Good Idea: Open Letter To Reid and Obama

[Kathianne]

Publish the bill and amendments, give the public 5 days to read, you can sign at site:

http://readthestimulus.org/openletter_020709.php


February 7, 2009

To: Senate Majority Leader Reid, President Obama

Americans face a time of great economic challenge, and have watched with equally great interest as the House of Representatives and now the Senate have crafted legislation designed to address that challenge.

Last night, news of a compromise was announced in the Senate that would provide the sixty votes required to move the bill forward. As of the writing, however, the full details of the compromise have not been made public, and no legislative text has been published for open review.

Majority Leader Reid, we ask that you publish the full legislative text of the compromise immediately, and furthermore, to delay any vote on the bill for at least five days following publication. The American public deserves time to read and understand the substance of this critical legislation, and to express their views to their Senators.

Mr. President, you have pledged that once legislation is passed by Congress, it will be placed online for public review for five days before your signature. In the same spirit, we ask you to add your voice to those encouraging Majority Leader Reid to publish this compromise bill and to allow time for public review during the critical period before the Senate votes.

The American public is watching, and we hope that you both will take these crucial steps to allow citizens to fully understand and participate in the workings of their government.

Sincerely,

...

[bullypulpit]

42% of the package consisting of "tax-cuts" and the GOP still refuses to play. The GOP seems more interested in obstruction than action, especially considering all of these fiscal conservatives were nowhere to be seen during the 8 years of the Bush administration.

[red states rule]

42% of the package consisting of "tax-cuts" and the GOP still refuses to play. The GOP seems more interested in obstruction than action, especially considering all of these fiscal conservatives were nowhere to be seen during the 8 years of the Bush administration.

and the Dems who still do not like all the pork? Are they more interested in obstruction than action?

$5 billion to ACORN? Yep, a real job creator there BP

[Kathianne]

42% of the package consisting of "tax-cuts" and the GOP still refuses to play. The GOP seems more interested in obstruction than action, especially considering all of these fiscal conservatives were nowhere to be seen during the 8 years of the Bush administration.

What do you have against letting the people see the bill in its new form, just as Obama promised, for 5 days?

[bullypulpit]

and the Dems who still do not like all the pork? Are they more interested in obstruction than action?

$5 billion to ACORN? Yep, a real job creator there BP

Guess what Red...the money for ACORN...A fabrication of right wong punditocracy. So much for your critical thinking skills, not that you've ever displayed any here.

[red states rule]

Guess what Red...the money for ACORN...A fabrication of right wong punditocracy. So much for your critical thinking skills, not that you've ever displayed any here.

Once again BP you make it way to easy


The Democrat's Job Creation" Bill Offers Taxpayer-Funded Bonanza for Organization Reportedly Under Federal Investigation

Washington, Jan 23 - The House Democrats’ trillion dollar spending bill, approved on January 21 by the Appropriations Committee and headed to the House floor next week for a vote, could open billions of taxpayer dollars to left-wing groups like the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN). ACORN has been accused of perpetrating voter registration fraud numerous times in the last several elections; is reportedly under federal investigation; and played a key role in the irresponsible schemes that caused a financial meltdown that has cost American taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars since last fall.

House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and other Republicans are asking a simple question: what does this have to do with job creation? Are Congressional Democrats really going to borrow money from our children and grandchildren to give handouts to ACORN in the name of economic “stimulus?”

Incredibly, the Democrats’ bill makes groups like ACORN eligible for a $4.19 billion pot of money for “neighborhood stabilization activities.” Funds for this purpose were authorized in the Housing and Economic Recovery Act, signed into law in 2008. However, these funds were limited to state and local governments. Now House Democrats are taking the unprecedented step of making ACORN and other groups eligible for these funds:


“For a further additional amount for ‘Community Development Fund,’ $4,190,000,000, to be used for neighborhood stabilization activities related to emergency assistance for the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes as authorized under division B, title III of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–289), of which—

“(1) not less than $3,440,000,000 shall be allocated by a competition for which eligible entities shall be States, units of general local government, and nonprofit entities or consortia of nonprofit entities[.]”

“(2) up to $750,000,000 shall be awarded by competition to nonprofit entities or consortia of nonprofit entities to provide community stabilization assistance […]”
The House Democrats’ trillion dollar spending bill also includes $1 billion for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. CDBG funds are given by the federal government to state and local governments which often contract with nonprofits for services related to the purpose of the grant.

This is what democrats call "jump-starting" the economy.


http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2009/01/surprise-dems-stimulus-package-is.html

[bullypulpit]

What do you have against letting the people see the bill in its new form, just as Obama promised, for 5 days?

Nothing at all. But it's obvious that the GOP doesn't want the bill to succeed. For it to do so would crush their only remaining argument...That government can't work. And they've done everything they can since the Reagan era to see to it that government doesn't work.

[red states rule]

Nothing at all. But it's obvious that the GOP doesn't want the bill to succeed. For it to do so would crush their only remaining argument...That government can't work. And they've done everything they can since the Reagan era to see to it that government doesn't work.

So if the bill passes with little or no Republican support and the economy continues to tank - who will you blame?

I do not see how pork and increased welfare payments will provide longterm economic stimulus and create permanent jobs

[Kathianne]

Nothing at all. But it's obvious that the GOP doesn't want the bill to succeed. For it to do so would crush their only remaining argument...That government can't work. And they've done everything they can since the Reagan era to see to it that government doesn't work.

He said he would do that with all revenue bills, so the people have a chance to read and be heard. Clearly most won't, but many will. Seems one good way to get some input into government.

[red states rule]

The Senate bill is nearing $1 trillion and Harry Reid says Dems did not get everything they wanted

What the hell is not in the bill that Dems wanted?


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[bullypulpit]

Once again BP you make it way to easy


The Democrat's Job Creation" Bill Offers Taxpayer-Funded Bonanza for Organization Reportedly Under Federal Investigation

Washington, Jan 23 - The House Democrats’ trillion dollar spending bill, approved on January 21 by the Appropriations Committee and headed to the House floor next week for a vote, could open billions of taxpayer dollars to left-wing groups like the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN). ACORN has been accused of perpetrating voter registration fraud numerous times in the last several elections; is reportedly under federal investigation; and played a key role in the irresponsible schemes that caused a financial meltdown that has cost American taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars since last fall.

House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and other Republicans are asking a simple question: what does this have to do with job creation? Are Congressional Democrats really going to borrow money from our children and grandchildren to give handouts to ACORN in the name of economic “stimulus?”

Incredibly, the Democrats’ bill makes groups like ACORN eligible for a $4.19 billion pot of money for “neighborhood stabilization activities.” Funds for this purpose were authorized in the Housing and Economic Recovery Act, signed into law in 2008. However, these funds were limited to state and local governments. Now House Democrats are taking the unprecedented step of making ACORN and other groups eligible for these funds:


“For a further additional amount for ‘Community Development Fund,’ $4,190,000,000, to be used for neighborhood stabilization activities related to emergency assistance for the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes as authorized under division B, title III of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–289), of which—

“(1) not less than $3,440,000,000 shall be allocated by a competition for which eligible entities shall be States, units of general local government, and nonprofit entities or consortia of nonprofit entities[.]”

“(2) up to $750,000,000 shall be awarded by competition to nonprofit entities or consortia of nonprofit entities to provide community stabilization assistance […]”
The House Democrats’ trillion dollar spending bill also includes $1 billion for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. CDBG funds are given by the federal government to state and local governments which often contract with nonprofits for services related to the purpose of the grant.

This is what democrats call "jump-starting" the economy.


http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2009/01/surprise-dems-stimulus-package-is.html

Red...Please...think before you type.

<blockquote>The bill does include funds for which ACORN would be eligible to compete - against hundreds of other groups. But most is for a housing rehabilitation program ACORN says it never applied for in the past and won't in the future. - <a href=http://www.factcheck.org/askfactcheck/does_the_stimulus_bill_include_a_52.html>FactCheck.org</a></blockquote>

<blockquote>Parroting GOP talking points, Rush Limbaugh falsely claimed $4.19 billion of President Barack Obama's economic recovery package "is going to ACORN." In fact, the bill does not mention ACORN or otherwise single it out for funding. - <a href=http://mediamatters.org/items/200901270015?f=s_search> MediaMatters.org</a></blockquote>

You're just another parrot Red.

[red states rule]

Red...Please...think before you type.

<blockquote>The bill does include funds for which ACORN would be eligible to compete - against hundreds of other groups. But most is for a housing rehabilitation program ACORN says it never applied for in the past and won't in the future. - <a href=http://www.factcheck.org/askfactcheck/does_the_stimulus_bill_include_a_52.html>FactCheck.org</a></blockquote>

<blockquote>Parroting GOP talking points, Rush Limbaugh falsely claimed $4.19 billion of President Barack Obama's economic recovery package "is going to ACORN." In fact, the bill does not mention ACORN or otherwise single it out for funding. - <a href=http://mediamatters.org/items/200901270015?f=s_search> MediaMatters.org</a></blockquote>

You're just another parrot Red.

I only posted language from the bill BP.

“For a further additional amount for ‘Community Development Fund,’ $4,190,000,000, to be used for neighborhood stabilization activities related to emergency assistance for the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes as authorized under division B, title III of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–289), of which—

“(1) not less than $3,440,000,000 shall be allocated by a competition for which eligible entities shall be States, units of general local government, and nonprofit entities or consortia of nonprofit entities[.]”

“(2) up to $750,000,000 shall be awarded by competition to nonprofit entities or consortia of nonprofit entities to provide community stabilization assistance […]”
The House Democrats’ trillion dollar spending bill also includes $1 billion for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. CDBG funds are given by the federal government to state and local governments which often contract with nonprofits for services related to the purpose of the grant.


Not a credible source eh? :laugh2:

[bullypulpit]

I only posted language from the bill BP.

“For a further additional amount for ‘Community Development Fund,’ $4,190,000,000, to be used for neighborhood stabilization activities related to emergency assistance for the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes as authorized under division B, title III of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–289), of which—

“(1) not less than $3,440,000,000 shall be allocated by a competition for which eligible entities shall be States, units of general local government, and nonprofit entities or consortia of nonprofit entities[.]”

“(2) up to $750,000,000 shall be awarded by competition to nonprofit entities or consortia of nonprofit entities to provide community stabilization assistance […]”
The House Democrats’ trillion dollar spending bill also includes $1 billion for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. CDBG funds are given by the federal government to state and local governments which often contract with nonprofits for services related to the purpose of the grant.


Not a credible source eh? :laugh2:

And, didja notice Red...? Not once was ACORN mentioned. It's just another fig-leaf the GOP is using in their effort to undermine the stimulus package. The accusations from the right that ACORN would be seem to have originated from John "The Boner" Boehner (R-OH) in releases from his office on 1/23 and 1/26.

<blockquote>The false claim is based on a misrepresentation of a provision that would appropriate $4,190,000,000 "for neighborhood stabilization activities related to emergency assistance for the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes." The bill would require that money be distributed through competitive processes and states that "not less than $3,440,000,000 shall be allocated by a competition" to "States, units of general local government, and nonprofit entities or consortia of nonprofit entities." It also provides that "up to $750,000,000 shall be awarded by competition to nonprofit entities or consortia of nonprofit entities to provide community stabilization assistance."... - <a href=>MediaMatters.org</a></blockquote>

You notice Red, the emphasis is on "false". Get over it...Parrot.

[red states rule]

And, didja notice Red...? Not once was ACORN mentioned. It's just another fig-leaf the GOP is using in their effort to undermine the stimulus package. The accusations from the right that ACORN would be seem to have originated from John "The Boner" Boehner (R-OH) in releases from his office on 1/23 and 1/26.

<blockquote>The false claim is based on a misrepresentation of a provision that would appropriate $4,190,000,000 "for neighborhood stabilization activities related to emergency assistance for the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes." The bill would require that money be distributed through competitive processes and states that "not less than $3,440,000,000 shall be allocated by a competition" to "States, units of general local government, and nonprofit entities or consortia of nonprofit entities." It also provides that "up to $750,000,000 shall be awarded by competition to nonprofit entities or consortia of nonprofit entities to provide community stabilization assistance."... - <a href=>MediaMatters.org</a></blockquote>

You notice Red, the emphasis is on "false". Get over it...Parrot.

Another source:

According to Matthew Vadum of the Capitol Research Center, the stimulus package now under consideration includes:


$1 billion stashed away in Community Development Block Grant money that ACORN often vies for successfully.


$10 million to develop or refurbish low-income housing, a specialty of ACORN’s.


$4.19 billion to stave off foreclosures via the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. Vadum states the current version of the bill would allow nonprofits to compete with cities and states for $3.44 billion of the money. Some $750 million, however, would be exclusively reserved for nonprofits such as ACORN, which is actually an umbrella organization for over 100 progressive organizations.

Regarding the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, Vadum writes in American Spectator: “Although ACORN operatives usually get their hands on such funds only after they have first passed through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or state and local governments, the new spending bill largely eliminates these dawdling middle men, making it easier to get Uncle Sam's largess directly into the hands of the same people who run ACORN's various vote fraud and extortion rackets. And the legislative package provides these funds without the usual prohibition on using government money for lobbying or political activities.”

The charges of partisan political payback appear to be resonating in part due to Obama’s longstanding association with partisan get-out-the-vote operations. He was endorsed by ACORN, and during the campaign paid an ACORN affiliate $832,600 to get-out-the-vote assistance. Early in his career, he led a voter drive for an ACORN-affiliated group called Project Vote.

It’s not the first time ACORN has been entangled in a bailout controversy. In September, House Republicans objected that the original $700 billion bailout package included $100 million for ACORN – a tiny fraction of the sums for ACORN now being considered in the stimulus package.

http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/obama_bailout_bill/2009/01/27/175729.html?s=al&promo_code=78E4-1

[bullypulpit]

Another source:

According to Matthew Vadum of the Capitol Research Center, the stimulus package now under consideration includes:


$1 billion stashed away in Community Development Block Grant money that ACORN often vies for successfully.


$10 million to develop or refurbish low-income housing, a specialty of ACORN’s.


$4.19 billion to stave off foreclosures via the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. Vadum states the current version of the bill would allow nonprofits to compete with cities and states for $3.44 billion of the money. Some $750 million, however, would be exclusively reserved for nonprofits such as ACORN, which is actually an umbrella organization for over 100 progressive organizations.

Regarding the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, Vadum writes in American Spectator: “Although ACORN operatives usually get their hands on such funds only after they have first passed through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or state and local governments, the new spending bill largely eliminates these dawdling middle men, making it easier to get Uncle Sam's largess directly into the hands of the same people who run ACORN's various vote fraud and extortion rackets. And the legislative package provides these funds without the usual prohibition on using government money for lobbying or political activities.”

The charges of partisan political payback appear to be resonating in part due to Obama’s longstanding association with partisan get-out-the-vote operations. He was endorsed by ACORN, and during the campaign paid an ACORN affiliate $832,600 to get-out-the-vote assistance. Early in his career, he led a voter drive for an ACORN-affiliated group called Project Vote.

It’s not the first time ACORN has been entangled in a bailout controversy. In September, House Republicans objected that the original $700 billion bailout package included $100 million for ACORN – a tiny fraction of the sums for ACORN now being considered in the stimulus package.

http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/obama_bailout_bill/2009/01/27/175729.html?s=al&promo_code=78E4-1

Polly wanna cracker...? :laugh2:

[red states rule]

Polly wanna cracker...? :laugh2:

Your debate skills are improving BP


Package laden with kickbacks to friends
In case you are wondering why Republicans opposed the stimulus, let me give you just a few things I took issue with personally.

For the record the Wall Street Journal said "about 12 cents of every $1, is for something that can plausibly be considered a growth stimulus."

- $4 billion for ACORN, who have yet to be prosecuted for voter fraud in Ohio despite more than 8,700 suspected cases of fraud and multiple people admitting to being paid to register twice.

- $600 million for new cars for the government.

- $6 billion for private universities but, oddly enough, page 257 states, "No recipient . . . shall use such funds to provide financial assistance to students to attend private elementary or secondary schools." God forbid a poor person wishes to send their kid to a school of their choice.

- $2.4 billion for carbon- capture demonstrations - not facilities, just demonstrations.

It should come as no surprise the only businesses getting bailouts are those whose unions gave money to Obama's campaign. Oddly, the majority of public transit that is receiving stimulus money - like Amtrak, which is receiving $1 billion, are ones with state and federal employee unions who, surprise, are big donors.

http://www.news-leader.com/article/20090207/OPINIONS/902070334/-1/rss