Easy Money and Washington Greed
DH | Aug 08, 2009 | Comments 5
I returned from a holiday in Europe to learn that just about the only legislation the U.S. Congress had passed in the last few months was a silly program called “Cash for Clunkers” – turn in your old gas guzzler to get a rebate to buy another gas guzzler.
Capital Hill lobbyists and the automobile industry must has been high-fiving all week over this piece of shallow, short-sighted and self-serving piece of legislation by Congress. Lawmakers could go home for their long summer vacation with their pockets full of fresh campaign payoffs. Special interest money trumps the American people any day of the week in Washington.
U.S. vehicle mileage standards are among the world’s worst simply because members of Congress put payoffs from lobbyists ahead of what’s good for America. Congress didn’t tackle health care – one of the biggest issues facing the country – because it was too complicated and made their brains hurt.
While in Europe, my wife and I drove a Volkswagen Golf (seen in the photo). It was diesel powered and got about 46 miles per gallon (converted from kilometers and liters). 46 MPG!!! The European-version of the Golf is a terrific car. In the U.S., it’s called Jetta for some odd reason and doesn’t get good mileage.
You may dislike diesel vehicles because they belch black smoke and stink. Well, that’s only in America. In Europe, diesel fuel is better refined and cleaner. Many cars and trucks run on diesel, and there is no black smoke or stinky smell. The U.S. Congress could order the oil companies to produce cleaner diesel in the U.S. but that might endanger campaign payoffs from lobbyists even though it would lead to long-term fuel conservation.
Naw, we’d rather focus on hybrid cars that lug around 1,000 pound toxic batteries that will eventually pollute landfills. Again, it is avoidance of long-term solutions.
Congress is putting America behind the rest of the world on so many critical issues, preferring instead to focus on their own greed and corruption.
Filed Under: Featured • Personal notes
Ok – I hear you and agree. What can be done about it – I mean REALLY?? Can anything? What will it take for politicians to put the people ahead of themselves, I wonder? If you have any ideas, please share. My ideas seem too simple and rely and people doing the right thing – which they don’t.
Nickey,
Thanks for taking the time to comment. You might begin by speaking out on Twitter and your blog. If we do not speak out, the corruption will continue.
David
[...] News Sources wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptI returned from a holiday in Europe to learn that just about the only legislation the U.S. Congress had passed in the last 6 months was a silly program called “ Cash for Clunkers ” – turn in your old gas guzzler to get a rebate to buy another gas guzzler. Capital Hill lobbyists and the automobile industry must has been high-fiving all week over this piece of shallow, short-sighted and self-serving piece of legislation by Congress. Lawmakers could go home for their long summer vacation with the [...]
[...] News Sources wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptI returned from a holiday in Europe to learn that just about the only legislation the U.S. Congress had passed in the last few months was a silly program called “ Cash for Clunkers ” – turn in your old gas guzzler to get a rebate to buy another gas guzzler. Capital Hill lobbyists and the automobile industry must has been high-fiving all week over this piece of shallow, short-sighted and self-serving piece of legislation by Congress. Lawmakers could go home for their long summer vacation with t [...]
[...] News Sources wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptI returned from a holiday in Europe to learn that just about the only legislation the U.S. Congress had passed in the last few months was a silly program called “ Cash for Clunkers ” – turn in your old gas guzzler to get a rebate to buy another gas guzzler. Capital Hill lobbyists and the automobile industry must has been high-fiving all week over this piece of shallow, short-sighted and self-serving piece of legislation by Congress. Lawmakers could go home for their long summer vacation with t [...]
Oops…forgot to say great post! Looking forward to your next one.