One more post about Congress before they leave for their 5 week break. On Friday they voted for the 40th time to repeal the Affordable Care Act/Obamacare. You do know why they continue to schedule these votes, don’t you? Since the Senate is controlled by the Democrats the bill won’t get beyond the House but that doesn’t matter to Speaker Boehner. The reason for having all these votes is to allow new members of Congress to vote on repealing the health care law so they can talk about curbing big government spending when they start campaigning for re-election. Isn’t that great? You, the taxpayer pays for their time as well as keeping the Capitol open, the staff, security and whatever else it costs while Congress continues doing nothing.
Category: politics
Congress goes on 5 week recess
Well, guess what? Congress has yet again recessed for an extended break, this time for almost the entire month of August. Ezra Klein from the Washington Post writes in defense of this regular practice, saying that the fact Congress members go home to meet with their constituents isn’t the problem, but what they do while in session is. Fair enough, but I’m pretty sure they spend most of their time meeting with contributor$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
Manning found not guilty of aiding the enemy
Bradley Manning was found not guilty yesterday of the most serious charge, aiding the enemy. However, he was found guilty of several charges of espionage. The sentencing hearing begins today and Manning faces over 100 years in prison.
Bradley Manning verdict today
Today a military judge will rule on the Bradley Manning Wikileaks case. If Private Manning is convicted on the “aiding the enemy” charge, he could face life without the chance of parole in a military prison. Regardless if you feel Manning is guilty or innocent, this could have a serious impact on investigative journalism and how much we know about what our government is doing. It’s a big deal.
More Weiner
There’s something wrong when I, as a cartoonist, feel I shouldn’t comment on the latest Anthony Weiner scandal. The reason for this is because the so-called news media seems to think sexting is the most important story (and the royal baby) this morning rather than minor issues like what the NSA is up to or what Congress is doing to America (which is sort of what Weiner is doing).
Helen Thomas 1920 -2013
Journalist Helen Thomas died yesterday at the age of 92. A tenacious and outspoken trailblazer for many young female reporters, Thomas covered the White House for over fifty years. Her career unfortunately ended in controversy but I will forever remember and thank her for this exchange with then White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan. If only all journalists approached their jobs like Helen did. 