On government motors and alternative energy. Bloggers weigh in…

In this week’s National Journal poll, prominent political bloggers were asked about Obama’s handling of GM and Chrysler and the changes–if any– we might see as a result of the ongoing energy debate. Q: Do you support the Obama administration’s handling of General Motors and Chrysler? The answer choices were simply yes or no. As … Read more

Would somebody please tell Judd Gregg to cool it, already?

Judd Gregg

Famous Judd Gregg notepad– Gracing many a political banquet place-setting since 1993. If he keeps up the way he’s going lately, I’ll be willing to forego adding any more of these to my collection…

Is Judd Gregg going to sell conservatives down the river from now until the election in less than two years? If what we see lately from our senior Senator is what we’re going to get, I’m going to start seeking a suitable alternative to support in the primary. Building on a similar theme as reported in this prior post, the latest on Senator Gregg with regards to President Obama and the ongoing bailout mania, as reported in Saturday’s Union Leader, makes me ill:

Judd Gregg has been impressed so far with President Barack Obama’s willingness to "reach out aggressively" to him and other Republican lawmakers to find areas of agreement, especially on financial policy.

Translation: "Kiss my behind a little, and feed into my sense of self-importance, and I’ll be like putty in your hands, Mr. President." When it comes to the most liberal, potentially socialist president we’ve ever seen, I’m wary of ALL "areas of agreement, especially on financial security." It goes on:

Gregg said his relationship with Obama is simple.

"The elections are behind us, and it’s time to govern," he said. "People pay us to govern. There are really big issues, a very difficult time for the country. We need to govern and not be partisan."

Excuse me? Then what the heck are you doing there? Not Partisan? What, are you just gonna roll over and cave into the Magic Obama’s every wish and desire? Has Judd Gregg not heard of the phrase "opposition party?" How many Democrats decided to "govern" and not be partisan for the last 8 years? Arrgggh!!!!

Gregg was a key ally of the new President on the release of the second $350 billion in Troubled Relief Asset Program funds last week.

"I was the lead Republican senator in trying to make sure those resources were available to the new administration," Gregg said.

Oh goody! While you’re helping to mortgage our children’s grandchildren’s great grandchildren’s future, when it comes to the election and a Democrat foe in less than two years, do you think they will cut you any slack? No way– they’ll try to shred you to pieces. Obama won’t be campaigning for you– he’ll be cutting commercials for Hodes or some other such challenger from the Democratic Party. Your new bestest buddy the Magic Obama will sell you down the river just like you’re doing to us now…

And sadly, it would be bad enough if Judd Gregg simply left it there, but noooooo… according to the Union Leader Gregg’s love for the Magic Obama doesn’t end there.

 

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train-wheels close up Image by Foundry Co from Pixabay

Ridin’ the rails. Clickety Clack…

“I’ve been workin’ on the railroad, All the live long day. I’ve been workin’ on the railroad, Just to pass the time away. Don’t you hear the whistle blowing? Rise up so early in the morn. Don’t you hear the captain shouting ‘Dinah, blow your horn?’”

Quaint words from a bygone era, no doubt. Unfortunately, not everybody leaves the choo-choos back in the memories of childhood long ago. Oh no, there are those, especially politicians, that can’t keep trains a fond remembrance. They feel the need to play with trains, and therefore, they end up with the ultimate set, all funded with OUR money. That’s right- we really ARE workin’ for the railroad, only, you probably didn’t know it, and Dinah isn’t in your kitchen cooking up some grub, and, sadly, there’s no one strummin’ on that ole banjo…

But seriously, there they go again—the railroad promoters, that is. As sure as the seasons change, they’re coming at us for our support—and money—for their long-held dreams of restoring rail service here in New England, looking to return it to its once-mighty seat at the top of our transportation system. To me, this is all well and good, except it doesn’t work out here in the country. I’ve long maintained that public transportation—especially rail-based— works in urban areas, and works well. Here in the sticks, not so. There’s a reason why rail fell out of favor with the advent of the modern automobile and truck, along with America’s awesome Interstate Highway System: FREEDOM.

The ability to go where we want, whenever we want, and with who we want is something that people have long recognized and appreciated. Until now, that is. With gas prices where they are, there are undoubtedly those thinking about trading their individual ride for so-called “public” transportation. Not me. They’ll have to pry the steering wheel from my cold, dead fingers. Count me as one American who is still mired in the midst of a love affair with my automobile.

The July 14th Laconia Daily Sun carried a story (page 3) that stated,

“Given the high gas prices and the public’s desire for more transportation choices, New Hampshire’s rail enthusiasts are displaying ‘I think I can’ optimism when it comes to expanding passenger train service.”

The piece went on to announce a gathering of “rail advocates” that took place last week

“to discuss how increased passenger rail service could accelerate the state’s economy.”

Ooooh, doesn’t that sound exciting? And you just know it’s a good idea because, guess who’s pushing it? None other than that great and all-knowing leader that makes one immediately think of innovation and success: Michael Dukakis. I know what you’re thinking, “But Doug, Michael DUKAKIS? You mean the same guy that was the Governor of Massachusetts?” Yes, indeed. THAT Michael Dukakis.

Again from the Sun article:

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