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Political Hay
Boehner Punishes the Principled
A conversation with one of the purged, Rep. Justin Amash.
(Page 2 of 4)
Q: Justin, how did this whole story develop for you?
JA: On Monday morning, I heard about Schweikert being removed from his committee. A couple of hours later, I heard the same from Huelskamp, directly from him. I then started to wonder “Who else are they going after?” That’s when I saw a news report saying that I was being removed from the Budget Committee. But the entire day I didn’t get a call from anyone about what my committee assignments would be or why I might have been removed from the Budget Committee.
By Tuesday afternoon, I still hadn’t received any word from leadership. Wednesday was the first day I spoke with leadership about my committee assignments, and I approached them.
Q: What was their explanation for why you were removed from the committee?
JA: You get conflicting stories. They insist that it’s not because of the votes, and not because of my philosophy. But there is no clear, consistent message about why I was removed from Budget.
Q: What’s your guess?
JA: I think it’s my votes, in general, when it comes to fiscal issues.
(As of this interview, Amash does not believe anyone but Huelskamp and he were removed from the Budget Committee. News stories say that only four Republicans were moved off of committees they wanted to be on, and Huelskamp and Amash are the only two in those stories who are on Budget.)
Q: What do you believe is leadership’s motivation?
JA: By going after a couple of us, they send a message to all of us: Watch out!
Q: What has been the response from your constituents and your fellow House Republicans?
JA: My constituents have been extremely supportive. We’ve been receiving calls, as well as Facebook and Twitter messages around the clock. Virtually all of them are supportive. It’s no surprise because I ran as an independent thinker who would work to reduce our debt.
From my colleagues, I’ve heard very encouraging words of support. It’s pretty clear to me that leadership has upset quite a few members of the Republican conference with their actions.
Q: So what is really going on here?
JA: Unbeknownst to us, leadership has been keeping some kind of scorecard. We don’t know the details of it. We don’t know which votes they’re including. It seems to me that voting in a conservative way is marked as a negative score, and voting in a big-government way is marked as a positive score. You don’t see people being targeted who are a problem from the left flank of the party.
About the Author
Ross Kaminsky is a self-employed trader and investor and is a senior fellow of the Heartland Institute. He is the host of The Ross Kaminsky Show on Denver’s NewsRadio 850 KOA at 11 AM on most Sundays. You can reach Ross by e-mail at rossputin(at)rossputin(dot)com.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (153) | Leave a comment
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Jack in Wi| 12.7.12 @ 6:35AM
Ross: Very good interview. Justin is just the kind of guy the leadership of this Titanic should be afraid of. He is good looking, independent thinking, highly educated in economics, no yes man like Ryan, and seems quite articulate. He would make a much better Speaker of the House then Boehner or better majority leader then Cantor. He seems smarter and tougher then Ryan. I hope he runs against one of them. He has nothing to lose.
LONE STAR| 12.7.12 @ 6:40AM
Boehner needs to go...He has been a disaster from Day 1. He has forced the House to vote for Nancy Pelosi's 2009 budget for three years because he lacks the courage to stand by a Republican budget. He has formed a coalition with 50 Democrats to marginalize the 50 true conservatives in the House...He stinks of cigarette smoke and alcohal and his orange fake tan is ludicrous....He's a crybaby and coward. House Republicans, stand up and get rid of this goon.
Von Mises Jr| 12.7.12 @ 8:28AM
The "Liberal" Republican Establishment (remember when they tried to co-op the word conservative?) loves Boner since he mumbles incoherently and bursts into tears making sure nobody has a freaking clue what he just said.
This is something akin to Obama's strategy of telling a lie to his base and the truth to intelligent people when pressed. The goal is to confuse, obfuscate and NEVER get pinned down to a position.
They should make a deal with Johnny Boner. If he resigns, he will get a waiver from the new insider trading ban.
Al Brooks, bleedingheartlib | 12.7.12 @ 8:37PM
"The 'Liberal' Republican Establishment (remember when they tried to co-op the word conservative?)"
The ultimate Eastern Seaboard Rockefeller Taxachusets Liberal is (was) Romney.
Admit it!
Von Mises Jr| 12.8.12 @ 7:24AM
I think that is what I just said troll. Now it is your turn to man up and admit Obama is a Marxist Muslim. Even liberal O'Reilly is making jokes about Mecca.
Al Brooks, bleedingheartlib | 12.9.12 @ 12:41AM
Well you didn't mention Mitt by name.
Question though: is being a Marxist Muslim worse than being a troll? if so it would make me feel better.
Von Mises Jr| 12.9.12 @ 9:37AM
It's a tie.
Nate W.| 12.9.12 @ 10:22PM
Now I'm confused; can't we be all three?
TLP| 12.7.12 @ 8:15AM
I don't think JackinWi knows you're Jewish. (at least you're supposed to be)
Hey Jack! Ross is a Neocon, and I understand that he has an Extra Ticket for a trip through the Eastern European Countryside. You can visit 20 Concentration Camps in 20 Days, and all of the Matzos you can eat, unless you'd prefer Gefilti Fish with your Kosher Wine.
Ross Kaminsky| 12.7.12 @ 9:08AM
I'm not a Neocon!!!
And I don't have an extra ticket.
I have visited Dachau...there are no words to adequately describe it.
I don't like Gefilte Fish. I do like Matzoh. Kosher wine is amusing.
Moe Blotz| 12.7.12 @ 9:34AM
No need to get your scrotum twisted , Ross. Timmy was using language that Jack understands where the code word neocon means Jew. Did you not see the joke?
TLP| 12.7.12 @ 9:53AM
Yeah!
What Moe just said.
Ross Kaminsky| 12.7.12 @ 10:58AM
Good point, Moe. I forgot Neocon was Ron Paul code for Jew. I mean "Jew!!!"
Simon Templar| 12.7.12 @ 12:59PM
RK,
All the more reason to watch the kind of language you use, like the word 'neo-con' and 'conservative' of which you so vehemently deny being either one. These words seem to mean different things to different people and are used as weapons now to silence opinion that does not fit your own.
Hell, Jack hates conservatives as much as you do and thinks he is a real conservative, but at the same time calls himself a libertarian despite the fact that he holds a lot of social views that are typically not considered libertarian at least by people like yourself.
I also hope you notice that Boner and the DC gang are punishing both "libertarians and conservatives."
Perhaps you would be surprised that many of us are very uncomfortable with many of the federal programs that have been created to fight the war on terror as you do, particularly when they are written very poorly and have wide open doors for abuse and potential tyranny. Many of us see a real threat, however, and believe something has to be done to fight it aggressively. Does that still make us neo-cons? Or are we semi neo-con, libertarian, conservatives?
Will you and your non Registered libertarian somethings punish us if you take power of the GOP?
Jack in Wi| 12.7.12 @ 1:32PM
I call myself a pro-life, social conservative who has libertarian beliefs on war, economics, and foreign policy generally. In other words I am a real Reagan conservative. He was for a strong America, but who hated war and made peace with the Soviets and hated nuclear weapons. He wanted them destroyed. He dreamed of a world without them. He also was the best pro-life spokeman I ever saw in politics, with the possible exception of Jesse Helms. Real conservatives are for Peace, Life, and small government. They like low taxes and low regulation. Neocons are boat people from Trotskyite communism. They love big government and big wars. Their foreign policy has just about destroyed the conservative movement. They never have been right about anything ever.
TLP| 12.7.12 @ 2:09PM
And they're all Joooooooooz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Did you see that, Ross?
You have to use more !s if you wanna get your point across. It's all in the Wrist.
Geez. Do I have to tell you everything?
p.s. - You're welcome at The Contest. It's at Monday's Story: Artist as Ethnographer.
We have a good turnout, this Morning, and you can take advantage of the Crowds to Plug your Radio Show, and Fleece some of these Rubes outta their Money.
You're Welcome.
aware| 12.7.12 @ 5:36PM
You're a neocon and you're not a Jew. Explain that wise guy. Being a neocon has nothing to do with being Jewish, jerk.
Occam's Tool| 12.10.12 @ 2:11AM
Aware: it is a commonly used smear term to hide the "J" word. I just mention that in passing.
However, Jack is somewhere in the Joseph Goebbels range of antisemitism.
Quartermaster| 12.10.12 @ 6:29PM
Commonly by whom Mr. Tool? I've heard that leftist smear more times than I care to count, yet I've observed it only a very small number of cases. Everytime I see the smear I call idiots like TLP down about it because it isn't true. Period.
Quartermaster| 12.10.12 @ 6:27PM
T:P, you're an idiot. You give Conservatives and Libertarians a very bad name.
Neocon does not mean Jew. Period. Many are former Trotskyites and radical leftists. Many are what used to be the hawkish wing of the Dimocrat party (a minority of which were Jews). Both are refugees from other places that infiltrated the GOP and who the Establishment hugged to its breast because they agreed so closely with them.
Rhoetus| 12.8.12 @ 11:57PM
Government exists by its exclusive use of force. It can not be used as an instrument to win a culture war. We have to win it ourselves. I was never a Neo-con, always an individualist, a paleo-con, a libertarian.
7-08| 12.8.12 @ 9:18AM
My father, who passed in 2010 was in the first unit to “liberate” Dachau. The GI’s were not allowed cameras, but he had taken several German cameras from prisoners and not even knowing if there was viable film in them took pictures of the ovens and showers. He had that film developed later and we still have several of those original prints.
Rhoetus| 12.8.12 @ 11:59PM
7-08: My uncle George was in the Sixth Armored Division in WWII.
Jack in Wi| 12.7.12 @ 10:47AM
I have complimented Ross before when he has been right and done good work. I like plenty of Jews, starting with Moe, Larry, and Curley, Ludwwig von Mises, Murray Rothbard, Illan Paape, and maybe Milton Friedman. There are many Jews who don't like what is going on in Israel. A lot of them write at Antiwar.com. I have stated many times here that I lived in the most Jewish neighborhood in this state. My kids had many friends both Jewish and Muslim. They played sports together and went to the dances together. I had kids from both groups in my house plenty of times and fed them often. This trying to demonize anyone who tells the truth about Israel as antisemites is just another device to shut down honest debate on the subject.
Ross Kaminsky| 12.7.12 @ 10:59AM
How kind of you, Jack, to "like plenty of Jews"...at least those Jews who don't support Israel. I guess that means you don't like me too much since I strongly support Israel and am a big fan of Netanyahu. However, that's quite off-topic for today, so let's stick to talking about if the GOP is worth supporting if it behaves this way.
Jack London| 12.7.12 @ 1:06PM
"am a big fan of Netanyahu"
Why am I not surprised.
TLP| 12.7.12 @ 2:13PM
Why wouldn't he like Netanyahu?
Look at his life story, and then look at your Miserable Life.
You'll like him, too.
aware| 12.7.12 @ 5:41PM
Maybe you just forgot you're worshiping the guy who headed the spy ring that got nuclear triggers from us in the 80s, dumbass. Here you go from the Israelis themselves since you won't believe me:http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/157571#.UMJwBXfSMdw
Jack in Wi| 12.7.12 @ 1:07PM
I don't like your views on Israel. They are wrong. I as a Christian can't support your racist theocracy. I believe in the univeral brotherhood of all men that includes Muslims and Jews as well as everyone else. God the book of Leviticus tells Jews to. " Love your your neighbor as yourselves. " He also gave you people the 10 Commandments first and you spread them to the world. Your gang in Israel seems to have forgotten a few of them.
Thou shalt not kill.
Thou shalt not steal.
Thou shalt not bear false witness.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors property.
It is time you people went back to God, the Torah, and Commandments and made peace.
Jack in Wi| 12.7.12 @ 1:18PM
Another thing Ross. You should be ashamed of yourself supporting a murderous thug and thief like Nutanyahoo. I don't see how anyone can call themselves conservative and be for such a regime as well as being pro-abortion. The only anwer in Israel, in my opinion, is The South African, one. That is full integration and equal rights for all. What are all you Likudniks going to do with the non Jewish majority in Israel Palistine? Are you going to expell or murder them? You won't give them a separate state and you won't integrate with them, what is your solution? Like most Diaspora Jews you like the idea of Israel but refuse to look at what kind of place it is. By the way I didn't bring up Israel in my first comment. I made the mistake of giving you a compliment.
KennesawJack| 12.7.12 @ 1:27PM
Jack, been to Sud Afrika since the end of apartheid? Instructive. Very instructive.
Simon Templar| 12.7.12 @ 1:18PM
So, Israel is now a racist theocracy and Ross is an avid supporter of racist theocracies!!!
Israel is a secular socialist state, idiot, and has more diverse citizenship and citizens of all races than any other middle east nation. Just another unnecessary distortion and lie that proves my earlier point. It seems you can not make a solid argument without peppering your diatribes with lies.
Something is seriously wrong with you, and to the rest of us, it seems clear that you indeed harbor a strong antisemitism.
Jack in Wi| 12.7.12 @ 1:41PM
Baloney: Israel is run by the Rabbi's. It was founded by communists, atheists, and socialists but now the real nuts are in charge. They want a racially and religiously pure Israel. They are build ing a walled Ghetto rightfully hated by all it's neighbors and indeed the whole world. They just keep digging the hole deeper everyday and expect us to be there forever to pull them out of the ditch. Well we are broke. It is time this welfare queen paid for itself or went out of business.
TLP| 12.7.12 @ 2:11PM
Some of my best Lawn Customers are Jews.
Simon Templar| 12.7.12 @ 2:12PM
Same old, Jack. Have you ever created an original thought or opinion or are you just a parrot? More of the same ridiculousness. Pathetic.
The bizarre thing is there is actually accurate and good information out there that does indeed lay some blame on Israel's doorstep. One can easily find mistakes and missteps that have been deterrents to Peace, as they like most humans are not perfect. You would prefer to keep making up horseshit because that works better for you as you are intellectually lazy and inherently dishonest.
TLP| 12.7.12 @ 2:15PM
Contest at Monday's Story: Artist as Ethnographer.
Whatever the hell that is.
Be there, or be JackinWi.
aware| 12.10.12 @ 6:08AM
Typical beltway "libertarian". Closet Statist is a more accurate label for you, Ross. And this wonderful Republican? Here:http://www.economicpolicyjournal.com/2012/12/amash-i-am-not-going-to-take-anything.html
He's ready to raise more plunder from the hapless and the helpless in typical "conservative" manner. A real "hero".
Simon Templar| 12.7.12 @ 1:10PM
See, Jack, if you were telling the truth then there would not be an issue, but you are not. Very few of us have ever had an issue with the position that Israel has made some mistakes and the middle east conflicts are very complicated with blood on all hands. In your attempt to win your arguments, if you can call them that, you demonize Israel, spew tons of falsehoods, refuse to acknowledge certain realities, side with clear enemies of the USA, and carry water for liberals and those that clearly would like to destroy the US. Besides looking around every corner for a Jew and spouting conspiracy at every turn, you have little respect for the, "Truth." You prefer repeating propaganda and distortion, they work better than the truth and provide that black and white thinking that is much more effective.
Jack in Wi| 12.7.12 @ 1:50PM
Israel is totally wrong and makes no real attempts to right the situation. It could of had peace for deades but refuses to negotiate in any kind of sincere way. The whole world knows it. That is why a huge majority went against it in the UN. There was another vote on Israel the other day in the UN about Israel and nuclear weapons. It went against Israel by about 180 to 6. The whole world is up in arms with Nutanyhoo and his building projects on stolen Palistinian land. Finally answer me this what are you birds going to do with the non Jewish Majority in Israel Palistine? You stole the neighborhood now learn to live in it. This my last comment today. Enough wasted time for now.
Simon Templar| 12.7.12 @ 2:05PM
"Israel is totally wrong and makes no real attempts to right the situation."
Could not get past the first sentence, which is a sophomoric, ridiculous, and childish statement, besides being a falsehood. Do you have parent or authority issues?
Every time you reply you prove my point. It is quite an exercise in futility.
Jack, you are just a propagandist and a troll. There is no intellectual substance or reasoning in your diatribes, just sound bites, sweeping generalizations, and tired old repeated propaganda. You offer nothing new. Yes, please stop wasting our time.
TLP| 12.7.12 @ 2:22PM
Don't you understand, Simon.
As long as they refuse to just walk into the Sea, guys like JackassiWi, and Jackass from London, are gonna be around.
JESUS was a Jew!
Just, don't tell them.
Quartermaster| 12.10.12 @ 6:40PM
Jack, the only honest party to the Mideast talks has been Israel. Israel wants peace and to be able to exist. The Arabs, on the other hand, have sworn to wipe Israel from the map and push Israelis into the sea.
Read Psalms 83. The Read Ezekial Chapters 38 and 39 to see what will happen when a coalition involving Iran will try to do as they have resolved to do in Psalms 83. It will not be pretty for those who try to crush Israel.
It's nice to believe in "the brotherhood of man," but man is a fallen creature and Muslims are a deluded lot who think they have god (Allah) on their side. Allah, however, is a very ancient pagan god and is nothing but a demon. No Christian can accept them as a "brother."Christians can't even accept Jews as brothers because their religion was superseded at the cross. We don't have to hate them, and should not, because they have not accepted their Messiah. If you have read the Book of Romans, then you know why the Jews are blind in this matter.
Israel, however, has tried to live peaceably with her neighbors. Sometime try moving into inner city Detroit and watch what happens to your property, your family, and you. What they are living with is far worse. They have given up much for peace only to have it rejected because all their neighbors want is them gone, and they will settle for nothing less.
Jack in Wi| 12.7.12 @ 4:47PM
One last thing before the weekend. I must say that Justin Amash is a dead ringer for me in my younger days. Now I look like an elderly Paul Newman.
Occam's Tool| 12.10.12 @ 2:13AM
No, you look like an elderly ass cheek spreading dhimmi, Jack. Kaposi's sarcoma and all. Nazi piece of scum.
Quartermaster| 12.10.12 @ 6:42PM
A reply truly representing your intellectual level. Yeah. The superior intellect. Mr. Tool, you are a bigger idiot than you accuse Jack of being.
Al Brooks, bleedingheartlib | 12.7.12 @ 8:33PM
"Boehner Punishes the Principled"
Ambitious is the word, and Justin has post-masculine charisma. He hears 'Hail To The Chief playing in his ears at a tender age.
KennesawJack| 12.7.12 @ 6:35AM
So, Ross. Is there ANY possiblility that 16 "Present" votes can be found to remove Boehnor 0r is he untouchable?
TLP| 12.7.12 @ 7:57AM
Wow.
I don't think I've witnessed that many Names Dropped, since Miss Sniffen dropped our Kindergarten Class' Attendence Sheet on the floor, back in 1962.
What we have here is NOT a Failure to Communicate. (Cool Hand Luke) it's a Failure to Reciprocate.
We keep turning out to Vote (Contest) and John Boehnor, and The Boehnor Boys, keep doing whatever the Hell they wanna do, and everybody else can Kiss his @ss. (Monday) Now what?
FAMILY GUY. Stewie is always telling Brian that he's gonna kill Lois. Everything she does, makes him mad. Everything she says brings another threat from Stewie's lips. (Artist as Ethnographer)
Finally, Brian - the dog - slaps down Stewie's rant as just one more, in a long line of rants that, in the end accomplishes nothing, as Lois is still alive.
We are all Stewies, and he is Us. Everytime Lois (Boehnor and the Boys) gets into one of these Negotiations with The Flim Flam Man, they come outta the room in their Underwear, while he leaves with all of their Coats, Shirts, Pants, Wallets, and Watches.
EVERY SINGLE TIME.
I know what you're thinking: In that Episode, Stewie finally goes through with his threat and Kills Lois.
But, in truth, it was all a Simulation on a Computer Screen. A Dream. Like our Dream that somebody we Elect will represent OUR INTEREST some day.
Instead of their own.
WAKE UP!
mike 3/505| 12.7.12 @ 9:48AM
Lois....dreams....yeah. uh. Sorry
TLP| 12.7.12 @ 9:57AM
Now, just add the word - Wet - in there, and ya got yourself New Sheets.
You won't actually HAVE the New Sheets, but you will need to get some.
Rhoetus| 12.8.12 @ 7:15PM
Damn, TLP, That was brilliant.
Ross Kaminsky| 12.7.12 @ 11:00AM
I'm not even sure it's a good idea, actually. Boehner made a big mistake here, I think, but he's not usually this bad. And his replacement could be much worse.
Doctor Right| 12.7.12 @ 12:12PM
Worse?
How???
TLP| 12.7.12 @ 2:24PM
I gotta agree with the Doctor, on this one.
KennesawJack| 12.7.12 @ 5:24PM
I keep having this image of the Conservatives pushing the election of Newt to the Speakership. What a sweet irony if that were to happen (not to mention that Pelosi would sh*t all over herself. I can just see Newt accepting that gavel from Boehner. Wow!
Terrible Ted| 12.8.12 @ 12:27AM
Allen West for Speaker.
Occam's Tool| 12.10.12 @ 2:15AM
I'm sorry, but giving Barack Obama everything he wants when you control the purse strings is idiotic. Pat Buchanan had a superb article recently on this. And you know how often I praise Pat---about as often as I praise Jack in Wi. So if I'm saying Pat has the right idea on the fiscal cliff, it's worth looking at.
Joellen| 12.7.12 @ 6:52AM
Well Mr. Kaminsky, I dont understand your "although he's toward the conservative end of the spectum such as being anti-abortion", I do fully understand and agree with your final comment - no more money to the Republican Party on a whole. I too, only donate to those who represent my values, which are PRO-LIFE, fiscal conservative, Pro-Constitution, small government and most importantly, not ashamed to promote the Christian/Judeo foundation on which our founding fathers based this country.
Do you all remember when Boehner first took over as Speaker? Now I understand why he was crying all the time - he realized he was playing with the devil - why he wont stop playing with him - that I dont understand.
BTW, we have truly allowed the insane to take over the asylum. Just look at what our congress deemed worthy to rule on yesterday. The word LUNATIC is no longer "allowed" in our vocabulary. Now that's LUNACY /WACKED / INSANE, etc., etc., etc.
Jack in Wi| 12.7.12 @ 7:15AM
At least 80% of the Republican Party is pro-life. Ross here seems to think a pro-abortion party would do better. The Republican establishment in New York, New England, and California are pro-abortion. The party in those states is moribund. The Republicans could never come close to winning an election for the Presidency in the last 32 years without the pro-life vote. We held our nose for Romney and most of us voted for him. Never again. It is better to lose on with principles then to lose without them. At least you may educate some people for the next election.
Ross Kaminsky| 12.7.12 @ 9:10AM
I did not say that a pro-choice candidate would do better. I think it would be a close call in a presidential race, and I think there are plenty of congressional races where anti-abortion candidates are the only ones who can win.
All I said was that I am not anti-abortion. And yet, as usual, I contributed to an anti-abortion candidate because I am usually unable to find a pro-choice candidate who is strongly for low taxes and limited government.
pogybait| 12.7.12 @ 9:51AM
Hey Ross, I guess this dispels once and for all the right-wing myth that conservatives make up a good portion of the various committees. Thank goodness, Boehner shows a fundamental respect for all those brave men, women and transgendered progressives in the Democrat party who fight for socialism every day and no doubt continue to do so..... right on until the moment the country hits the ground.....did I just hear a thud?
Warrior| 12.7.12 @ 4:06PM
Ross: Do you know how to circumcise Jack from WI?
A: Kick his sister in the chin.
I'm still trying to find a joke for the offspring resulting from the second generation of Oedipal love.
Occam's Tool| 12.10.12 @ 2:17AM
Warrior: no joke---it's called "Pakistani population in the UK." So much marrying of cousins that there is a real increase in Mental retardation in the population as a result.
MelvinNC| 12.7.12 @ 6:53AM
One name comes to mind, in describing John Boehner, "Judas."
KennesawJack| 12.7.12 @ 7:02AM
Melvin, difference is Judas didn't have a choice.
Jack in Wi| 12.7.12 @ 7:07AM
Judas had a choice like we all do. He made the wrong one and refused to ask for forgiveness. He dispaired and committed suicide..
KennesawJack| 12.7.12 @ 7:22AM
Not going to get into a long winded Theological discussion with you but Judas did NOT have a choice. He was God's will fulfillled.
John II| 12.7.12 @ 8:07AM
Well--okay, here's a shortwinded theological point, rendered historically.
1. Judas DID have a choice. Or, from God's eternal perspective (there are no tenses in God), Judas DOES have a choice.
2. God's Providential economy anticipates Judas' rotten choice and uses it accordingly. In other words, we really are free agents--but so is God. He subverts our rotten choices for His own purposes.
3. After the century of bitter controversy that followed the death of St. Augustine in AD 430 (caused by the legacy of Augustine's anti-Pelagian writings in the last 10 years of his life), the Church (at the Council of Orange in 531) declared a cease-fire in the controversy, saying in effect that the thorny issue of how human and divine freedom can co-exist is a mysterium fidei. Human reason cannot discern precisely how the apparent contradiction can be--but it IS, period.
Dixit Ecclesia. Causa finita est. (The Church has spoken; the case is closed.) Not too much trouble with that one until the Protestant Reformation a thousand years later.
Hey Jack--do you know if there's a contest this week?
TLP| 12.7.12 @ 8:18AM
I'm glad you asked that.
Monday's Story: The Artist as Ethnographer.
MelvinNC| 12.7.12 @ 8:11AM
Gentlemen, let us not get sidetracked with overly analytical theological discussions. Point being maybe I should have compared Boehner to a Weasel, but, I regard the Weasel more highly than I do our current Speaker of the House.
Maybe John Boehner is more akin to a maggot, feeding on the festering carcass of the middle class.
OP4| 12.7.12 @ 8:18AM
Perhaps a man named Quisling? (Whether he had free will or not)
TLP| 12.7.12 @ 8:40AM
Those are bad examples, as well, as neither the Weasel or the Maggott have a Choice, either.
Do I win?
Moe Blotz| 12.7.12 @ 9:57AM
Neither nor, either or; but not neither or. Just trying to help.
TLP| 12.7.12 @ 2:26PM
The Contest is at Monday's Story: Artist as Ethnographer, Moe.
We'd love to have you.
Rhoetus| 12.9.12 @ 12:07AM
Or a cockroach.
Occam's Tool| 12.10.12 @ 2:19AM
Boehner is just gutless. Pushing to the fiscal cliff would make sense. Simply pass a bill that 1) keeps the payroll tax at 4%, and 2) extends the Bush tax rates for 4 years.
Let Barack veto it. This is all he needs to do.
Rhoetus| 12.8.12 @ 7:07PM
Judas did God's will so that man could be saved.
OP4| 12.7.12 @ 7:07AM
House Republicans - Oust Boner and the rest of the old guard.
Time for a Conservative Party to start gathering in great people like Rep. Amash so they don't go down with the GOP.
buckeyeman| 12.7.12 @ 10:20AM
I'm with you emotionally but a new party is a real longshot.
BTW, I live in Ohio's 8th District. I'm rich, retired, smart, and uber-conservative. Anybody wanna support me to go up against Boehner? I'm loathe to give up my current lush lifestyle but I'm also fed up with Boehner et al.
OP4| 12.7.12 @ 10:31AM
The old party is a long-shot when they lose the conservatives.
Butch| 12.7.12 @ 12:07PM
Read you stuff, buckeyeman, and you've got my support. An AmSpec candidate to oppose the Manchurian Candidate.
Martin kzovich| 12.7.12 @ 7:07AM
One thing to notice is that the Communists and the Boehner Brigade both detest the Tea Party because they are breaking the deal made between Communists and Socialist republicans--Communists govern and the Republican Socialists get a cut of the action. That is why the Republican Party as it is now led is not viable as a choice for me. Boehner and McConnell and their fellow RINOS have to be removed for any progress. However it could be that there Republican Socialis.ts may want to go over their own cliff by allowing the Republican Party to break up ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
KennesawJack| 12.7.12 @ 7:12AM
What about this scenario? In the new Congress, 17 Conservatives announce they are leaving the Republican Party and becoming independents who will caucus by themselves. Who, then, instantly becomes the most powerful political group in the land?
Marie Durand| 12.7.12 @ 7:44AM
I like your idea!!
Jeff Dorsai| 12.7.12 @ 7:45AM
they lose all committee seats immediately ...
KennesawJack| 12.7.12 @ 8:33AM
So? Who has the power to determine from where the Speaker comes? They do.
TLP| 12.7.12 @ 8:45AM
You do realize that the Democrats will also be Voting for Speaker, right?
We can do whatever we want amongst ourselves, but when the Obama hits the fan, and we Vote on the Floor?
We had best get more Votes for the Our Guy, than the other Guys get for Their Guy - Pelosi.
Hellooooooooooooooooo.
KennesawJack| 12.7.12 @ 9:06AM
Tim, the Dems voting en bloc don't have enough votes to elect a Speaker. The new "Independents" can then influence who the next Republican Speaker will be and it wouldn't be Boehner.
TLP| 12.7.12 @ 10:06AM
I don't know.
If you told me that 3 Million White Voters would SIT OUT the Election, even if it meant The Muslim winning?
I wouldn'ta believed ya.
All these Republicans in the House, breaking off in to Groups, and standing on their "Principles"?
Next thing ya know, it's Speaker Pelosi.
AGAIN.
We have a President named after Mohammed's Horse.
Don't tell me something can't happen.
KennesawJack| 12.7.12 @ 10:21AM
I have it on good authority (I asked Harry Reid) and he said that in Arabic, the word for a horse's front end is BARROCK and the word for a horse's ass end is BARACK. Wonder if there's any truth to that?
TLP| 12.7.12 @ 2:28PM
It sure sounds right.
Quartermaster| 12.10.12 @ 6:51PM
If I am not mistaken the issue of who is speaker can be revisited. If the GOP establishment is stupid enough to drive the Conservatives out, then let them eat cake for a bit. How much to you think San Fransicko Nan will be able to get through compared to now? The TEA Party types hold the balance of power now. Boner, and the rest of the GOP establishment, angers them at their own peril.
LONE STAR| 12.7.12 @ 8:00AM
There are 50-60 true conservatives in the House.
90 new members came in after the 2010 election.
Please, guys and gals, trust in the Lord and oust Boehner and his goons.
TLP| 12.7.12 @ 8:03AM
We should all go to The Contest over at Monday's Story: The Artist as Ethnographer - and really let these guys have it with a biting ANALOGY of this whole no good situation.
This whole deal reminds me of at least 50 Movies that I've seen.
Who's with me?!
Did I mention that there's Prizes?
John II| 12.7.12 @ 8:12AM
Oh. I didn't see this announcement. A few feet up the thread I just asked whether there's a contest. Glad to hear the good news, Timmy.
Rhoetus| 12.8.12 @ 6:56PM
Just sucker punch the Speaker in the cloak room if he doesn't do the right thing.
Hardcard| 12.7.12 @ 7:26AM
john roberts and speaker bonehead are under the thumb of the ruling thugs in the WH. I wonder what the thugs have on both of these weasels.
Rhoetus| 12.9.12 @ 12:06AM
Hardcard: My pet weasel takes umbrage to your calling Roberts and Boehner "weasels". :-)
Quartermaster| 12.10.12 @ 6:52PM
All real weasels take serious offense at being placed in the same category as any politician.
Same with Cockroaches.
Jeff Dorsai| 12.7.12 @ 7:42AM
apparently principled whiners ... you cast your votes, Boehner didn't like those votes ... consequences ... not hard to understand ...
Jack in Wi| 12.7.12 @ 7:52AM
I see Boehner's chief of staff comments here. Well they think they can keep control by punishing the principled. It is time for a principled revolt. We need a real opposition party in this country, not the usual suspects getting together and dividing the pie.
Marie Durand| 12.7.12 @ 7:43AM
Thank you for the interview with Rep. Justin Amash.
John Boehner is undermining his own leadership position. It really is a tipping point.
TLP| 12.7.12 @ 7:56AM
Wow.
I don't think I've witnessed that many Names Dropped, since Miss Sniffen dropped our Kindergarten Class' Attendence Sheet on the floor, back in 1962.
What we have here is NOT a Failure to Communicate. (Cool Hand Luke) it's a Failure to Reciprocate.
We keep turning out to Vote (Contest) and John Boehnor, and The Boehnor Boys, keep doing whatever the Hell they wanna do, and everybody else can Kiss his @ss. (Monday) Now what?
FAMILY GUY. Stewie is always telling Brian that he's gonna kill Lois. Everything she does, makes him mad. Everything she says brings another threat from Stewie's lips. (Artist as Ethnographer)
Finally, Brian - the dog - slaps down Stewie's rant as just one more, in a long line of rants that, in the end accomplishes nothing, as Lois is still alive.
We are all Stewies, and he is Us. Everytime Lois (Boehnor and the Boys) gets into one of these Negotiations with The Flim Flam Man, they come outta the room in their Underwear, while he leaves with all of their Coats, Shirts, Pants, Wallets, and Watches.
EVERY SINGLE TIME.
I know what you're thinking: In that Episode, Stewie finally goes through with his threat and Kills Lois.
But, in truth, it was all a Simulation on a Computer Screen. A Dream. Like our Dream that somebody we Elect will represent OUR INTEREST some day.
Instead of their own.
WAKE UP!
Nancy in NC| 12.7.12 @ 8:23AM
Fire Boehner...uh, Bonehead.
Rhoetus| 12.8.12 @ 5:41PM
Boner Boehner.
Stu(B)| 12.7.12 @ 9:54AM
Thanks for a great piece, I have followed young Mr. Amash from the other side of the state the past couple of years and have been pleased and impressed with his performance. On the other hand, it is becoming clearer that current Republican leadership's interest is in consolidating their own power as leaders of the deck chair arrangers for Cap'n Obama's Titanic. What a sorry lot! no more $$$ to the Republican Party.
Col Bat Guano| 12.7.12 @ 10:22AM
Ross, my sentiments exactly! Here's a trial balloon for you: A new Conservative Party could be born that will last if Amash and the other like minded "Republicans" switch affiliation to the new party. If there's enough of them, it could grow and Boehner would have no choice but to negotiate with them to try holding his establishment together. Amash is so outside the box, he may have thought of this. I'd support that party in a heartbeat.
Ross Kaminsky| 12.7.12 @ 11:01AM
I am not optimistic about the prospects for a third party. I think it would guarantee Democratic control. We need to make the Republican Party something worth supporting.
Col Bat Guano| 12.7.12 @ 1:18PM
Ross, I would argue we already have that scenario. We just get served a different flavor $&$@?! sandwich from the GOP.
TLP| 12.7.12 @ 2:39PM
Contest at Monday's Story: Artist as Ethnographer.
Join us.
It's a Scene, man.
Quartermaster| 12.10.12 @ 6:54PM
"...we already have tried that scenario." I think that's what you, and if so, it's all too true. Conservatives have tried for the last 50 years to do so, and we get idiots like Boner and McConnell for our troubles.
Zeppo| 12.7.12 @ 10:25AM
Great reporting, Ross, thank you!
TLP| 12.7.12 @ 2:40PM
I think you forgot: I Love You.
Zeppo| 12.7.12 @ 4:54PM
Still suffering from logorrhea, Tim?
Petronius| 12.7.12 @ 10:25AM
Thanks for less than nothing again GOP. Let's just replace the portraits on what used to be Our money with other species more appropriate to the contemporary kiddie kultur. The $1 bill will sport a tick, the $5 a dung beetle, the $10 a lamprey, the $20 a cowbird, the $50 a hyena, and the $100 a macrophage amoeba. And while we're at it we might as well haul down the old Colors and replace it with a banner more redolent of the current amerikan mindset; a dirty diaper. Et tu John Boehner.
TLP| 12.7.12 @ 2:41PM
Contest at Monday's Story: Artist as Ethnographer.
Join us.
It's a Scene, man.
Rhoetus| 12.8.12 @ 7:09PM
After all the Grizzly Bear on California flag has been replace with a Soviet Bear.
Quartermaster| 12.10.12 @ 6:57PM
Well put Petronius. OTOH, that post would work well over at Jerry Pournelle's place, but most here don't have the foggiest as to why you chose the wee beasties you chose for our new degraded currency.
TLP, for example, is utterly clueless about such things.
PolishKnight| 12.7.12 @ 10:42AM
Although this sounds like heresy here, the military budget should be trimmed like anything else. It's just another government program albeit a basic and essential one. Do we need several hundred bases around the world much less at home? Do we need all the earmarks sent to Northern Virginia? (Of course, the answer is no.) Also, by suggesting some proper defense reductions it takes the legs out of the left's claim that the right is a party of spending money on guns no matter what.
In the meantime, as the corrupt Republican party comes to grips with it's losses they are still in denial mode hoping that maybe they can get some Hispanic voters by tossing white males to the wolves and then they'll get some tax reductions for the wealthy. That's ALL the care about. So maybe if they lose that, there will be some changes...
Ross Kaminsky| 12.7.12 @ 11:02AM
I agree with your comments regarding the defense budget, and there are more than a few Republican members of Congress who do as well.
Rhoetus| 12.8.12 @ 6:54PM
What cuts? Sequestration is still an increase.
Simon Templar| 12.7.12 @ 1:55PM
It should not be heresy but just another example of being fiscally responsible, conserving our resources, and cutting out any potential waste. Representative West from Florida found a sizable amount of military spending that was duplicative and wasteful and pushed through several bills correcting the problem.
PK, very insightful, and a good example of clear thinking and thinking out of the box...
Quartermaster| 12.10.12 @ 6:59PM
THere is also a ton of spending in the Defense Budget that has nothing to do with Defense. The left lards it with irrelevant stuff because they know the right and GOP will fight any Defense cuts. One thing we need is honesty in budgeting, not what we have now.
Grzmlyk| 12.7.12 @ 10:45AM
I'm with Ross - I'm done with the Republican party. Amash doesn't know it, but he's about to either "get his mind right" or sleep with the fishes.
The Ryan budget was ALWAYS a support beam for the status quo and nothing more. This is why I was never impressed with Ryan or Romney's selection of him as running mate. Frankly, I don't trust Ryan. I never have.
The post election GOP is further proof that Emmett Tyrrell is delusional when he claims that conservatism is spreading like wildfire.
No - we are moving further left, and at the speed of light. Emmett should join Fox's Dick Morris and Karl Rove in a permanent "time out" for speading nothing but fairy tales and lies. Gosh, there MUST be a pony somewhere amid this pile of horse manure!
Then again, salvation awaits: According to the a veritable army of pundits on the right, as long as Republicans advocate Democrat policies, things will be right as rain again for the GOP.
Yeah, THAT'S the ticket: Coninue the status quo of the two-party system: Tax and Spend Insanely, and Tax and Spend Slightly-less Insanely.
The problem is classic: As soon as the electorate realizes it can vote itself goodies from the public treasury, a representative republic is doomed. The few principled people like Amash are road kill; as an electorate, we are drunk with government goodies, and drunks are usually not inclined to stop drinking till they pass out.
Thus that rumble you hear is the printing presses about to explode.
TLP| 12.7.12 @ 2:42PM
Contest at Monday's Story: Artist as Ethnographer.
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It's a Scene, man.
N8tivTxn| 12.7.12 @ 10:57AM
Are we sure glassy-eyed Johnny Boehner is really a Republicrat? He's been near the top of (R) House leadership for years, yet can't even deliver his home state, Ohio, to his party's presidential candidate in a close race. That alone should cause sane, politically awake people to question his proficiency as a leader, if not his loyalty.
What was that fable about foxes guarding hen houses? Isn't the Speaker really just a Democrat? What evidence do we have to disprove that theory?
Seeing these young guns coming forward with their accounts of leadership's unjustified maltreatment is encouraging. IMO it's time for some of the young bulls to send the old guy to be made into baloney.
McClain | 12.7.12 @ 11:33AM
Never would I have believed I'd walk away from the GOP, but after Boehner's ousting of conservatives from committee positions, I have not a dram of respect left for anyone who'd vote to rehire him as Speaker. Thus, I have left the party and am turning my back on party politics.
If I'm to vote for a Democrat by default, why not pull the lever for a real Democrat or why bother to vote at all?
Rhoetus| 12.8.12 @ 5:39PM
You'd like John McCain then, he's a genuine progressive Democrat.
McClain | 12.10.12 @ 7:43AM
John McCain is one of the many reasons I am no longer a registered Republican.
Political correctness is cowardice, and there are plenty of cowards in my former party.
RCV| 12.7.12 @ 11:49AM
The short-lived romance between the Tea Party and the GOP is ending. The GOP establishment thought they could co-opt the Tea Party while riding their wave of enthusiasm. The Tea Party thought they could muscle the GOP leadership aside and control the party. Neither side was successful. (The Tea Party had a shot during the 2012 primaries of capturing the party's nomination, but the lack of leadership of DeMint and others in marshalling right wing support behind a single candidate doomed that chance.)
It is clear now that the Republican leadership under Boehner is intent on emasculating the Tea Party caucus in Congress. The defeats of Alan West, Joe Walsh and others at the ballot box, the demotions of Tea Party congressmen from leadership positions, and the surprise resignation of Jim DeMint from Congress all attest to that. Marco Rubio's subtle shift as noted in today's David Broder column is yet another testament to the sea change that has occurred since the election.
Boehner is now in private negotiations with the President. They will undoubtedly announce a compromise to the Debt Ceiling stalemate that will give the President virtually all he is seeking, while allowing Boehner some face-saving bones.
The question left on the table is where do Tea Party conservatives go from here?
Rhoetus| 12.8.12 @ 5:37PM
Run a candidate against Boehner in 2014. Cowards must go to oblivion.
KennesawJack| 12.7.12 @ 12:08PM
No place but up.
Louis Jenkins| 12.7.12 @ 1:06PM
The Tea Party allowed the pastie faced and well bottle tanned to claim they were very much for the same policies as the movement. Shame on them, and me too. This will not occur again. The only place left is truly upward, and the movement will not be swept under the rug. Maybe the shiteheads, both Democrat and Republican, in DC will listen, and if not, off with their heads. Allow us the strength, Lord, to stand and be counted.
TLP| 12.7.12 @ 2:43PM
Contest at Monday's Story: Artist as Ethnographer.
Join us.
It's a Scene, man.
Ronsch| 12.7.12 @ 1:17PM
Ross,
The only problem I see with Rep. Amash (seems a little too good to be true, IMHO) is that he seems to believe a compromise is possible with the L-S-D (Liberal -Socialist -Democrats) party.
There can be no compromise with them...it has been proven time and again that no matter what they promise in spending cuts versus tax hikes, they never follow through with the spending cuts once they get their tax hikes.
It happened during the Reagan era and more recently with the debt ceiling negotiations. In addition, any alleged spending cuts they do offer to make are always "down the road" whereas the tax hikes are always immediate.
BTW, matzoh with sharp cheddar cheese...delicious.
Simon Templar| 12.7.12 @ 1:47PM
None of this should be a surprise in the least. Ask yourselves what happened to all those conservatives that took hold of congress in the last conservative revolution under Gingrich in that era? Gee, and the progressive RINO's were back in the saddle again in a few election cycles.
At some point a political party and a political movement must take an honest look at itself, as the enemy is us, as the old liberal quote goes. It is not Liberals who are solely responsible for the demise of this Republic, it is largely our fault as well.
We lose because we are too divisive and unable to make compromise, allies, and common objectives among ourselves and clearly define our enemy.
Ross, MUST in almost every article cleanse himself of all labels with 'con' in them and now is no longer a Republican. But he still writes for a conservative web magazine.
The editor of this great web magazine, Tyrell, still thinks liberalism is dead and calls himself a conservative. You have knuckleheads here who have written articles about Boner and defending him and the DC gang at every turn refusing to see the obvious. How many times have we all read articles whereby one writer is tearing into another about something or another?
Simon Templar| 12.7.12 @ 1:47PM
Instead of underscoring, emphasizing, and supporting the gigantic common ground we share on dozens of values, views, and directions, we spend most of our time dong just the opposite. While we are screwing around and losing focus on our mutual enemies of our free Republic, they are kicking our asses with great unity and coordination despite the fact that they are a lose band of thieves, crooks, and left wing causes and crazies.
If you have any doubts about what I am saying then remember and take a good look at the election primaries and what when on there.
Rhoetus| 12.8.12 @ 6:47PM
LBJ, Bush41 & Bush43 are actually brothers-in-arms, politically speaking. Bush41 was a big government guy and his son was a bigger spend thrift than LBJ.
Simon Templar| 12.7.12 @ 1:50PM
That is 'doing' not dong and 'loose band', not lose band.
Sorry for the typos.
TLP| 12.7.12 @ 2:43PM
Contest at Monday's Story: Artist as Ethnographer.
Join us.
It's a Scene, man.
nathan| 12.7.12 @ 3:25PM
Folks please when Boehner allowed the the Fifth Amendment destroying language in the NDAA to remain in the bill passed by the Senate (when Rand Paul criticized it McCain more or less called him a traitor) did we not know enough certainly at that point to BEG someone in southern Ohio to mount a primary challenge against him? Someone tell us exactly what good Boehner has accomplished? I can't think of anything. So consider we're stuck with BHO as president and Boehner as speaker. The country is in serious trouble indeed.
But consider, how many "conservatives" are there any more and really what does the term mean? When Sean Hannity supports Allen West, a self confessed war criminal, then what does it mean? When you have "conservativess" supporting torture in direct violation of our laws and principles (read Torture and Impunity") then again what does the term mean? We have a bigger problem folks than just a lost election and an out of control speaker.
KennesawJack| 12.7.12 @ 9:17PM
Nathan, you were making some sense until you got to Allen West being a "self-confessed war criminal". That's horseshit, and you know it.
nathan| 12.10.12 @ 12:38PM
Sigh. Here's how this story goes. West understood that his men were going to be subject to attack. He goes and gets an Iraqi policeman who had worked with us before. For some reason he thinks the guy knows something. West admits he has no training in interrogation. So first why is he doing any? He has his men beat the guy up. That is by itself an illegal order. It is. His men should have disobeyed but tell me an enlisted man who would disobey an order from the "great" Allen West? Yeah right.
Getting nothing that way, he engages in a mock execution where he actually fires the gun at least once maybe more than once. That is patently illegal both under American law and international agreements. When other interrogators do it to our guys and we catch them we call them war criminals. So why isn't West under the same criteria? If West had caught a guy who had done it to one of his men and the guy said, I was trying to save the lives of my men, would West have let him go? Don't count on it. The police man scared out of his mind gives up a name the house is raided, NOTHING Of course nothing torture is useless read the accounts of the Inquisition, did you fly through the air with the devil? Hell yes now will you stop the pain?
So yes, by his own admission he's a war criminal that the republicans and "conservatives" have no business going within a light year of.
Chef Schnauzer| 12.7.12 @ 4:17PM
The republican party and in particular the Speaker/drunk stand for nothing but party. This became undeniable and why I re-registered as an independent in bush's first term. As the two parties strip away the rights, safeguards and wealth (all 3 interdependently American) of the mocked and scorned average citizen I am reminded of watching my son self destruct into the bottle. At some point you wish them well, let them slip away and hope God provides one more final chance before the abyss. Personally, my assets are no longer seize-able by this government and the provisions I have made for my self and those who can contribute to a small community have been prepositioned in a way that even thermo imaging can't find them. Go ahead Mr. Speaker/drunk knock one back and pi$$ the nation away. Jack-a$$.
Kingofthenet| 12.7.12 @ 6:52PM
Boehner is definitely going Soft.
Martin kzovich| 12.8.12 @ 7:47AM
An over simplification to be sure but as I see it the Republican Party has two camps. Those that are serious about beating the Communists and those that actually want to be like them. Boehner represents the latter group. The Tea Party represents the former group and their in lies the problem. Romney was not a serious candidate --and was not in the desire to beat the Communist Camp. So if Boehner is perceived as caving by the group that wants to beat the Communists, the Republican Party may well split and in fact may need to because the goals of these groups are not reconcilable.
Martin kzovich| 12.8.12 @ 9:07AM
there is no such things a a comprise in this situation either the republicans cave or we go over. I say lets go over.
RJ| 12.8.12 @ 3:59PM
Imagine a world where Justin Amash is Speaker of the House and John "I can't surrender fast enough" Boehner is removed from the House Budget Committee.
Boehner has again exposed an ugly fact of legislative power:
"It is a truism in Washington that when a person is elected to Congress and wants to succeed, all they have to do is become a rabidly partisan Republican or Democrat – someone has already made all of your decisions for you and will take care of your political needs as long as you serve the team. "Breach of Trust" by Senator Tom Coburn, page 79
Rhoetus| 12.8.12 @ 5:31PM
Mr. Amash: I'm proud of you "my son".
Purp| 12.8.12 @ 6:32PM
And, here y'all thought the Democrats were the Socialist Commies ... LMAO ... the politburo ... LOL ... Soviet Style purges .... ROFL
Rhoetus| 12.8.12 @ 6:51PM
Cut the size and scope of government or we become the USSR is a very short time. We now have an unsustainable debt and laws like the Patriot [sic] Act can be used to indefinitely imprison American Citizens.
Scott W.| 12.9.12 @ 7:47AM
I'm sick of the Republicans repeating that they won a mandate because they won the House. THEY ONLY WON BECAUSE THE GERRYMANDERED LIKE CRAZY. They lost the popular vote for the House, but retained 234 seats. How the hell do you explain that? That only happened once before, in 1996 and the majority wasn't even as large as now. The Republicans have no goddamn mandate. They should listen to the will of the American public, which obviously rejected Republican ideas.
Kingofthenet| 12.9.12 @ 3:22PM
In Soviet America, TV watches You!