Republican Lawmakers don't care about you

[Jonbo298]

Ok, reading this article has irritated the living daylights out of me (I have better words to use but I'll refrain to keep the forum child safe).

Read this http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25078420/ and Page 2. What infuriates me the most is this paragraph on Page 2:

Shortly after the oil tax vote, Republicans blocked a second proposal that would extend tax breaks that have either expired or are scheduled to end this year for wind, solar and other alternative energy development, and for the promotion of energy efficiency and conservation. Again Democrats couldn’t get the 60 votes to overcome a GOP filibuster.

I can see why the windfall profit tax may not be the best solution. But blocking tax break extension for alternative energy? I hope all the people who voted against that get destroyed by the Earth. Then people will realize that the more you screw the planet, the more it's going to come back and haunt you. See - every recent major natural disaster. Earth is pissed.

Disagree with me on Earth getting pissed. It's just a conspiracy theory to some. The way I see it, we're destroying the planet, and the people voted in could care less.

[GameMaster]

I think this painfully, truthful sign expresses the solution to all our troubles.

[Jonbo298]

Good point. None of them care anyways. It's just Republicans doing this kind of tactic that really ticks me off.

[Angrist]

Caring too much about politics will drive you crazy.

[Professor S]

Based on the article that was written, I'd have to agree that tax breaks for alternative energy should have continued, and I believe, expanded on... but thats based on the article that was written, dripping with bias. What was with the mention of Meals on Wheels? It has nothing to due with the story they were telling, except to pull at the heart strings. Also, there is no entity known as "Big Oil", no matter how much they capilize the fake name.

I'm glad people can concede that a windfall profits tax would be a complete disaster. Trying to legislate a global commodity with national law makes absoluely no sense and its simly pandering and a continuation of class warfare. The truth is that Exxons executives own less than 1% of the company and over 50% is owned by retirement funds and pension plans. In hurting their profits we hurt ourselves.

Plus, such a tax shows a complete misunderstanding of how oil companies make money. Oil is a volatile commodity, and like any company that deals in volatile commodities, they base their profits on a fixed profit margin and I believe Exxon's is between 8-10%. The money that Exxon is making is based on increased demand and sales volume, not gouging.

I will agree that we need to eliminate tax breaks for oil companies, but not because of their profits, but because those breaks are intended to spur research and development... and our congress won't allow them to do so. They are essentially banned from drilling in the continental shelf or pretty much anywhere in the US due to governmental restrictions. This is absurd and self-destructive, but a reality, and if they can'r R&D then they don't need the breaks.

As for tax breaks for alternative energy, I'm all for it, but I'd like to see a little more analysis of the bill that the republicans blocked. Something tells me there were a few earmarks and riders attached to that bill that caused it's rejection, because otherwise it makes no sense politically for them to vote against it. If there are no riders, well I'll unregister as a republican and return as a conservative independent (I was planning on doing so after this election anyway).

And calm down about the planet destruction thing. I agree that we need to be better conservationists, such hysteria only alienates people from the message.

[Dyne]

Originally Posted by Angrist

Caring too much about politics will drive you crazy.

This is true.

[Professor S]

For anyone who cares, I found out why the Republicans blocked the bill: They wanted to attach a rider that would open the continental shelf and other areas to drilling.

While I agree we should be drilling and exploiting every avenue we have to bridge the energy gap between current energy and the future of energy, this is NOT the way to go about it. We need to stop trying to barter legislation. This is not about quid fucking pro quo. This is about doing whats right and not continuing the cycle of doing NOTHING because every bill becomes a PISSING CONTEST on both sides of the isle.

Investing in alternative energy should be discussed and passed on its own merits, just as sensible and responsible drilling and coal gassification should be discussed and passed on its own merits.

[Jonbo298]

Democrats tried attaching it or Republicans? If the Republicans were trying to attach it, why filibuster? Because they didn't get what they want?

[Professor S]

Originally Posted by Jonbo298

Democrats tried attaching it or Republicans? If the Republicans were trying to attach it, why filibuster? Because they didn't get what they want?

Its a pissing contest. Republicans are doing everything they can to open energy exploration in the US and they think that trying this tit-for-tat crap is going to get them it. Realistically, they know its not going to work, but they know that the Dems will block it and they want to be able to say "Democrats are making gas expensive" next election. The Dems did the same thing before when it came to war funding bills and the like. Dems promoted war funding bills that came with unrealistic Iraq pull-out plans knowing that they would be vetoed or filibustered, simply for the excuse to say "Republicans are warmongers and are stopping us from ending the war!!"

Law making is no longer about what is right for the country, it is about what will gain power, because in the minds of our lawmakers power equals good.

Meanwhile or legislature has a 13% approval rate, and they wonder why... I swear I'm ready to move to Australia...

[Jonbo298]

Ahh I see. Thanks, makes much more sense.

[Jason1]

Republicans suck.

[Angrist]

What's the use of such a post? Sure, it's ok to have a political opinion, but you'll have to agree that "Republicans suck" is just a plain insult. You don't explain why, you don't open the discussion... It makes you look like a 12 year old kid...

[Professor S]

Originally Posted by Angrist

What's the use of such a post? Sure, it's ok to have a political opinion, but you'll have to agree that "Republicans suck" is just a plain insult. You don't explain why, you don't open the discussion... It makes you look like a 12 year old kid...

I've found its best to not even consider Jason1 when it comes to politics. For some reason he loses about 50 IQ points any time someone mentions "Bush" or "Republican".

[Jason1]

I just dont feel like I really should have to "explain" myself. Look at how far downhill the country has gone sinse Bush took office. To any person with half a brain, it should be painfully obvious why Republicans suck, Bush especially.

[Professor S]

Originally Posted by Jason1

I just dont feel like I really should have to "explain" myself.

Then I don't feel like I really should have to "consider" your opinion. Fair enough?