, alas, apparently this is merely a symbolic and tactical spending retreat. Late last week, GOP House leaders suffered another defeat on the floor when a health and education spending bill failed to pass. One reason? Twenty or so GOP Members were angry that their special projects had been stripped from the legislation to save money. The bridge that these folks are building is one to being called “Mr. Ranking Member.”
The fact that a GOP member’s shot ultimately torpedoed it shows that we still have a ways to go.
November 21st, 2005 at 10:43 am
Thanks for putting it all in perspective, Phil. I’m setting aside another $3G for Iran.
November 21st, 2005 at 10:51 am
But you gotta admit this, Phil – Bush’s perscription drug plan will certainly benefit to you.
Remember this: Ask for Thorazine by name lest they give you a cheap generic.
November 27th, 2005 at 2:36 am
Well, it’s about time!!
(Although, I’m afraid that this could be too little, too late… Then again, even if they had done it on the first day of President Bush’s first term, that would still be the case. It is shameful how far off our nation has gotten…)