Democrats Can’t Shake Those Lazy Days of Summer
By Congressman Roy Blunt Posted in Congress — Comments (46) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
With the last hours of Labor Day – long considered the unofficial end of summer – having come and gone, one would have expected House Democrats to come back to work with a renewed commitment to finding real solutions to real problems facing real Americans. Unfortunately, three full days into this fall session, this Congress seems to be suffering from a legislative paralysis that plagued the majority since they arrived.
Read on ...
Consider the curious type – and paltry amount – of legislation being considered by the House. Since Tuesday, the most significant piece of legislation that has found its way to the floor is the Native American Housing bill. Of course, the House also took up the serious business of advancing a bill “supporting the goals and ideals of National Passport Month.”
With a number of serious issues facing this Congress and the American people on the horizon, one has to wonder when these Democrats will take up legislation that helps improve our country by reducing our taxes, reining in spending, and safeguarding our security. Maybe we’ll have to wait until next summer for that.
(but this could happen if their science on global warming is off)
Am impressed by "National Passport Month", though.
I'm pretty sure Congress must have come near to doubling the length of the year...
"I Will Always Place The Mission First.
"I will never accept defeat.
"I will never quit.
"I will never leave a fallen comrade."
Warrior Ethos, US Army
Considering their power to legislate more daylight, why not extend the year?
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Reality: Thompson/Romney Dream: Santorum/Watts.
Thank you for posting Congressman Blunt.
What are the odds of holding our caucus together enough to fight off the billions of dollars in new taxes being proposed by Democrats - e.g. sustaining vetos by President Bush.
Thanks again!
These twits will never get busy with substance and we know it. The GOP will retake the House in 08.
Then, the $64 question is, will the Republicans have learned their bitter lesson?
It's war -- so when can we start shooting back at the enemy Democrats?
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that, if the Congressional Election were held today, 50% of American voters say they would vote for the Democrat in their district. Just 32% would opt for the Republican.
http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/congressional_ballot
Howard Dean was being annointed by you idiots as POTUS.
Got any more meaningless drivel to share?
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CongressCritter™: Never have so few felt like they were owed so much by so many for so little.
cannot possibly be conceived.
1) We do not have national elections to determine the composition of the HOR
2) In many districts where there are weak, new Demo incumbents a GOP contender has not yet even been identified
3) Congress has an approval rating somewhere in the mid-teens and doesn't appear to be doing anything to revise those numbers upwards and that's eventually gonna start to take a toll
4) Chimpy McBushitlerburtonCo isn't on the ballot in 2008 and the Demos are not likely to catch "the other guys stink, vote for us" lightning in that bottle twice in a row, and finally...
5) It's September - of 2007
Frankly, I'm shocked Rass wastes perfectly good resources on such a poll.
All that said (and this is mostly to becker), the odds of taking the House in 2008, barring a GOP landslide at the Presidental level, are long - and it's virtually impossible (given that we're defending 2x the number of seats as are the Demos) to see how we don't lose a net of at least a couple in the Senate. Given Reid's record to date, that just doesn't scare me nearly as much as it should.
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Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock.
You speak about meaningless polls, but you go on and give us a meaningless fact: Congress has a little approval. Well, it's not congress vs. Republicans. It's Democrats vs. Republicans.
Would you care to tell us the approval Americans give to Republicans in congress as opposed to Democrats in congress? Remember, there are two parties in congress. And if Americans put the blame on Democrats, they would be willing to choose Republicans in '08, and that's not the case according to the meaningful poll I just posted.
If you'd actually read the Gallup poll report, you'd find the following:
It is clear that much of the frustration Americans have with Congress stems from the perception that it is not doing what it should be doing, or what the public wants it to do, including not passing anything (mentioned by 19% of those who disapprove of Congress), not ending the war in Iraq (16%), not paying enough attention to the needs of the people (14%), not standing up to the president enough (10%), and not dealing with illegal immigration (5%), or general mentions of stalemate or gridlock (2%). Nine percent also say the Democrats are not doing what they were elected to do last fall. All told, 67% of those who disapprove of Congress mention some type of congressional inaction as a reason why they disapprove of Congress. That translates into 48% of all Americans who disapprove of Congress for perceived inaction.
(from http://www.galluppoll.com/content/?ci=28600)
Note: "That translates into 48% of all Americans who disapprove of Congress for perceived inaction." Considering it's the Democrats who are running Congress these days, it doesn't take a lot of neurons to figure out that they are the ones responsible - and if you choose to blame the Republicans for the inaction, you're simply admitting that the Dems don't have the guts to exercise their majority power to accomplish anything.
"First 100 days?" HAHAHAHAHA! They couldn't accomplish anything in 100 years, much less 100 days.
...when they see me they'll say, "There goes Loren Wallace,
the greatest thing to ever climb into a race car."
Your analysis defies logic. You are unreasonable, and you assume that Americans blame Democrats more than Republicans.
In fact, in ALL THE POLLS in which those surveyed are asked their approval for Republican in congress and Democrats in congress, Democrats come out with a higher approval.
Is it logical to believe that the party responsible for the mess in our country is viewed favorably by more Americans than the other party?
let me answer that question for you: No, it's not.
George Washington University Battleground Poll (July 15-18)
"And, still thinking about the 2008 elections: If the election for Congress were being held today, and you had to make a choice, would you be voting for the Republican candidate or the Democratic candidate in your congressional district?" If unsure: "And which party's candidate do you lean toward at this time?"
Democrats: 47%
Republicans: 40%
Unsure: 13%
CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. June 22-24, 2007.
If the elections for Congress were being held today, which party's candidate would you vote for in your congressional district?" If unsure: "As of today, who do you lean more toward?
Democrat: 53%
Republican: 41%
Other: 3%
Cook Political Report/RT Strategies Poll. Feb. 15-18
"Regardless of how you might plan to vote in your own district, which party would you like to see in control of Congress after the congressional elections in 2008: the Democrats or the Republicans?" If other/unsure: "Well, which way do you lean -- more toward the Democrats or the Republicans?
Democrats: 52%
Republicans: 36%
Other: 4%
You're citing (without links and therefore lacking internals) a poll from FEBRUARY as indicative of the lay of the land in SEPTEMBER, to say nothing of NEXT NOVEMBER.
Using polls from June and July is only slightly less dumb.
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Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock.
At least until I invoke the Hinz Rule, that is - which will probably happen with Peter Griffin's next post in this thread.
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Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock.
When did he become obvious and stinky?
Will he get Blammed™ for it?
"I Will Always Place The Mission First.
"I will never accept defeat.
"I will never quit.
"I will never leave a fallen comrade."
Warrior Ethos, US Army
If I had a nickel for every time someone took my nickname in vain, I could retire...
...when they see me they'll say, "There goes Loren Wallace,
the greatest thing to ever climb into a race car."
I should get at least a penny for every time they use MY name too...
It's war -- so when can we start shooting back at the enemy Democrats?
It's coming up to change the formula to make them again. The contents are getting to be worth more melted down than in the penny...
"I Will Always Place The Mission First.
"I will never accept defeat.
"I will never quit.
"I will never leave a fallen comrade."
Warrior Ethos, US Army
in congress...with Larry Craig flirting with a male cop.
And let me ask you a question: Why to Americans by 18% are willing to elect a Democrats for congress in '08 according to the September 6 poll by Rasmussen?
http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/congressional_ballot
and 2) your beclowning is becoming tiresome.
But here's a hint for those blogging while stupid: Senators Allen (VA) and Talent (MO) can no longer be reached for comment as to the utility of polls taken 15-months prior to an election.
Go away. Hinz Rule is in effect.
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Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock.
In fact, it may not be "like" arguing with crazy people at all.
Re-read my entire comment (especially the part that contains the word "eventually"), resist the temptation to cherry-pick the piece you want and build a strawman to knock over, recall what party is in nominal control of congress for the moment, and try again.
Or don't. Either way.
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Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock.
Personally, I think the only shot we've got at either of those is:
1. A POTUS landslide, which I don't see happening.
2. A complete turnaround in Iraq, both militarialy and politically in conjunction with a continued surrender caucus from the Dems. This would also require a real all out attack on the Dems by Republicans across the board and I hold little hope for that.
3. A noticable and noticed turnaround in the economy. Don't expect that.
4. A new Contract With America signed up to by the POTUS candidate and all House and Senate candidates with specifics. I don't expect that either.
I agree about Reid and Pelosi's performance in the Congress.
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CongressCritter™: Never have so few felt like they were owed so much by so many for so little.
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Reality: Thompson/Romney Dream: Santorum/Watts.
...when they see me they'll say, "There goes Loren Wallace,
the greatest thing to ever climb into a race car."
"I Will Always Place The Mission First.
"I will never accept defeat.
"I will never quit.
"I will never leave a fallen comrade."
Warrior Ethos, US Army
The Hinz Rule: "Don't feed the trolls," named to honor his recent diary on the subject.
HTML Help Central for Red Staters
Reality: Thompson/Romney Dream: Santorum/Watts.
....and thanks for your service in the House. I am a Springfield, MO native, so I've lived in the 7th district for many years.
Based on what you and Rep. Boehner have been saying for some time now, the major issue the GOP will be hitting the Dems with for 2008 will be their "do-nothing" label. Since the Dems can explain that away by blaming Bush vetos and Republican obstructionism, I feel a much better strategy is to really put an effort into showing the American people what the Democrats are TRYING to do, but cannot, due to Republicans. Of the top of my head, I would include: welfare for illegal immigrants, higher taxes, amnesty, expansion of government, socialized medicine, more regulation of business that will cripple American firms and encourage outsourcing, and an energy policy that will make us MORE dependent on foreign oil by taxing American energy companies.
I'm sure there are more, but these clowns need to be exposed for who they are: socialists! This is not "our father's Democratic party" anymore.
“.....women and minorities hardest hit”
You can't with "we suck but we're better than them". The last Congress proved that.
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CongressCritter™: Never have so few felt like they were owed so much by so many for so little.
As did the Canadians when they threw out the Liberals and elected a Conservative government last time they voted. Just saying "we're better than they are" doesn't usually work.
holding the line against the cut and runners.
For gathering the signatures to uphold the President Bush's upcoming veto regarding spending and proposing to extend the Bush tax cuts.
Apparently the Dems don't know the meaning of emergency and how to submit a budget on time.
Looking forward for voters oversight to return the Republicans back to power in 08. In the mean time, we appreciate the Republican Study Committee's email updates.
I'm not so sure the average person even knows the Dems have congress, and if they do, do they know how ineffective the congress has been. Hopefully the word can get out in time to right the boat in the next election.
Ask not what you can do for your country, ask what your country can do for you. Washington Elected Elite
Good to hear from you Congressman Blunt!
I hope that Republicans:
* will not undercut the war effort; and may I complement the excellent job you have done blocking the pernicious Surrender to al Qaeda Now lobby to date.
* will cut spending and continue to push to cut taxes.
* build the border fence as promised. Can we have a DHS web site documenting progress/lack of progress? Push to enforce our laws.
* assist Senator Craig in the completion of his retirement plans (I know this is the Senate, not the House, but since you stopped by :-) .)
Thank you for considering my opinion and posting on good blogs like RedState.
The American people are mad at congress people.
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Reality: Thompson/Romney Dream: Santorum/Watts.
or anybody else for that matter.
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CongressCritter™: Never have so few felt like they were owed so much by so many for so little.
In the last election, we Democrats thought we sent a clear signal to the Congress to stop this stupid war by any means possible.
They wimped out.
Nowadays, when the DCCC calls for a donation, I tell them I won't donate a penny because I was sold out. My local Congressperson votes against the war, so I support her, and I still send money to Edwards, but that's it.
For me, it's a litmus test election: If you're against the war in Iraq, I'm in your corner. If not, I'm not.
If the Democrats in Congress are too frightened to stand up to al Qaeda in Iraq, how can anyone expect them to have the courage to take on the Republicans in Congress?
It's a litmus test for us also. We're just looking for the paper to turn a different color than you are.
...when they see me they'll say, "There goes Loren Wallace,
the greatest thing to ever climb into a race car."
Little wonder Congress has such a low approval rating. It seems everything is done to promote the party line with no concern for the citizens of this country and moving forward.
It's a no brainer regarding the war in Iraq - we have to stay the course until we achieve victory over the terrorists. A General Patton attitude might be refreshing.
As for illegal immigration and the sanctuary cities, would Congress please refresh Chertoff's memory about his role in enforcing current laws. He has (or should have) the authority to stop terrorism funding to those cities that declare themselves sanctuary cities - i.e. aiding and abetting illegal immigrants. If he doesn't maybe Congress should authorize it.
Get rid of pork being added to the various bills that are passed and direct the money to rebuilding this country's infrastructure that's been neglected for so long. Obviously the money is there or it wouldn't be added to all the asinine pet projects each Congressman seems to have.
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"I Will Always Place The Mission First.
"I will never accept defeat.
"I will never quit.
"I will never leave a fallen comrade."
Warrior Ethos, US Army
They offer no vision, no leadership, no courage to tackle a tough problem, no ability to articulate a value proposition for a solution, their leadership seems focused on power rather than effort, they offer no positive support for the President's initiatives regardless of the benfit to the people, they seemingly are content to leave all lobbying relationships in place and expand them if possible and they prefer turning a blind eye to corruption within their ranks unless forced to address a particular issue.
Now, tell me again why you think the Republicans lost the last election.
Envisioning when all that is Left is the Right.
and the complete lack of spine on the part of the Republican Leadership in both houses and the WH, little legislation is a good thing.
Question for you. General Petraeus will be testifying before Congress in just a few days. Will the Republican Leadership punish Republican members who do not support extending and fully funding the mission in Iraq?
You talk about "safeguarding our security". Put your money where your mouth is and pull committee assignments from members who don't support the mission.
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CongressCritter™: Never have so few felt like they were owed so much by so many for so little.