Democrats Claim “Moral Victory”

Last week the Congress passed the ethics and lobbying “reform” bill. Democrats declared it a “great victory,” “historic,” and “landmark.”.

But what did the bill actually do? Not much, according to Senator Tom Coburn and Townhall columnist Paul Jacob. Coburn labels the bill a betrayal of the American people. Take a look at some of the points and let me know what you think:

• The bill was changed to make earmark disclosure voluntary rather than mandatory.
  
• The requirement of 67 Senate votes to suspend the earmark disclosure rule was changed to 40 votes – less than a majority.
  
• The language prohibiting a member or staff from promoting earmarks they would personally benefit from was completely eviscerated.
  
• So was the language prohibiting a member from trading votes for earmarks.
  
• The requirement that earmarks be put on the Internet 48 hours after their inclusion in legislation was changed to “as soon as practical.”
  
• The non-partisan Senate parliamentarian was replaced by the majority leader as the referee who would determine whether earmark disclosure requirements are met.
  
• The bill also weakened other elements of disclosure and transparency.

The real problem with Congressmen is not how they disclose earmarks but the fact that they cannot be fiscally responsible to begin with. Legislation is not what is going to stop it. It’s going to take action from the people. Sadly, the people want to do something about every free-spending congressman in DC but their own.

At some point you have to start wondering if our Republic can survive this Washington gamesmanship much longer. – from Neal Boortz
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The people of this nation need to stand up and start paying attention to this hoodoo-voodoo on both sides of the aisle. Both parties are responsible for crap like this and it is tearing this nation apart from the inside. I think Kevin mentioned this earlier and I would have to agree with his sentiment – That Ron Paul is probably the best pick for the country because of his deep concern for the constitution and the good of the people. He has proven so with his voting record.

I think the media, mainstream as well as others, aren’t giving him the exposure he deserves because they fear him and what he stands for.