In a meeting with the Algiers Point Association, Justin Augustine, VP of Veolie Transportation announced the Algiers-Canal street ferry hours of operations would be extended from 6am to 10pm Monday thru Friday beginning July 1. Justin also noted state senator David Heitmeier and city councilwoman Nadine Ramsey secured the funding for the next two years of operation.
This writers recent commentary on the subject matter pointed out that funding should have been in place when the tolls were removed from the bridge so there would be no interrupted hours of the ferry service. The people of Algiers suffered thru that reduced service for almost one full year. Many thanks to Mr. Heitmeier and Ms. Ramsey for securing the needed funds.
Justin Augustine also said they will be working to extend weekend hours in the future for ferry services and will work for improved service as well as new ferry boats. He also said the company is committed to the service of the Algiers-Canal street ferry system. The extended hours is great news for the people of Algiers, especially those who use the ferry in their daily lives. Lets hope it is just the first step in a viable transportation system for pedestrians that fits into the life styles of the people who have used the service since 1827.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
The U.S. Senate Votes To Improve Veteran Administrations Health Services
The U.S. Senate approved a Veterans Administration health care bill 93-3. The bill would expand for Veterans health care services including private doctors, shorter wait time and a multitude of other health services that have been in the news lately. The CBO estimates the bill will cost $35 billion over the next ten years and maybe more.
Republican representative Jeff Miller, chairman of the House Veterans Committee said the republicans will want offsets in the budget (cuts in other programs) to pay for the bill. The people should remember that it was President Bush who started the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq while the republican party controlled both houses of congress and paid for those wars with deficit spending and not budget cuts. They also passed a prescription drug benefit that they said would cost no more than $400 billion over 10 years but has already cost double that amount and was also paid for by deficit spending and not budget cuts.
The war in Afghanistan has already cost over $1 trillion and still counting. The war in Iraq also cost over $1 trillion. One war, the former was justified, the other was an unnecessary war over WMD that did not exist. Those two wars have placed 2 million more veterans into the VA system according to democratic U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee, who said our job is to make certain that every veteran in the country gets quality health care in a timely manner.
President Bush and the republican party saw no obstacle in spending over $3 trillion on the above wars and prescription drug benefit financed by deficit spending but now republicans in congress want budget cuts to fund a VA bill that is estimated to cost $35 billion. It is just another way for the republicans to obstruct needed legislation concerning the problems with the VA and confirms their unAmerican ideology of the double standard they practice. The democratic party has demonstrated in the past that democratic administrations are best at controlling federal spending, lowering the federal deficit, balancing the federal budget and the Obama administration is doing just that.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Republican representative Jeff Miller, chairman of the House Veterans Committee said the republicans will want offsets in the budget (cuts in other programs) to pay for the bill. The people should remember that it was President Bush who started the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq while the republican party controlled both houses of congress and paid for those wars with deficit spending and not budget cuts. They also passed a prescription drug benefit that they said would cost no more than $400 billion over 10 years but has already cost double that amount and was also paid for by deficit spending and not budget cuts.
The war in Afghanistan has already cost over $1 trillion and still counting. The war in Iraq also cost over $1 trillion. One war, the former was justified, the other was an unnecessary war over WMD that did not exist. Those two wars have placed 2 million more veterans into the VA system according to democratic U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee, who said our job is to make certain that every veteran in the country gets quality health care in a timely manner.
President Bush and the republican party saw no obstacle in spending over $3 trillion on the above wars and prescription drug benefit financed by deficit spending but now republicans in congress want budget cuts to fund a VA bill that is estimated to cost $35 billion. It is just another way for the republicans to obstruct needed legislation concerning the problems with the VA and confirms their unAmerican ideology of the double standard they practice. The democratic party has demonstrated in the past that democratic administrations are best at controlling federal spending, lowering the federal deficit, balancing the federal budget and the Obama administration is doing just that.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Republican U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor Defeated In Reelection Bid
The number two Republican in the U.S. House was defeated in Tuesday's congressional primary in Virginia. Tea party candidate David Brat, an economic professor received 55% of the vote to Cantor's 44%. The cable news networks interrupted their programs to broadcast the news which was described by their hosts and guests as "an earthquake; An apocalyptic moment for the GOP; Devastating loss" and other terms.
This writer does not believe any of those descriptions describe the outcome of the election. Politics always takes on the dramatic side because of the news media. We see that on the Sunday talk shows and in political debates. The defeat of Cantor does not change the balance of power in the republican controlled house because the tea party and the establishment republicans will still be of the mind set to obstruct President Obama's agenda. That was Cantor's role as majority leader and who ever takes over that position will continue that obstruction because John Boehner is still speaker of the house.
It was Cantor who has prevented bills that were passed in the U.S. Senate to be taken up in the House. The immigration bill is a good example. Some house democrats say they need only about 25 republican yes votes in the House and immigration would pass because the democrats would supply the majority yes votes and put the bill over the top. Democrats also say they have over 15 republican yes votes now and are working on obtaining more. That is one reason why Cantor will not bring up the immigration bill.
What would be an earthquake is if Cantor or his successor would bring up the immigration bill and enough republicans would vote with the democrats to pass it. That is not likely to happen because republicans, tea party or other wise are so far to the right and so ingrained in their unAmerican ideology they have disregarded the fundamentals of being an American first.
The news media said nothing that I can find about Cantor's speech to his supporters in acknowledging defeat when he said. Its disappointing, sure. But I believe in this country. I believe there's opportunity around the next corner for all of us. That is a positive statement about the country that is happening on President Obama's watch. Too bad Eric Cantor passed up so many oportunities to work with the President and make the country an even better place to live. He was in the right position to do so and failed the President, the country and its people. And that really says it all.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
This writer does not believe any of those descriptions describe the outcome of the election. Politics always takes on the dramatic side because of the news media. We see that on the Sunday talk shows and in political debates. The defeat of Cantor does not change the balance of power in the republican controlled house because the tea party and the establishment republicans will still be of the mind set to obstruct President Obama's agenda. That was Cantor's role as majority leader and who ever takes over that position will continue that obstruction because John Boehner is still speaker of the house.
It was Cantor who has prevented bills that were passed in the U.S. Senate to be taken up in the House. The immigration bill is a good example. Some house democrats say they need only about 25 republican yes votes in the House and immigration would pass because the democrats would supply the majority yes votes and put the bill over the top. Democrats also say they have over 15 republican yes votes now and are working on obtaining more. That is one reason why Cantor will not bring up the immigration bill.
What would be an earthquake is if Cantor or his successor would bring up the immigration bill and enough republicans would vote with the democrats to pass it. That is not likely to happen because republicans, tea party or other wise are so far to the right and so ingrained in their unAmerican ideology they have disregarded the fundamentals of being an American first.
The news media said nothing that I can find about Cantor's speech to his supporters in acknowledging defeat when he said. Its disappointing, sure. But I believe in this country. I believe there's opportunity around the next corner for all of us. That is a positive statement about the country that is happening on President Obama's watch. Too bad Eric Cantor passed up so many oportunities to work with the President and make the country an even better place to live. He was in the right position to do so and failed the President, the country and its people. And that really says it all.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Gun Violence In America
There was more gun violence today in America, this time at a high school in Oregon. Our schools, a place for learning has become a battleground that was once a safe place where a parent felt safe and confident their child could obtain a good education and learn how to interact with their peers.
The United States has failed to address the gun violence problem because it is treated as a divisive issue. No problem can be addressed adequately if it is treated as such. Abortion, Religion, Sex Orientation and Immigration are good examples. Special interest groups and many elected officials take delight in promoting divisive issues to paralize the process. Gun control debates take on a "me against them" attitude and nothing gets done.
Our country and its people experienced much less gun violence before the NRA came into being and much more gun violence since the NRA has become more political with their campaign contributions and the willingness of elected officials to allow them to write gun legislation. So the NRA and the second ammendent has no record of reducing gun violence.
When divisiveness gives way to common sense debate on this scourge on America, solutions will be found to make America safe again. There was no common sense debate when the George W. Bush administration allowed the assault weapons ban expire. It was a common sense ban that worked. And since it expired states have rushed to pass gun laws that allow people to carry concealed weapons into stores, churches and other places of gathering. That also has proven to be no answer to gun violence.
It should be noted that police chiefs across the United States supported the assault weapons ban.
One of the latest statement from the NRA that the answer to gun violence is "a good guy with a gun" has not worked either. It sounds macho, but the killings goes on. President Clinton put 100,000 extra police officers on the streets in our states and paid for it with federal funds. It worked and helped to reduce crime and gun violence. Law enforcement across the country lauded the President for his actions because it worked and they needed the help since their own cities and states could not afford to increase their police forces. The Bush administration ended the practice.
Makes no difference what problem or issue we face, the key to a better future is understanding the past. The greatest generation was not divided, they were united. It was a common sense time of being an American and what America stood for. We are a divided nation now controlled by special interest money and a news media that does not respect our democratic elections any more and who try to undermine the process with divisive issues and false scandals.
Yes, gun violence in America can be brought under control. There is a road map how to do so that is still alive in our past. Thinking man has to emerge once again and shut the door on those who promote the status quo of division and instead promote those common sense ideals that has made America great.
This commentary written by John Lucia
The United States has failed to address the gun violence problem because it is treated as a divisive issue. No problem can be addressed adequately if it is treated as such. Abortion, Religion, Sex Orientation and Immigration are good examples. Special interest groups and many elected officials take delight in promoting divisive issues to paralize the process. Gun control debates take on a "me against them" attitude and nothing gets done.
Our country and its people experienced much less gun violence before the NRA came into being and much more gun violence since the NRA has become more political with their campaign contributions and the willingness of elected officials to allow them to write gun legislation. So the NRA and the second ammendent has no record of reducing gun violence.
When divisiveness gives way to common sense debate on this scourge on America, solutions will be found to make America safe again. There was no common sense debate when the George W. Bush administration allowed the assault weapons ban expire. It was a common sense ban that worked. And since it expired states have rushed to pass gun laws that allow people to carry concealed weapons into stores, churches and other places of gathering. That also has proven to be no answer to gun violence.
It should be noted that police chiefs across the United States supported the assault weapons ban.
One of the latest statement from the NRA that the answer to gun violence is "a good guy with a gun" has not worked either. It sounds macho, but the killings goes on. President Clinton put 100,000 extra police officers on the streets in our states and paid for it with federal funds. It worked and helped to reduce crime and gun violence. Law enforcement across the country lauded the President for his actions because it worked and they needed the help since their own cities and states could not afford to increase their police forces. The Bush administration ended the practice.
Makes no difference what problem or issue we face, the key to a better future is understanding the past. The greatest generation was not divided, they were united. It was a common sense time of being an American and what America stood for. We are a divided nation now controlled by special interest money and a news media that does not respect our democratic elections any more and who try to undermine the process with divisive issues and false scandals.
Yes, gun violence in America can be brought under control. There is a road map how to do so that is still alive in our past. Thinking man has to emerge once again and shut the door on those who promote the status quo of division and instead promote those common sense ideals that has made America great.
This commentary written by John Lucia
Monday, June 9, 2014
Sgt. Bergdahl Will Have To Answer To The Military
U.S. Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, POW in Afghanistan has already been convicted by the Fox News Network and some inside and outside of congress who will do anything to wound the President. Rushing to judgement with out knowing the facts is SOP for their kind of politics.
The military brass are interviewing Bergdahl to try and determine just what happened and that is where it has to start. All military people have to answer to the Uniform Code Of Military Justice which authorizes the right to try Sgt Bergdahl in this case if he indeed violated that code. John McCain and Lindsey Graham know that but still act like they are ignorant with their childish comments. McCain has already flip flopped on the issue when it was pointed out he earlier approved the swap with the 5 taliban POW's.
President Obama is not the first President to swap POW's and he won't be the last. You would never think that if one listens to the right wingers who says he has no authority to do so. Like Benghazi, Sgt. Bergdahl has become a political football to be kicked around by those who have nothing better to do than promote divisive issues to detract from their own failures. There was a story in Sunday's paper that said Bergdahl's whole outfit in Afghanistan was considered a misfit that was assigned to an outpost that was isolated and hard to defend. But the right wingers are not talking about that. If that turns out to be true a lot of Americans were in danger and does not speak well for our military leaders who let it happen. Without the facts the right wingers could make a best seller out of this situation.
This writer believes our military brass will find out just what happened the night Sgt. Bergdahl went missing. Until that time comes would it not be wise to hold judgement and examine the facts then? I don't expect Fox News to do that because they have demonstrated they like to report the news falsely. McCain and Graham know better but their mind has been brainwashed by those WMD in Iraq that did not exist. They also seemed to forget that it was President Reagan that traded arms for hostages with Iran's terrorists regime.
This commentary written by John Lucia
The military brass are interviewing Bergdahl to try and determine just what happened and that is where it has to start. All military people have to answer to the Uniform Code Of Military Justice which authorizes the right to try Sgt Bergdahl in this case if he indeed violated that code. John McCain and Lindsey Graham know that but still act like they are ignorant with their childish comments. McCain has already flip flopped on the issue when it was pointed out he earlier approved the swap with the 5 taliban POW's.
President Obama is not the first President to swap POW's and he won't be the last. You would never think that if one listens to the right wingers who says he has no authority to do so. Like Benghazi, Sgt. Bergdahl has become a political football to be kicked around by those who have nothing better to do than promote divisive issues to detract from their own failures. There was a story in Sunday's paper that said Bergdahl's whole outfit in Afghanistan was considered a misfit that was assigned to an outpost that was isolated and hard to defend. But the right wingers are not talking about that. If that turns out to be true a lot of Americans were in danger and does not speak well for our military leaders who let it happen. Without the facts the right wingers could make a best seller out of this situation.
This writer believes our military brass will find out just what happened the night Sgt. Bergdahl went missing. Until that time comes would it not be wise to hold judgement and examine the facts then? I don't expect Fox News to do that because they have demonstrated they like to report the news falsely. McCain and Graham know better but their mind has been brainwashed by those WMD in Iraq that did not exist. They also seemed to forget that it was President Reagan that traded arms for hostages with Iran's terrorists regime.
This commentary written by John Lucia
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Another Jobs Report To Move The Country Forward
The economy created 217,000 jobs for May and unemployment was unchanged at 6.3% That was the 51st straight month of positive job creation and some economist are saying the numbers are now at a sustained rate for future growth.
It was also the first time since 1999 that employers added over 200,000 jobs per month for the last 4 months. The economy has also regained most of the 9 million jobs lost in the second great republican depression.
There is still much more to do for the economy and job creation to keep up with all of the first time job seekers entering the market for the first time and to employ the long term unemployed that are still out there. The President's policies are working like this writer said they would when he first took office.
The republicans in congress continue to waste a great opportunity economically by their opposition to all of Obama's policies. But once again it is a democratic administration who is moving the country and its people forward under differcult times and when the President leaves office it will be another democratic administration that created more jobs than the previous republican administration. And if that sounds familiar its because you read it hear first in "PolitiDose", your daily dose of political commentary.
This commentary written by John Lucia
It was also the first time since 1999 that employers added over 200,000 jobs per month for the last 4 months. The economy has also regained most of the 9 million jobs lost in the second great republican depression.
There is still much more to do for the economy and job creation to keep up with all of the first time job seekers entering the market for the first time and to employ the long term unemployed that are still out there. The President's policies are working like this writer said they would when he first took office.
The republicans in congress continue to waste a great opportunity economically by their opposition to all of Obama's policies. But once again it is a democratic administration who is moving the country and its people forward under differcult times and when the President leaves office it will be another democratic administration that created more jobs than the previous republican administration. And if that sounds familiar its because you read it hear first in "PolitiDose", your daily dose of political commentary.
This commentary written by John Lucia
Friday, June 6, 2014
The Algiers Ferry: The People Of Algiers Are Still Waiting.
The proponents of removing the tolls from the Crescent City Connection could care less about the people who have depended on the ferry service since 1827. The people who live in Algiers Point or near by are the ones who have been affected most by the reduced ferry hours.
There are two good articles that were published in the Times Picayune of June 4 and 6 concerning the subject matter. One was a letter to the editors by an individual who used to cross the ferry upwards of 20 times a month under the old expanded schedule and now only 2 or 3 times a month is viable for him because of the reduced hours.
The ferry problems came about when the tolls were voted off the CCC. Those tolls were the financial engine that operated the ferry. I wrote a commentary at that time pointing out that the real story here is that those politicians who supported removing the tolls had no plans to keep the ferry running full time if the measure passed. Well it passed and almost a year later there is still no funding to operate the ferry full time.(By full time I mean the hours before the toll removal)
This writer was born in Old Algiers in the 1930's and the people always paid to cross the ferry be that on foot or in an auto. But unlike those who dislike paying the bridge tolls, the people of Algiers were always willing to pay their way. Ferry service is the ideal way to visit the CBD for those living in Algiers. It is no different than those who depend on the St. Charles street cars.
The Algiers ferry is vital to their community and elected officials should step up to the plate and fund the ferry back to its expanded schedule. Is that really asking too much from a state that doles out $8 billion a year in tax breaks and exemptions to business?
See my previous commentary dated 7/8/13 titled, TheAbandonment of The Algiers Ferry and The People of Algiers.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
There are two good articles that were published in the Times Picayune of June 4 and 6 concerning the subject matter. One was a letter to the editors by an individual who used to cross the ferry upwards of 20 times a month under the old expanded schedule and now only 2 or 3 times a month is viable for him because of the reduced hours.
The ferry problems came about when the tolls were voted off the CCC. Those tolls were the financial engine that operated the ferry. I wrote a commentary at that time pointing out that the real story here is that those politicians who supported removing the tolls had no plans to keep the ferry running full time if the measure passed. Well it passed and almost a year later there is still no funding to operate the ferry full time.(By full time I mean the hours before the toll removal)
This writer was born in Old Algiers in the 1930's and the people always paid to cross the ferry be that on foot or in an auto. But unlike those who dislike paying the bridge tolls, the people of Algiers were always willing to pay their way. Ferry service is the ideal way to visit the CBD for those living in Algiers. It is no different than those who depend on the St. Charles street cars.
The Algiers ferry is vital to their community and elected officials should step up to the plate and fund the ferry back to its expanded schedule. Is that really asking too much from a state that doles out $8 billion a year in tax breaks and exemptions to business?
See my previous commentary dated 7/8/13 titled, TheAbandonment of The Algiers Ferry and The People of Algiers.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
The Louisiana Legislature Votes To Kill Coastal Lawsuit Against Oil Industry.
At the urging of Governor Bobby Jindal the state Senate passed Senate bill 469 by a vote of 25-11 which if signed into law by Jindal would retroactively void the lawsuit filed by the SE Louisiana Flood Protection-East against 97 oil industry companies for damages to Louisiana's environment.
Those who supported and or voted in favor of the legislation showed just who they are accountable too, the oil industry and their campaign contributions. They have failed to represent the state and the people's interest for over 40 years by giving the industry a pass on their responsibility to clean up and repair the damage to the land caused by their operations.
Jindal, a day later announced he would not sign the bill until Attorney General Buddy Caldwell had a chance to review the bill and sign off on it because the bill might negate lawsuits filed against the BP spill of 2010. Thenty two law professors asked Jindal to veto the bill for the same reasons plus it may have conflicts also with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and with the federal Coastal Zone Management Act.
One would think that the governor and the legislature would have had the wisdom to check out the legality of the bill before they pushed it and passed it. Is that too much to ask of our public servants? They rushed to the defense of the oil industry as soon as the lawsuit was filed and their actions has been a disgrace on the issue.
The only honorable thing for Jindal to do is veto Senate bill 469 that he pushed for, put the interest of the state and its people first and let the oil industry defend itself in a court of law where the problem belongs. After all, state legislators have had more than enough time to live up to their responsibility and hold the industry responsible.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Those who supported and or voted in favor of the legislation showed just who they are accountable too, the oil industry and their campaign contributions. They have failed to represent the state and the people's interest for over 40 years by giving the industry a pass on their responsibility to clean up and repair the damage to the land caused by their operations.
Jindal, a day later announced he would not sign the bill until Attorney General Buddy Caldwell had a chance to review the bill and sign off on it because the bill might negate lawsuits filed against the BP spill of 2010. Thenty two law professors asked Jindal to veto the bill for the same reasons plus it may have conflicts also with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and with the federal Coastal Zone Management Act.
One would think that the governor and the legislature would have had the wisdom to check out the legality of the bill before they pushed it and passed it. Is that too much to ask of our public servants? They rushed to the defense of the oil industry as soon as the lawsuit was filed and their actions has been a disgrace on the issue.
The only honorable thing for Jindal to do is veto Senate bill 469 that he pushed for, put the interest of the state and its people first and let the oil industry defend itself in a court of law where the problem belongs. After all, state legislators have had more than enough time to live up to their responsibility and hold the industry responsible.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
The Republican Leadership Conference In New Orleans: An Embarrasment To Republican Voters.
The only thing worse than ditto head conservative republicans is ditto head journalists. In the Times Picayune dated 6/1/14 there were three articles published under the by line of Adriane Quinian, a staff writer, Bill Barrow of the Associated Press, and New Orleans writer James Varney who claims conservative credentials. After reading all three articles about the conference and its speakers there was no mention of what any of the speakers or their party would do to move the country forward or address the short falls the country faces.
Adriane Quinian's article was about the speech given by Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty and the following is what his speech was all about. Reevaluate the current view about church and state: The discovery of DNA; Obamacare: Urged the GOP to more closely ally with christian values: get godly: you can't be right for America if you are wrong with God: The discovery of DNA proves God created life on earth: half of our scientist jumped ship after DNA was discovered. (Note: they really did not)
Bill Barrow's article was about speaches that covered: Ronald Reagan; how conservatives led a budget fight that sparked a partial shutdown of government last fall; the Reagan Revolution; Reagan compromised on every thing; in Texas we define gun control real simple, thats hitting what you aim at.
James Varney's article was mostly about republican national chairman Reince Priebus and how to best remake the republican party; congressional and Presidential elections; the big tent idea; Michele Bachmann and Sarah Palin; a hostile media; Donald Trump and birthers.
The three articles was void of any policy talk about what republican hopefuls and their party would do for the economy, job creation, balancing the budget, keeping America safe, increase middle class income or anything about what they claim ails the country.
The leadership conference provided no leadership for those in attendence or any voter, republican or otherwise. Conservatives failure to articulate what they stand for is directly related to their ideology and failure to be "serious" public servants. And once again their base is the big loser and taken advantage of. The speakers at the conference named by the three writers were: Phil Robertson, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, Haley Barbour, Reince Priebus and Donald Trump.
We know the George W. Bush disaster is the reason why republicans and conservative journalists never talk about his administration. It is too painful. But don't republicans have at least a duty to tell the American pleople what they would do besides divide the people with divisive issues such as the ones reported by the above three journalists.
The bottom line is that the people know where President Obama stands and also the democratic party. But as President Kennedy once said, those who are afraid to trust the American peoploe with the facts are afraid of its people. Conservative republicans need to develop some character and courage. The tea party needs to develop a brain. And those who talk about DNA and know zero about the matter need to keep their mouth shut.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Adriane Quinian's article was about the speech given by Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty and the following is what his speech was all about. Reevaluate the current view about church and state: The discovery of DNA; Obamacare: Urged the GOP to more closely ally with christian values: get godly: you can't be right for America if you are wrong with God: The discovery of DNA proves God created life on earth: half of our scientist jumped ship after DNA was discovered. (Note: they really did not)
Bill Barrow's article was about speaches that covered: Ronald Reagan; how conservatives led a budget fight that sparked a partial shutdown of government last fall; the Reagan Revolution; Reagan compromised on every thing; in Texas we define gun control real simple, thats hitting what you aim at.
James Varney's article was mostly about republican national chairman Reince Priebus and how to best remake the republican party; congressional and Presidential elections; the big tent idea; Michele Bachmann and Sarah Palin; a hostile media; Donald Trump and birthers.
The three articles was void of any policy talk about what republican hopefuls and their party would do for the economy, job creation, balancing the budget, keeping America safe, increase middle class income or anything about what they claim ails the country.
The leadership conference provided no leadership for those in attendence or any voter, republican or otherwise. Conservatives failure to articulate what they stand for is directly related to their ideology and failure to be "serious" public servants. And once again their base is the big loser and taken advantage of. The speakers at the conference named by the three writers were: Phil Robertson, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, Haley Barbour, Reince Priebus and Donald Trump.
We know the George W. Bush disaster is the reason why republicans and conservative journalists never talk about his administration. It is too painful. But don't republicans have at least a duty to tell the American pleople what they would do besides divide the people with divisive issues such as the ones reported by the above three journalists.
The bottom line is that the people know where President Obama stands and also the democratic party. But as President Kennedy once said, those who are afraid to trust the American peoploe with the facts are afraid of its people. Conservative republicans need to develop some character and courage. The tea party needs to develop a brain. And those who talk about DNA and know zero about the matter need to keep their mouth shut.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
The U.S. House Passes Background Checks Ammendment.
The U.S. House passed expanding funding for federal background checks 260-145. The measure increases funding by $19.5 million to make the background checks more comprehensive including covering more mental health data. This comes at a time of last weeks deadly shooting in California.
Once again it was the democratic minority in the House that furnished the majority vote. 184 democrats voted for the bill and 76 republicans did likewise. This is a common sense measure and the majority of republicans voted against it including all 5 U.S. reps from Louisiana. Steve Scalise, Charles Boustany, John Fleming, Bill Cassidy and Vance McAllister all voted no. Louisiana's democratic rep Cedric Richmond voted yes with the majority.
The 5 necons from Louisiana who voted no have no creditibility on gun control, even the basis safety concerns. This is not the first time that the democratic minority in the U.S. House has furnished the majority vote to pass common sense legislation. (see my commentary titled, The U.S. House Passes A Clean Debt Limit dated 2/15/14) The 76 republicans who voted yes with the democrats showed they understand common sense issues.
Louisiana rep. Bill Cassidy who voted against the measure is the same Bill Cassidy who is running against Senator Mary Landrieu. The state does not need a republican senator who votes no just because he and his party has nothing to offer America and its people.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Once again it was the democratic minority in the House that furnished the majority vote. 184 democrats voted for the bill and 76 republicans did likewise. This is a common sense measure and the majority of republicans voted against it including all 5 U.S. reps from Louisiana. Steve Scalise, Charles Boustany, John Fleming, Bill Cassidy and Vance McAllister all voted no. Louisiana's democratic rep Cedric Richmond voted yes with the majority.
The 5 necons from Louisiana who voted no have no creditibility on gun control, even the basis safety concerns. This is not the first time that the democratic minority in the U.S. House has furnished the majority vote to pass common sense legislation. (see my commentary titled, The U.S. House Passes A Clean Debt Limit dated 2/15/14) The 76 republicans who voted yes with the democrats showed they understand common sense issues.
Louisiana rep. Bill Cassidy who voted against the measure is the same Bill Cassidy who is running against Senator Mary Landrieu. The state does not need a republican senator who votes no just because he and his party has nothing to offer America and its people.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)