Local Republicans have made much hay about Rep. Dave Reichert’s plum assignment as chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science, and Technology. A lot of good it’s done us:
Washington state and the Seattle area will receive less federal homeland-security funding this year than last, a decrease that mirrors a nationwide drop in counterterrorism spending.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced $1.7 billion in grants to states and urban areas Wednesday, including $32.2 million for Washington state overall and $9.2 million specifically for the Seattle area, which includes King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. In recent years a portion of the state grants also has gone to the Seattle area.
The state total amounts to a 23 percent reduction from last year, while the Seattle area decrease is 22 percent. Nationally, homeland-security grants were down by about the same percentage.
[…]
Security money is decreasing because Congress’ will to fund emergency preparedness is fading after the Sept. 11 attacks, said Eric Holdeman, director of emergency management for King County. Federal spending is also hampered by huge increases in spending for the Iraq war, Holdeman said.
The Seattle area should have received more because it is near the Canadian border and has a port, ferry system, high name-recognition and danger of earthquakes, he said. “I actually thought we would rank higher.”
Thanks Dave, for your powerful leadership on this issue… leadership that has earned Congress a failing grade from 9/11 commissioners on your willingness to implement its recommendations.
“The state total amounts to a 23 percent reduction from last year, while the Seattle area decrease is 22 percent. Nationally, homeland-security grants were down by about the same percentage.”
This means that WASHINGTON STATE and the SEATTLE AREA are getting the SAME PERCENTAGE of the federal homeland security grant budget that they were getting last year.
In addition, the grants are being made by the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY. This is not an issue of Congress specifically appropriating the money to individual states, cities, and counties.
So Goldy’s criticism of Dave Reichert is both FALSE and MISPLACED.
FALSE, since Washington and Seattle are still getting the same share of the money.
MISPLACED, since the federal agency is distributing the money, instead of it being a test of political power in Congress to write up specific area appropriations into legislation.
Rep. Dennis Hastert, who vaulted out of political obscurity when Newt Gingrich resigned as speaker of the House more than seven years ago, on Thursday became the longest-serving Republican speaker in history.
http://www.breitbart.com/news/.....GHIO6.html
Hopefully, Hastert will be able to add another two years at least to this. If he serves through January 2009, this will make 10 years and tie Tip O’Neill. Another GOP victory in the House in 2008 would make Hastert the longest continuously served Speaker in U.S. history.
Talking about David Reichert, did anybody besides me get the mailer that he sent out yesterday? He talks about how he will restore Washington States income tax deduction. Odd because Washington State never has had a state income tax. Does he want us to get one? Or does he mean the state sales tax deduction? That would be even odder because he voted to end the sales tax deduction from the fedreral income tax. Any way the whole mailing was nothing more than a campaign piece, paid for by the US goverment. Will he be listing the cost as an inkind donation on his campaign filing?
And Darcy’s experience that shows she could have had some big influence on DHS is what? A year in law school, former executive, whoops, program manager, motherhood? Riiiiight.
And Goldy, if your criticism of Reichert were to have any teeth, would not a much larger share of such blame fall on Senators Murray and Ne’er-do-well?
Looking forward to Senator McGavick.
No whining today about your school issues? Is that horse’s ass dead now?
Looking forward to Senator McGavick.
keep looking. You’re probably still looking for more dead voters for Rossi too
Local Democrats have made much hay about Sen. Maria Cantwell’s plum assignment to the Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee. A lot of good it’s done us:
[INSERT GOLDSTEIN BLURB]
Thanks Maria, for your powerful leadership on this issue… leadership that has earned Congress a failing grade from 9/11 commissioners on your willingness to implement its recommendations.
Speaking of homeland security, I see in the news that Michael Chertoff is cutting homeland security funding to New York because, he says, the city doesn’t have very many “icons.”
What he really means is New York has too many Democrats.
When you look at where federal homeland security funds go — to states like Wyoming, for example — it’s nakedly obvious the criminal Bush administration is playing politics with the lives of American citizens.
The message is: If you don’t vote Republican, fuck you!!! Just ask the citizens of New Orleans, where FEMA officials blocked relief trucks from delivering food and water.
I wonder how much Wyoming’s and Florida’s homeland security funding increases were this year?
There’s at least an obvious rationale for spending homeland security money in Florida — one of the world’s busiest importers of drugs and human trafficking — but Wyoming? What the fuck is in Wyoming, besides grass? Are the Bushies worried about a flood of illegal immigration into the U.S. from Canada?! Well — after all — they think Canada is an enemy state.
1.
Bullshit, Richard, sharing the pain doesn’t mean there is no pain. If Reichert can’t influence the Republican administration to keep the funding up, what’s the use of having a Republican Congressman for the 8th district?
Just like a Republican, make us pay more for schools, reduce terrorism and natural disaster protection. Everything for the war machine, nothing for the people
Richard Dog Poop @1
“In addition, the grants are being made by the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY. This is not an issue of Congress specifically appropriating the money to individual states, cities, and counties.”
Hey Richard, who RUNS the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY? A Bush political appointee — ya think???
Richard Dogpoop @2
“Hopefully, Hastert will be able to add another two years at least to this.”
Man you’re an OPTIMIST, Richard, what with polls showing the public wants Democrats to control Congress by more than a 20% margin! But then, BLIND OPTIMISM is to be expected from a guy who keeps standing for election after getting clobbered — I mean WIPED — in a succession of embarassingly futile runs for public office over the last 20 years. I mean, geez Richard, you can’t even get elected DOGCATCHER!!!
By the way, I voted for your OPPONENT in every one of those elections. I mention it just to rub your face in it.
5
“would not a much larger share of such blame fall on Senators Murray and Ne’er-do-well?” Commentby Observer— 6/1/06@ 10:58 am
Absolutely not, because both Congress and DHS (and therefore homeland security funding) are controlled by partisan Republicans who are so LOW and care so little about NATIONAL SECURITY that they’ll deny such funding to Washington State without batting an eyelash simply because our senators are DEMOCRATS.
6
Memo to Richard Dogpoop: REPUBLICANS control everything that happens in Congress, therefore REPUBLICANS are solely to blame for the cuts in homeland security funding.
But this is not surprising, given REPUBLICANS’ long-held cavalier attitude toward national security:
Nov. 14, 2001: Senate Democrats propose $15 billion for homeland security; the White House warns against “permanent spending on other projects that have nothing to do with stimulus and that will only expand the size of government.”
Dec. 4, 2001: Senate Appropriations Committee votes 29-0 in favor of $13.1 billion for homeland security; the next day, Bush threatens to veto it.
Dec. 6, 2001: Senate Republicans reduce homeland security funding by $4.6 billion.
Dec. 19, 2001: Under pressure from White House, House-Senate conferees eliminate another $200 million of funding for airport security, port security, nuclear facility security, and postal security.
June 7, 2002: Senate votes 71-22 for $8.3 billion of homeland security funding; the next day, Bush’s advisors recommend a veto.
July 19, 2002: Under White House pressure, homeland security funding is further reduced by cutting money for food security, cyber security, nuclear security, airport security, port security, drinking water security, coordination of police and fire radios, and lab testing to detect chem-bio weapons.
Aug. 13, 2002: Bush decides not to spend $2.5 billion appropriated for homeland security on the grounds of “fiscal responsibility.”
Jan. 16, 2003: White House reacts to Democratic efforts to increase homeland security funding by stating, “The Administration strongly opposes amendments to add new extraneous spending.” Later that day, Senate Republicans vote against funds for smallpox vaccine.
Jan. 23, 2003: Senate Republicans cut security funding for the FBI, FEMA, INS, TSA, Coast Guard, and National Nuclear Security Administration.
Feb. 3, 2003: Bush submits a 2004 budget cutting homeland security funding by nearly 2 percent.
Feb. 14, 2003: Senate Democrats request money for smallpox vaccine, police and fire radios, and public transportation security; no Republicans support it.
March 21-25, 2003: Republicans defeat 7 amendments to bolster homeland security.
April 2, 2003: Senate Republicans reject Democratic amendment to provide $1 billion for port security.
April 3, 2003: Republicans reject protection of commercial airliners from shoulder-fired missiles and four other pro-homeland security amendments.
June 2003: House Republicans reject Democratic proposal to raise $1 billion for homeland security by reducing tax cuts for 200,000 millionaires by an average of $5,000 each (from $88,000 to $83,000).
Source: James Carville, “Had Enough?” (New York: Simon & Schuster, 2003), pp. 41-43.
Oh — and let’s not forget … creating the Department of Homeland Security was a DEMOCRATIC proposal, and was delayed for over a year by Bush and the GOP Congress because they considered busting the federal unions to be a higher priority than national security.
Richard, you fucking unpatriotic America-hating traitor, how can you sit there and shamefacedly shill for these bastards? Are they paying you to post here? Whatsa matter, is your law practice not prospering these days?
4.
“[Patty] Murray’s port measure is not about demagoguery. It’s a solid, well-crafted piece of legislation that she has patiently advanced by working with members of the Senate’s Republican majority. Its provisions include stepped-up security for the millions of cargo containers flowing into American ports each year, tough U.S. inspections of U.S.-bound cargo at foreign ports, and expedited “greenlane” handling of shipments from manufacturers whose security practices are pre-certified to tough standards.”
“Murray’s bill won resounding 14-2 approval Tuesday in the Senate’s Homeland Security Committee, which is run and dominated by Republicans. Of the two who voted to oppose it, only one – Sen. Pete Demenici of New Mexico – cited disagreements with the substance of the bill. The other, Sen. Ted Steven of Alaska, said he thought the issue should have been handled by the Commerce Committee, which he chairs.”
http://www.thenewstribune.com/.....2668c.html
Keep bringing Ted to Washington to campaign for you, McSafeco.
Amazing difference between Patty and Dave, Patty’s work is about to pay off through legislation sponsored with Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins that creates a system of tracking cargo containers and encouraging better security. I think Darcy reminds me of our senior senator.
Pope-A-Dope strikes again. Taking a page right out of the book “1983” he’s decided double speak is the only possible defense against the happless (Bumbling – according to winger Janet S) Sheriff Davie.
Let’s see, we got less money but somehow in Pope’s world, we got the same PERCENTAGE so that’s okay. I have an idea Dickie, why don’t we reduce your pay but find some obscure data point in history to show that you’re actually making more money than you used to. You won’t miss those actual dollars in your pocket will you?
Do you inbred right wing fucks get born this stupid or do you have to work to be this dumb?
And as for Sheriff Davie, on the campaign trail, his message is – vote for me coz I am a republican and I can get the republican administration to take care of us. What? Looks like Davie’s no better at this than he was finding the Green River killer.
Listening to these apologists for treason, you’d think the cuts in homeland security funding were an act of God, like a windstorm or something. Wasn’t so long ago these gasbags were lecturing the rest of us about “personal responsibility” … well, maybe they should take some, for what they’ve done to our country. But since they won’t, maybe we should hang them all.
Just kidding, ha! ha! If Ann Coulter can kid around about mass executions, why can’t I? Why should she be the only one allowed to have a sense of humor? Republicans want a monopoly on every fucking thing.
C’mon now, trolls, you guys have to admit that was funny.
“Do you inbred right wing fucks get born this stupid or do you have to work to be this dumb?” Commentby LeftTurn— 6/1/06@ 11:37 am
When you sign up to be a Republican, they require you to consent to a lobotomy, then take you into the back room …
Hanging all the Republicans isn’t such a bad idea …
Just kidding! Whatsmatter can’t you guys take a joke! c’mon, lighten up, and have a good laugh with Roger Rabbit!
HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR
C’mon weasels, let’s hear it!
Greasy Weasel: Hehehehehe, yah, dat’s funny
Psycho Weasel: HOHOHOHOHOHO hang ’em, a very good idea.
(rolling on the floor) Let’s hang ’em!!!
Roger Rabbit has posted 60.8 percent of the comments on this thread. If you don’t like it, go service your armadillo — he’s lonely!!!
Only 5 minutes, and the idea of hanging ’em is already gaining traction. Maybe it has merit …
Just kidding … HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR …
There’s darn good money in war , everyone is getting rich , the trouble is once you are pro-war then there is going to be a reduction in other vital services , security , education , healthcare .
It would be far better to adjust our foreign policy to be kinder and gentler , get out of Iraq , make new friends , But that would mean our thick headed USS Cantwell would have to change the tune she whistles . fat chance , her Washington D C pals are getting rich , she’s getting rich . SENATOR CANTWELL , STOP THIS INSANE WAR , YOU HELPED START IT , PLEASE HELP STOP IT .
@27 Give it up. Maybe McGimmick and Dapper Dave will be able to find some employment as lobbyist to Ted Stevens. . . .
# 28 . I expect this typical act from Republicans , it is their nature . But Democrats ? give me a break , this prowar crowd is bi-partisan . They say they don’t like war but vote for it any way , 100,000 dead , 2 trillion pissed away + interest , for the war already , Endorsed , supported and sustained by a 2 party system . Doesn’t seem too hard to figure out . All the Democrats are offering is a change of strategy , not an end to the war without end . Loyal Democrats get on your knees and bray .
C’mon spit, there’s a lot higher chance of turning the Democrats around about the war than the GOP.
RR
I think hanging Republicans is a splendid idea. Perhaps the easiest way to rid ourselves of them would be to round them all up and make them live solely amongst themselves in gated communities. They’d start turning on each other in no time, hanging each other for any petty misdeed or dangerous thought. Letting them hang each other would have the benefits of cost savings while permitting us to keep our own hands clean.
to 30 >> Well . I don’t see it, Maria Cantwell has stated her’s is a policy of prolonged aggressiopn in Iraq , differnet tactics , but more death to the people we just liberated .
I call it the battered Democrat Syndrome . Hubby pounds on mama and the next morning he apologizes and she believes him . Only to get beat again . In this scenario Maria isn’t even apologizing for the beating . But Progressives of Wash State still back her , disregarding her stated commitment to the long war in the Middle East . I see where Bob Barr is standing up for my Constitutional rights more than Maria Cantwell is . That ought to make the hair on your neck stand straight up.
Notice how Pope-A-Dope bailed on this thread when I pulled his covers?
Janet prefers bumblers, and the stupider the better. Bush, Reichert . . .
It’s a telling comment that NOBODY mentions the 7th district Congressman, you know the one that actually represents Seattle. McDivot is so loathed by everyone, no one expects anything from him. He can’t carry enough water to put out a match.
Dee, how come no other democrats will run against McDermott?
I never thought I’d have to live in a country that would use NAZI type terms like , “Homeland”.
I’d like to sell “Homeland” toilet paper. We could dump it on all those acres of public land that’s been sold to the ( rich people ) corporations.
..and how would putting your man Jim McDermott in to replace Reichert at that job be any better???
Uh Misty I know things that don’t come right off the wire over there at the Lush Flimbaugh website are hard for you to deal with but in case no one told you, Sheriff Davie and Congressman McDermott are in different districts and are not running against each other. God you republicans are stupid.
Left Turn, you’re not cluing in here. we ALL know that the 8th district is NOT the 7th. MY point IS—what if you DID replace Reichert in his current congressional assignment homeland security slot with McDermott. How would homeland security be better?????
Just asking. It’s a worthwhile question.