Friday, January 30, 2009

Stimulation Negation

A piece in Slate discussing why opposing the stimulus was good politics for the GOP:
http://www.slate.com/id/2210082/

I get it that they have to be seen to be resisting Big Government Spending while resisting the Obama Juggernaut. But is now the time for politics? Our economy is headed off a cliff and Boehner's main priority is dick-swinging? I say we play politics right back by respectfully deleting--where possible--any stimulus programs that may accrue to the districts of those voting no. Because, let's be honest with ourselves, we don't as a nation truly oppose Big Government Spending. We simply oppose it when it's not being spent on projects we like. In any case, something has to be done, and I am all for Trying Something, rather than getting all ideological at a time when we need pragmatism. I mean, hello GOP, you can't really benefit from a tax cut IF YOU DON'T HAVE A FREAKIN' JOB!!!

Update: Looks like the Dems are fighting back. This from Washington Monthly:

Pushing back against the unanimous House Republican vote against President Obama’s stimulus plan, the White House plans to release state-by-state job figures “so we can put a number on what folks voted for an against,” an administration aide said.

“It’s clear the Republicans who voted against the stimulus represent constituents who will be stunned to learn their member of Congress voted against [saving or] creating 4 million jobs,” the aide said.

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said the lawmakers will have to answer to their constituents.

“I do believe that there will be people in districts all over the country that will wonder why, when there’s a good bill to get the economy moving again, why we still seem to be playing political gotcha," Gibbs said.

And later today, MoveOn, Americans United for Change, AFSCME and SEIU will be announcing a new ad campaign targeting moderate Republican senators who might support the stimulus — Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine, Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Charles Grassley of Iowa.

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