Orange County (CA) Register: The revolution ends with a whimper

[question everything]

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

The revolution ends with a whimper

After 12 years in control of Congress, Republicans leave little worthwhile behind

The lame-duck session of Congress that also marked the end of 12 years of Republican domination of the legislative branch ended Saturday morning with more of a whimper than a bang. Nine of the 11 "normal" appropriations bills remained unpassed, leaving the federal government to rely on "continuing appropriations" that will fund agencies at current levels until mid-February.

The end of the session also highlighted disappointment with Republicans who took majorities in both houses of Congress in 1994, with a reform-minded "Contract with America." The Republican commitment to fiscal discipline, a balanced budget and regulatory and welfare reform – a genuine accomplishment, but that was back in 1996 – disappeared when a Republican won the White House.

Discretionary domestic spending increased more rapidly under President Bush than it had during LBJ's heady Great Society days. Earmarks – special spending programs inserted by individual members of Congress at the behest of lobbyists or special interests back home – burgeoned. Congressional oversight of executive branch power grabs like warrantless wiretapping and indefinite detention without charges virtually disappeared.

(snip)


http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/opinion/abox/article_1380091.php

[Captain Hilts]

1. This is a conservative paper. nt

[question everything]

2. Yup, which is why I posted

After all, criticizing the "revolution" by a liberal newspaper won't be new, right?

[Captain Hilts]

3. You got that right. nt

[sinkingfeeling]

4. Love how they applaud drilling in the Gulf and tax-free HSAs to build more wealth.