I was glad to receive an email yesterday from David Price, who claims to represent me in the House of Representatives. What does he do for me up in Washington, I sometimes wonder. Here’s some of what he said.
“First, I’m pleased to note that the House has passed my resolution establishing a House Democracy Assistance Commission. Members of the Commission, to be announced soon by the Speaker and the Minority Leader, will offer parliament-to-parliament assistance to emerging democracies. Our support might range from library resources and computer equipment to consultation in such areas as civilian control of the military, constituent services, and committee operations. This is a significant bipartisan accomplishment, and I am looking forward to taking a leadership role on the Commission.”
Alas, Mr. Price did not bother to say just where in the Constitution he finds any authority for Congress to do all that helpful stuff. And what good is this Commission? My guess is that any “emerging” democracy is going to do whatever its rulers want to whether they get advice from us or not.
“On a less hopeful note, last month the House passed its annual budget resolution which, unfortunately, would cut funding for many North Carolina programs while continuing to create record deficits with its large tax breaks to the wealthiest 1% of Americans. I voted against the legislation and instead supported a fiscally responsible alternative, which would maintain support for the critical programs and initiatives that Triangle families rely on.”
Price evidently subscribes to the school of thought saying that if you say something often enough, people will accept it as true. The minimal tax cuts passed back in Bush’s first term were across the board rate reductions. Price and his fellow Democrats would like everyone to believe that only the super-wealthy got tax relief, but that isn’t true. It would also be nifty to get Price to answer this question: Would it do more good for Americans if some of those ultra-rich people got to keep some more of their money to spend or invest in the US, or for Congress to tax it away to spend on stuff like the Democrracy Assistance Commission?
Finally,
“Congress reconvened just in time for me to introduce a resolution congratulating the University of North Carolina for winning the 2005 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship! With three ACC schools located entirely or partly in the 4th District, I am no stranger to divided loyalties when it comes to college basketball. But the Tar Heels’ victory is something all North Carolinians can feel proud of. Thanks to an inspirational team. Go Heels!”
Sorry, Price, but why should I feel proud or inspired over the fact that a group of kids who have enrolled in a university that subsists on tax dollars happened to win a basketball game?
