A case for influence peddling: one of many?

Republican Senator John Hoeven (R) ND, one of 44 Senators, to challenge the U.S. Constitution

The Chattanoogan.com

Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Richard Lugar (R-Ind.), David Vitter (R-La.) and a total of 44 senators, including Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, announced on Monday that they will introduce legislation to approve the Keystone XL pipeline project under Congress’ authority enumerated in the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Section 8.

Senators Hoeven, Lugar and the other senators have been working with colleagues in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to ensure that this vital project is advanced.

I have written much about the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline.   The lingering push for the pipeline recently drew a questions from many people, “what is the push from the Right all about?”.  Why would John Boehner invite managers from two Midwest refineries to the SOTU Speech as his guests?  Why is the GOP so fired-up about a pipeline that will cut in half  the transcontinental beauty of our nation with a man-made object that will undoubtedly sit large enough to be seen from Mars.  Of much mores significance, and during a week when BP was informed it cannot defray the legal damages off to other culpable organizations, we receive word a Republican Senator will propose legislation to usurp our president’s non-support for the pipeline.

Reuters is reporting on plans from the office of Senator John Hoeven (R) North Dakota to introduce pipeline legislation.

Here again, the GOP steps up with a big business, Big Oil, special interest issues while showing a willingness to attach such issues to human issues from the Left.  The following will not surprise you, but the it certainly speaks to the complete state of “Lost” from the GOP.

Reuters…..

Republicans have made the pipeline and its construction jobs a key political issue in the run-up to the 2012 presidential election.

Lawmakers in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives also are considering legislation to advance the project, and have not ruled out attaching it to payroll tax cut legislation that needs to pass Congress by the end of February.

The GOP continues use  ’GOP doctrine items’ , as fodder for negotiations when it comes to issues that benefit the middle and lower income earners.  We hear their argument, about how the Keystone XL Pipeline will generate jobs. Yet, Cornell University’s Labor Study shows  results that directly contradicts the jobs estimates from the GOP.  Trans Canada predicts the project will provide 20,000 high-paying manufacturing jobs, the GOP quotes the same number.

I posit the GOP’s interest in the pipeline is far more related to lobbying and political contributions than the prospect of actual good for our nation.   The Guardian published the following list of top ranking members of Congress who receive (ed) large amounts of contribution from the Oil & Gas Industry.  Here is the Guardian link and the list.

Rank of Oil & Gas as a Contributing Interest Group

Name / Vote on HR 1938 [the act to "direct the president to expedite the consideration and approval of the construction and operation of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, and for other purposes"] / Total contributions from oil lobby ( July 1, 2009 – 30 June 30, 2011)

1 – Rep. Steven Pearce [Republican] / AYE / $370,020

2 – Rep. Mike Pompeo [R] / AYE / $333,156

3 – Rep. Bill Flores [R] / AYE / $266,184

4 – Rep. Cory Gardner [R] / AYE / $205,124

5 – Rep. Dan Boren [D] / AYE / $201,800

6 – Rep. John Sullivan [R] / AYE / $179,200

7 – Rep. Jeff Landry [R] / AYE / $176,050

8 – Rep. Tim Griffin [R] / AYE / $164,709

9 – Rep. James Lankford [R] / AYE / $156,760

10 – Rep. Rick Berg [R] / AYE / $151,561

11 – Rep. Michael Conaway [R] / AYE / $136,850

12 – Rep. Tim Murphy [R] / AYE / $133,700

13 – Rep. Dennis Rehberg [R] / AYE / $133,152

14 – Rep. Steve Scalise [R] / AYE / $125,335

15 – Rep. Francisco Canseco [R] / AYE / $121,767

16 – Rep. Pete Olson [R] – AYE – $106,400

17 – Rep. Tom Cole [R] / AYE / $103,400

Ah, but John Hoeven was one of the newly elected 2010 members of the House who came to office via the Tea party, the Kochs, Freedom Works, Dick Armey and others.  He is not on the list, you say?

Granted,  he is not on the list but let’s take a at Hoeven:

OpenSecrets.org

John Hoeven

First Elected : 2010

Assumed office:  January 3, 2011

Political party	Republican Party (2000–present)
Other political affiliations	Democratic Party (Before 2000)

What entities contribute to Senator Hoeven?

Top 5 Contributors, 2007-2012, Campaign Cmte

Contributor	Total	Indivs	PACs
Murray Energy	$36,431	$26,431	$10,000
Xcel Energy	$23,000	$15,500	$7,500
Hess Corp	$21,600	$21,600	$0
NorPAC	$19,700	$14,700	$5,000
Berkshire Hathaway	$19,000	$3,000	$16,000

view more data (You must click here)

Top 5 Industries, 2007-2012, Campaign Cmte

Industry	Total	Indivs	PACs
Oil & Gas	$263,289	$151,289	$112,000
Retired	$228,600	$228,600	$0
Leadership PACs	$147,900	$1,000	$146,900
Mining	$147,231	$84,481	$62,750
Insurance	$143,100	$41,050	$102,050

…view more data (You must click here)

Total Raised vs. Average Raised

Cycle Source of Funds, 2007-2012, Campaign Cmte only

	Individual Contributions  - Small Individual Contributions - Large Individual Contributions	$2,339,929(60%) $277,430  (7%) $2,062,498 (53%)
	PAC Contributions	$1,288,203	(33%)
	Candidate self-financing	$130,626	(3%)
	Other	$128,293	(3%)

See OpenSecrets.org Note:  Information about posted data

Credit  for this data should go to the Center for Responsive Politics. 

The following information is reflected in the links above, but since some do not prefer to visit links, please take note of the following small individual contributions.  It seems Senator Hoeven receives support from the Koch Family.

Federal Election Commissions Filings and filing numbers.

KOCH, ANNA B

WICHITAKS 67214

10/18/2010

2400.00

WESLEY MEDICAL CENTER/NURSE

10021011887

KOCH, C CHASE

WICHITAKS 67201

09/13/2010

2400.00

KOCH NITROGEN COMPANY/VICE PRESIDE

10020704469

Of course, the tabled contributions are individual contributions that appears to be legal and maxed-out for individual contributions.  There is no question about legitimate contributions to candidates.  However, the names of the contributors are supportive of the prospect that more thousands (in contributions) could have been (and probably were ) contributed via the secretive world of Citizens United.  The following link from OpenSecrets.org sheds light on the shadowy Koch Empire.  The real question is, “do the names listed just about provide the basis for  syllogism about contributions which could provide impetus for politicians like Hoeven?”   Syllogism?  Yes, how could the depicted contributions impact a sitting representative?  Even though the picture is obvious and not new to US politics (nor politics world-wide) let’s take a quick run through the syllogism.

[A + B will then lead to "C"]

A. Contributions to a particular member of Congress could lead to legislation favorable to the contributing person or organization.

B. Contributions support prospects of re-election.

C. Contributions then could lead to representative placing the desires of the financial supporter over the good of the nation and possible against their better judgment.

If  the Oil  and Gas Industry provide significant capital for congressional campaign hoppers, would said contributions provide impetus,  support a particular member of Congress and his/her chances for re-election, and will that member of congress join-in sponsoring legislation against the Constitutional powers of the President of the United States of America?

The real tragedy about influence-peddling and contribution absorption is its benefits to special interest and how it impacts everyday citizens such as you and me.  Another shameful 1% influence over our legislatures, is the potential damage to the nation that could outlive anyone reading this piece or anyone  ”on the take” in congress.

It is sad that legislators such as Hoeven could not spend their energy and effort in providing real jobs on a large and more permanent scale.  The answer lies in the Citizens United ‘open-door to remaining in office’ supreme Court decision.   People cannot and do not contribute to campaigns at the same level as special interest groups, lobbyist and Super PACs.

While it is impossible to say definitively that Hoeven is an influence buying recipient, but the data above should give ’cause for concern’.

President Obama should continue  review of the Keystone Pipeline and its potential impact on the nation (good or bad) as long as it take to make a ” proper” decision.  He should also not allow the payroll tax and other programs to be used as fodder  in considerations/negotiation related to the Keystone XL Pipeline .

The 112th US Congress should do more to provide job opportunity for far more of the population than so much time and energy what appears to be an ‘influenced-peddled’ project.

Additional Resources:

The New Fuelist

The Keystone XL Influence Scandal

Keystone XL Pipeline

OPenSecrets.org Oil & Gas (Rick Perry and Mitch McConnell named as benefactors)

Theprogressivesinfluence.com (Cornell University review of Keystone jobs)

US House of Representatives Bill

Michelle Obama First Lady: impact on the Administration?

As I have watched the Obama Administration develop over the last three years, there are couple of perplexing things that stand out.   Some may say:  ”Well, only a couple of things”? Personally, I am majorly happy with the change from a republican in the White House.  While, very grateful for the work the Administration expended in moving away from the 2007/008 economic abyss which almost engulfed the nation, concerns about the the Administration linger.  I could speak volumes about  the Obama Administration’s handling of international affairs, specifically foreign affairs for the nation, but those articles have been written and published.

Of course, there  are a few areas of outright disappointment with the administration: Afghanistan, pandering to the GOP, and the president’s absolute initial devotion to centrism.

As I perused  a few headlines this morning, Michelle Obama and her alleged thoughts about a couple issues critical to the Administration stuck like superglue.  The New York Times article, “Michelle Obama and the  Evolution of a  First Lady,”  is as interesting a screed related to the Administration as any I have read.  The New York Times writer, Jodi Kantor  focused the work on Mrs. Obama’s concerns about and interactions with, her husband’s advisers and ‘team’ after the loss of the Massachusetts Senate Seat. The seat had been held by a Democrat for over 50 years.

According to Kantor.

“To her, the loss was more evidence of what she had been saying for a long time: Mr. Obama’s advisers were too insular and not strategic enough. She cherished the idea of her husband as a transformational figure, but thanks in part to the health care deals the administration had cut, many voters were beginning to view him as an ordinary politician.“

Cantor’s non-softball interview: Meet 60 Minutes

Have you noticed the virtually secretive leadership of the GOP has availed themselves for very public interviews (outside of Fox News)? When politicians become suddenly more visible, questions arise.  Why?

I will never forget the look on Cantor’s face as Boehner conceded this years’ “December Legislative Battle”.  He and Boehner won-out in previous years at the expense of common citizens, but this year was different.  He looked as if he had swallowed a frog or he looked as if he had lost a bundle of cash. In either case, he looked sick.

On the first day of an election year, he sits with CBS (formerly a “liberal media”) and tries to speak in an amenable manner.  The House Majority leader has not spoken in such a manner as long as I have been aware of his existence. I distinctly remember his comments that the President should just ‘work with us’.  ”Just work with us” is a loaded statement and only works from a person who feels they hold a position of power.

General Petraeus received a recommendation to resign!

He was upset about Obama’s decision to draw-down after the Afghan Surge.

If you even followed any of many writings related to Iraq and Afghanistan, you found a consistent sentiment regarding military minds. I have never read, nor heard, of a General who actually felt ‘standing-down’ was acceptable as a strategy.  For that matter, they will not recommend standing-down even after the strategy or initiative has run its course. I may have spoken a bit prematurely, I remember General McClellan of the Union Army in the Civil War stood-down when Lincoln wanted a major show of force.  If my memory serves me correctly, McClellan was the only general who recognized that war is not always a game of “Chinese Checkers”.  Chinese Checkers may be the only board game I have played (many years ago) that involved holding territory forever.  Even, the cerebral game of Chess involves winning the game via strategy. Once accomplished, ”Game-Over”.

Congressional wealth and income disparity

Get elected to Congress become a Beverly Hillbilly!

As reported by MSNBC and based on an article from the Washington Post w/ Bloomberg website, the US Congress has become the land of Jed Clampett, Granny, Ellie Mae and Jethro (The Beverly Hillbillies). Once elected to office a Congressional Representative, with a few reelections, rest assured of riches. The Washington Post article, includes information about the growing income disparity between average Americans and the people we vote into the House and Senate of the US Congress.

On December 26, Peter Whoriskey published the article   which craftily depicts how a steel worker left his shift one day and told his wife he was running for Congress. After winning an election and entering the congress in 1975, (and many years later) Myers ‘slice of life’ increased materially to the point of the following quote.

“My mother and I used to joke we were like the Beverly Hillbillies when we rolled into McLean, and we really were,” said Michele Myers, the congressman’s daughter, now 46. “My dad was driving this awful lime-green Ford Maverick, and I bought my clothes at Kmart.

Who is Ron Paul?

Most do not know; those who know are dangerous!

Sam Stein in my opinion is a journalist, writer and political analyst that gets my attention when I am in one of my ‘half-listening’ modes.  A state of being that often accompanies my day based on writing and other activities (hobbies for one). There are only a few regular contributors to daily news shows who draw my attention; Stein is at the top of that list. Stein is both perspicacious and topically authoritative.

Stein has written a detailed screed about candidate Ron Paul and Paul’s ‘hidden’ agendas.  In the context that I have used the word  ”hidden’ simply means known to his sycophantic followers and means unknown to most people.  His late afternoon December 28, Huff Post POLITICS article provides another glimpse into the shifty world that is Ron Paul.

The Huff Post article starts immediately with Paul’s Chris Matthews May, 2011 interview with Paul.  It is interesting  on the very day that Paul announced his latest run for the GOP nomination his first questions related to his quirky positions.  a.) legalizing heroin, and  b.) Civil Rights Laws. As you watch the video below, keep a couple of times close to your discerning thoughts. 1.) Paul’s rambling in incoherent comments about legalizing heroin. He actually says  people use heroin because it is illegal. Paul was once a practicing Pediatrician! 2.) In response to a Matthews loaded questions about Civil Rights, Paul jumped to ‘property rights’.  Matthews knew how Paul would respond.  Interestingly enough within months we have  been informed off Jamie Hein’s “White’s Only” swimming Pool signage.  Hein’s actions were racist and, despite Paul’s rambling utterances, his comments are also in the same realm: racist. Notice that Paul’s says  if the discriminatory law were not there, “who is gonna do it.”   “…… (you see) zero signs up today”!  ”..ancient history, those days are gone”! Really? Point made, Dr. Paul.

Have a look and listen at  Matthews’s Hardball interview (and listen to Paul very carefully).

As Stein points out, Matthews gave Paul a ‘no-win’ hypothetical question.  Stein continued.

Left unmentioned was that Paul had — in more than a hypothetical sense — already cast a vote on the famous bill. On June 24, 2004, the House of Representatives took up a resolution “recognizing and honoring the 40th anniversary of congressional passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.” Four hundred and fourteen members voted yes, and 18 didn’t show up to vote. Only one member said nay: Ron Paul.

If you want a real picture of candidate Paul, read Stein and his Huff Post article.

A heck-of-a-read.

Paul’s record certainly appeals to his libertarian followers. Paul’s beliefs and actions so closely echo the Koch Brothers philosophies and their American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) agenda, he may as well be an active member of ALEC. I once read  one of the Kochs believe ‘prostitution’ should be legal. Did I not hear Matthews comment say as the interview started?

Unmentioned in the Stein’s article is the high-level of support Paul receives from extreme right-wing racist groups. Since, I mentioned a personal experience with a couple of Paul’s internet supporters in an article on yesterday, I will defer additional verbiage in this work.  If you want to see that side of Paul’s support base, simply Google around just a bit and the racist sites will come-forth.   I will state at least one of the sites has one of my IP address blocked. I can only gain entry via sign-ons among various PCs.

While I do not feel that Paul will win the GOP nomination, he and his son present real Circa 2011-2012 dangers to the nation.  I absolutely appreciate the high-level of detailed work from authors and journalist such as Stein.

Ron Paul: leading the pack?

….and slipping into the same after-life as Cain, Bachmann, and Gingrich.

When the covers are pulled back, the real person is revealed. In 1994, Dr. Ron Paul sat for an interview that ran on CSPAN.

An interview comment.

HUFF Post Jason Linkins…..

But along with that, I also put out a political type of business investment newsletter that sort of covered all these areas. And it covered a lot about what was going on in Washington, and financial events, and especially some of the monetary events. Since I had been especially interested in monetary policy, had been on the banking committee, and still very interested in, in that subject, that this newsletter dealt with it. This had to do with the value of the dollar, the pros and cons of the gold standard, and of course the disadvantages of all the high taxes and spending that our government seems to continue to do.

Apparently, Paul’s recall of the Newsletter is flawed. The video and the narrative just above offer irrefutable evidence of his intimate involvement in the publication.

Yesterday, I wrote about the prospect Paul’s early political career might have been influenced by his embracing of libertarianism and the theories of

 Murray Rothbard (libertarian/paleoconservativism).  Influenced by Rothbard’s references to, “Outreach to the Rednecks“, or not Paul seems to have been instrumental in developing the Ron Paul Report. Why not come clean on the past racist writings, reflect back on the works as an error, and vow to serve all in the nation from a position of tolerance? I do not feel he can do so. Rambling statements and summarily ending interviews come across as insincere and dishonest.  I suppose that when the CNN interviewer moved from matters of race to the sickening comments about Jewish complicity in the 1993 WTC bombings, Paul could take no more.

Paul’s current path is leading right to a seat next to Herman Cain.

A seat on the “has been bench”.

Has been!!!!

Tea Party Anyone? The House of OZ Leaders Gone Mad!

If anyone has any remaining thoughts the House of Representatives of 112th Congress represents citizens of the United States vs. special interest, you truly are brainwashed.

There are times when video tells stories that words cannot best convey.

Boehner’s response to a question about millionaire taxes.

 Seventy per cent (70%) to eighty per cent (80%) of the voting public feels the nation’s wealthy should contribute in a more fair and balanced way.  Yet, Boehner cavalierly flips-off the question.

After the Senate passed the bill that would continue the Payroll Tax and continue unemployment payments to the nation’s unemployed, the House Leaders will not allow a vote in their Chamber.  They fear their caucus will break ranks and do the right thing, thus ‘flipping the bird’ to the artificially inserted business of the Keystone Pipeline. It should be noted the democrats took the millionaire tax increase off the table.

What happens when power goes bad…..

Do you think Boehner would have shown the Kochs or any member of the Millionaire Donors Club such a level of childishness?

Tea Party anyone?

Keystone Revisited…. Presidential Review is Required.. GOP “Swift Boat”?

Information is powerful even if not exciting!!!!  You have to follow this issue.

Oh, I do not see any Maple Leaf fissures reaching into the US of A!

Rarely do I delve into a single topic such as I have with Keystone XL Pipeline. Well, maybe Ron Paul.

As I was perusing a bit of email yesterday,  I noticed a close friend had sent me a link to an article from the website CrooksandLiars.com. The article by Susie Madrak, peaked my interest to a level that about pushed my over the edge.   I quickly clicked on a few links in the article. One link took me to these words within the first couple of paragraphs.

Priceofoil.org 

Keystone XL will not lessen U.S. dependence on foreign oil, but rather transport Canadian oil to American refineries for export to overseas markets.

OK, now that means, I now have a real problem.  

After previous writings (archived key articles:  Article 1,  Article 2)   and a focus on possible Koch Brother benefit as well as inordinate GOP interests in the project, I received another shock. Surely, I am not going to find ‘corporate malfeasance’ and big oil cronyism coupled with political expedience!  I was wrong, I found just that..

Life is full of hard knocks. 

No matter how well informed on a topic, no matter the amount of research accomplished, other motives often surface if given time.  The CrooksandLiars writer adroitly linked information which points added 1 % (er) motives for the Keystone XL Pipeline: revenue from exports overseas well beyond the United States.  The links to articles in the previous paragraph included information the Kochs stand to benefit enormously from the pipeline. Could it be the ’uber’ wealthy Kochs (and others) provide impetus for fighting for a pipeline that will not directly benefits us as tax payers?

Swithcboard.nrdc.org 

Keystone XL will not bring any more oil into the United State for decades to come.  Canada doesn’t have nearly enough oil to fill existing pipelines going to the United States. However, existing Canadian oil pipelines all go to the Midwest, where the only buyer for their crude is the United States. Keystone XL would divert Canadian oil from refineries in the Midwest to the Gulf Coast where it can be refined and exported. Many of these refineries are in Foriegn (Foreign) Trade Zones where oil may be exported to international buyers without paying U.S. taxes. And that is exactly what Valerio, (Valero) one of the largest potential buyers of Keystone XL’s oil, has told its investors it will do. The idea that Keystone XL will improve U.S. oil supply is a documented scam being played on the American people by Big Oil and its friends in Washington DC. 

The last full paragraph of the article provides telling information about TransCanada and assurances the pipeline will be used to transport fossil fuel derivatives to the United States only. 

Valero?????  Valero Energy.

Valero is numbers 24 of the nation’s top 25 revenue earners.  How about a look at how Valero stacks up against the top 10 Fortune 500 Corporations?

Fortune 500 Compare Tool

Revenues, Profits Profits as % of… EPS, Total return, Employees Revenues Profits Rank Company $ millions % change from 2009 $ millions % change from 2009 24 Valero Energy 86,034 23 324 N.A. 1 Wal-Mart Stores 421,849 3 16,389 14 2 Exxon Mobil 354,674 25 30,460 58 3 Chevron 196,337 20 19,024 82 4 ConocoPhillips 184,966 33 11,358 134 5 Fannie Mae 153,825 429 -14,014 N.A. 6 General Electric 151,628 -3 11,644 6 7 Berkshire Hathaway 136,185 21 12,967 61 8 General Motors 135,592 30 6,172 N.A. 9 Bank of America Corp. 134,194 -11 -2,238 -136 10 Ford Motor 128,954 9 6,561 142

The Priceofoil.org link above navigated to a page with a set of facts related to Valero and how the Keystone Pipeline either benefits the nation or does not benefit the nation.

Valero Energy Assessment final report December 23, 2010  (PDF Download).

The reader should review informational on pages 43-47 for perceptive on how Valero’s strategies focus more on foreign markets than any markets in the United States.

I must ask, “How does the Keystone XL Pipeline really benefit the United States“?  Let’s keep in mind  the only comment we receive for the House conservatives is, “20,000 Jobs”. And, that talking point has been refuted by  The Cornell University Labor Institute.

We have……

I.           Potential environmental damage (even if remote, it will happen)

II.          Potential Benefit for Koch Industries

III.         No real energy benefit to the US of A

IV.        The real prospect of Our tax dollars for the pipeline

V.          Disproportion revenue generator for Trans Canada vs the U.S.

VI.         Major GOP obstructionism fixed to bills that benefit middle to lower 

              income people.

Unless, I receive contrary information, I am just going to write-off the insertion to the Keystone pipeline into the Payroll Taxes and unemployment payments negotiations as typically GOP pandering and self-interest.  They work for very specific constituents and you and I are not part of the consideration.

I ask you, “Where is the logic”?

Food Aid (AKA food stamps) for the Wealthy?

 The GOP has taken to ‘Political Obstructionism’ top the level of astronomical.  Since, President Obama took office in January 2009, the Right-wing political machine has churned into states of frenzy unequaled in U.S. politics.  After Senate Minority Leader McConnell of Kentucky declared first-line of business would be to make sure Barack Obama would only serve one term, he was surpassed (on Healthcare reform) by the inimitable DeMint of South Carolina.  Obama’s Waterloo”.

Their strategies and unparalleled financial support from the likes of the Kochs paid off in “Tea Party-ism”.

 ”Tea Party-ism”: A false political movement developed by the Koch Brothers, Dick Armey, Freedom works, Americans for Prosperity to foster political leverage focused on the 2010 Elections.  The movement espoused a belief and commitment to, lower taxes, reduced   spending, “taking their country back”.  I would be seriously remiss if I did not write about a periphery of the Tea Party consumed with bigotry and racism; as shown by placards and signage  I am certain you saw as clear as day and night. Oh, lest we forget about David Duke’s, Grand Dragon of the modern-day Ku Klux Klan,  video affinity for the Tea party.

YouTube…David Duke (10 minutes long, only linked to refute naysayers)

“…..to foster political leverage focused on the 2010 Elections.”  The Tea Party was effective in winning a majority in the House of Representatives, almost won a majority in the Senate and has infested many state government.  The Tea Party strategy was effective. Obstructionism abounds!

But, there is something very horrid brewing across the land; a phenomena new to US society and state of life that will not bode well for those who have to live it.  Large numbers of people who formerly considered themselves wealthy have fallen victim to eight years of Bush-ism and three years of Obama battles to reverse the Bush-ism.   Those poor victims are finding themselves seeking food aid (AKA.. food stamps by 99 % ers).

The Washington Post reports…..

The percentage of U.S. households using food stamps more than doubled in six of the nation’s 10 wealthiest counties as more residents find themselves out of work and unable to sell their homes. The increase among counties with more than 65,000 people was greatest in Hunterdon County, the Census Bureau reported.

“Sometimes people will come in a Mercedes,” said Gina Davio, program director of social services at Fisherman’s Mark, a nonprofit group in Lambertville, a city of 3,900 on the Delaware River. “Sometimes they come in nothing but Ralph Lauren, but you never know: That may be all they have left.”

In Hunterdon County, the number of households enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the $75 billion federal system widely known as food stamps, increased to 1,424 in 2010 from 232 in 2007.

Neighboring Somerset County, where the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis hunted foxes on horseback and the Far Hills steeplechase is a highlight of the social season, increased its caseload by more than threefold, to 3,777 from 1,237. That county, a 45-minute drive from the Lincoln Tunnel to midtown Manhattan, has the country’s eighth-highest household income, at $94,270. Morris County, 10th in the national income ranking and home to Gov. Chris Christie, more than doubled its food-stamp enrollment, to 4,076 cases from 1,680.

In the Washington area, food-stamp usage more than doubled in Loudoun and Fairfax counties, the two wealthiest in the nation.

                 

Wow, ‘say it aint’ so”!

People who are accustomed to living as 1 % ers are starting to suffer along with millions who are scourging around for a decent life?  One has to wonder how these people now feel about cuts to entitlement programs, cuts to state aid, cuts to human services programs. The latter group comprises the third highest federal cost year to year. while on this point, the next logical curiosity is are these voters feeling voters remorse. of course, among the ranks are people who voted for President Obama. I have to believe, however, that many also voted to infest our federal legislative with Tea Party ‘plants’. Plants who are driven by their false belief that they are legislating to benefit the nation.

The nation’s economy will not improve with continued obstructionism from the Right. Politics aside, the Right must allow the president and his team to work towards improving our economic lot. A perfect example was GOP restrictions on the President’s stimulus package. They held the package to $845 billion vs. the $1.3 trillion requested. Can either of us sit in comfortable assurance  the additional $400 to $500 billion might not have helped significantly. Despite GO talking-points about ‘zero’; jobs created by Obama, factually the number is 2,500,000 million jobs.

Well, we have the wealthy starting to feel it. Maybe, suffering 1 % ers, could have impact on the Obstructionism from the Right.

Delivering a Waterloo and ensuring a one-term presidency, seems to be much more important than improving the lives of the citizenry.