"I don't kid people," Stevens roared. "If the Senate decides to discriminate against our state . . . I will resign from this body."
now, you might ask, how is Alaska being discriminated against? Is the federal government taking their right to vote? Is the federal government selling Alaska back to Russia? No. It is asking for pork barrel projects to be cut to help offset Katrina costs.
While I normally disagree with the man, Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), introduced an amendment that would take all of the pork out of the transportation bill to pay for reconstruction in the Gulf Coast. I do applaud him for this effort.
What exactly is Stevens going to resign over? The $453 million for two Alaska bridges to "nowhere." That is right, nowhere. The two bridges would connect a total of 8053 people. 8053 people. One would connect an island of 23 to the main land. The other would connect a city of 8000 to a city of 50.
The good people of Alaska support giving the money back:
"This money, a gift from the people of Alaska, will represent more than just material aid; it will be a symbol for our beleaguered democracy," reads a typical letter to the Anchorage Daily News.
But when House Rep Don Young was asked to give back the money that would build a bridge to be named after him, he said:
"They can kiss my ear! That is the dumbest thing I've ever heard,"
Unfortunately, the amendment went down 82-12, meaning there was bipartisan greed going on.
For a Senate Foe of Pork Barrel Spending, Two Bridges Too Far
4 comments:
Dingo, the weekend is almost here. Why did you have to go and post this and get me all pissed off on a Friday afternoon?
"A gift from the people of Alaska?????" Let's take a close look at that gift. From 1998-2005, during the previous federal transportation bill, Alaska received $6.08 for every dollar they generated in gas tax revenue. As for the people of Louisiana, they received only 90 cents for every dollar. The rate of return for my state, Florida, was only 86 cents. And the new federal bill, SAFETEA-LU (which is named after Don Young's wife, Lu - I'm not kidding,) didn't do much to improve equity. So, as you can see, the people of Louisiana and many other states having been giving gifts to the people of Alaska for many years. Mr. Young, THAT is the dumbest thing I've ever heard!
Just trying to get your juices flowing so you can take the Mrs. out for a swinging night on the town.
A great post, Dingo.
Looking at the 82-18 count should teach us all a lesson.
Really, the Able Danger thing is the same. It's politicians putting theirselves ahead of the country's welfare.
Isn't Boomr's idea of a third party looking better and better?
Alaska is potentially one of the richest states. With its resources, it can possibly help in solving any oil crisis. However, due to the small arable land and sparse population, no big thing has yet to happen. The efforts of the leaders need to commended, but something has to be done in realizing the potentials of Alaska.
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