Why is it that doing the obvious is broken down by party lines? - Machine Underground -Tractor & Commercial Equipment Discussion Forum

**Ducati996** · 08-01-2008, 05:08 PM

Congress is gone, but Republicans won't leave

By JIM ABRAMS – 43 minutes ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — The last House vote before a vacation usually sparks a stampede toward the doors and waiting planes. Not so Friday, when Republicans occupied the House floor for a rare, and at times bizarre, protest against Democratic energy policies.
The microphones were off, the House had stopped TV feeds to C-Span and the lights dimmed after the pre-noon vote to adjourn for the August recess. That didn't deter Republicans, who one after another rose to demand that Congress stay in session until it does something about high gas prices.
Unlike a normal session where the rules of decorum are strictly enforced, GOP lawmakers and their aides who filled the chamber clapped, chanted, gave standing ovations and booed the Democrats.
"Madame Speaker, where art thou?" shouted out Rep. Ted Poe, R-Texas, in a glancing rhetorical shot at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. "Where oh where has Congress gone?"
It was a rare treat for tourists. Republicans invited many, in their shorts and sandals, into the chamber, usually strictly off-limits, to better hear the revivalist-like speeches.
Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., one of the organizers of the protest, said up to 40 of his fellow Republicans were prepared to keep the talk-in going. "I am prepared to stay here as long as we can," he said.

Republicans are angry that Democrats blocked them from a vote on allowing more off-shore oil drilling and increasing domestic oil supplies.

Democrats have faulted Republicans for obstructing their efforts to stop market speculation, press oil companies to develop the leases they have and force the president to release oil from the strategic petroleum reserve. The result is that Congress is leaving town without a comprehensive energy bill.

Now the messed up part is taken as a combined whole it will do lots of good and it should be presented as one package and pass - why is it a party line thing? unbelievable

Deanster · 08-01-2008, 05:32 PM

Theater.

We are living with the results of the Republican energy policy. They complained in the 2000 election that we had no energy policy. They had the Presidency and a rubber-stamp congress. They enacted their energy policy (with the exception of ANWR). Today we live with the results of their energy policy.

Nothing will change until gridlock is broken and the Democrats have a super majority. We've seen what the Republicans did with their power. Now lets see what the Dems do.

**Ducati996** · 08-01-2008, 05:46 PM

If the meat pickles would just combine the proposals (its exactly what needs to be done), they would redeem themselves before the elections.

Not exactly sure why they are lumped in one party or the other and why its not shared by both....dont get that ( I do actually) but its just stupid.
being an obstructionist should be grounds for dismissal -

**gunmaker** · 08-01-2008, 08:27 PM

Common Sense, Ehh!!

Mark / Ohio · 08-02-2008, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunmaker

Common Sense, Ehh!!

Yep, I also find it hard to accept that he is really gone. Maybe an unknown child of his born out of wedlock will show up in the future to save us.

Wheely_boy · 08-02-2008, 07:33 AM

I'd like to hear what the oil company geologists have to say about where the oil should come from. My guess is if the current leases they hold would produce a ton of oil, they would be all over it. I wouldn't be suprised if ANWR and off shore drilling is too expensive and if passed they wouldn't persue it anyways.
I think it is all a bunch of BS.
Nancy Pelosi said it herself that the high oil proces are going to help save the planet. The oil companies are raking in record profits for no extra effort. The middle east producers are getting super rich. The latter two need to be real careful because if they keep prices really high, they will kill the golden goose. Congress will not do anything unless they sence they might get thrown out.

**Ducati996** · 08-02-2008, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wheely_boy

I'd like to hear what the oil company geologists have to say about where the oil should come from. My guess is if the current leases they hold would produce a ton of oil, they would be all over it. I wouldn't be suprised if ANWR and off shore drilling is too expensive and if passed they wouldn't persue it anyways.
I think it is all a bunch of BS.
Nancy Pelosi said it herself that the high oil proces are going to help save the planet. The oil companies are raking in record profits for no extra effort. The middle east producers are getting super rich. The latter two need to be real careful because if they keep prices really high, they will kill the golden goose. Congress will not do anything unless they sence they might get thrown out.

Im under the impression that the leased land shows on their books - and its favorable to not do anything with the land - even if it has the reserves.

Mickey · 08-02-2008, 01:48 PM

There is more to the story than initially posted. http://www.politico.com/blogs/thecry...g.html?showall

We now inport about 70% (what I heard earlier this week) of the oil we consume. Think the domestic oil Co's would like to have a bigger percentage than they now do?

Also noted yesterday BM changing his tune, somewhat, now says he'd support some off-shore drilling if it came with other measures to become self sufficient. Don't know any opposition to becoming self sufficient along with developing alt energy sources.

As I've mentioned before, why is no one concerned over the billions upon billions of $$ we send to OPEC? Money not available for spending in our economy and considerable amount of this money heading out is being used to defeat us.

As for Congress, a pox on both parties. In addition to the events of yesterday, you know not one appropriation bill passed? New fiscal yr began yesterday, where is the tax money coming from? Personally would enjoy if majority of Fed spending fell by the wayside.

**irwin** · 08-02-2008, 05:06 PM

Now I know this can't happen..and I would not want it to, for obvious national defense reasons.

What would happen if the Dept. of Defense was shut off. They were banned from getting any petroleum fuels. I wonder how long it would take before an acceptable manmade or alternative fuel was successfully developed. Just been thinking how many great achievements came from R&D for our armed forces out of necessity. If we made it necessary for them to find another fuel............

**PaulChristenson** · 08-02-2008, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mickey

We now inport about 70% (what I heard earlier this week) of the oil we consume. Think the domestic oil Co's would like to have a bigger percentage than they now do?

Which domestic oil company did you have in mind?...