Provoked to Party...as in Tea Party

The passage of the so-called Stimulus Bill has sparked outrage in average citizens who have been otherwise disengaged and disconnected from the political process and Washington, D.C. At a time when so many are struggling with the loss of employment, the debate raged as to what course to take to improve, stabilize, and resolve an economic crisis that is touching nearly every one of us.

We had barely become aware of the financial instability of insurance companies, banks, and the auto industry. Before we knew it, T.A.R.P. funds were being distributed, stimulus packages were being introduced, “recovery efforts” and re-investment and infrastructure projects were being voted on at a record pace.

In February, the House and Senate agreed to passage of the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009” (HR 1). According to a memo from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), federal budget deficits will be increased by $787 billion over the next ten years (2009-2019). http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/99xx/doc9989/hr1conference.pdf

This figure is igniting a passion in people I have never witnessed. It begs the question will raising taxes and distributing tax revenue make us a prosperous nation? In exchange for taking our money and lowering OUR standard of living, are we being given a guarantee that banks, insurance companies, and the auto industry will return to stability?

What followed in March was the $410 billion Omnibus Appropriations Act. I didn’t know until just now as I’m reading the “2009 Congressional Pig Book Summary” that every earmark is required to be identified with the requesting member’s name – yet, out of 10,160 projects, there are 221 anonymous projects worth $7.8 billion. Yes, I DID say 10,160 projects…as in “pork barrel” projects, or earmarks as they like to call them these days.

If you’re feeling robbed and cheated and betrayed by those in Washington, D.C. that we have trusted to represent us, I highly recommend reading the Pig Book. At least scan it for recognizable names so you’ll know who to contact when you’re fed up that $254,000 is appropriated to the Montana Sheep Institute…or $1,791,000 is allocated for swine odor and manure management in Ames, Iowa…or here’s one that will really hit home with locals - $1,762,000 for a honey bee lab in Weslaco, Texas. Look it up then investigate the requesting members’ voting records on other issues.

The U.S. Congress Votes Database is detailed and comprehensive, allowing you to view every vote since 1991. You can search for your members of Congress and in turn, link to biographical information, their official website, financial disclosure report, key votes, as well as their complete voting record. Who missed votes, and who has perfect voting records? View voting records by House, Senate or Bill, or by type (nominations, speaker elections, treaties, impeachments, etc.).

Additional – Senate Voting Records and House Voting Records

It is our duty to first of all, be involved, know our facts, and form our opinions; and second of all, to be aware of how our elected officials stand on the issues that affect our lives. Communicate to them how you want them to vote and hold them accountable when they claim to stand for something but back down and don’t keep their word. To reach them, find National and State Representatives by clicking on the “Elected Representatives” link on the Home Page.

~ Kellie Garrett
http://conservalues.blogspot.com