Nevermind that there is never a shortage of political finger pointing coming from this blog (and conservatives in general). Gosh, the bridge fell down, now let’s not point fingers. Why so defensive? Could it be the republican lawmakers who are responsible for this mess?
You’re right on one count: the 2007 transportation bill that Gov. Pawlenty vetoed wouldn’t have prevented the bridge from falling down, but the 2005 bill he vetoed sounds like it sure would have. Some facts:
Vetoed Transportation Bill: In 2005, Pawlenty vetoed a transportation finance bill that would have provided $7.8 billion over 10 years for roads, buses and passenger trains. The bill also included an increase in the state’s tax on gasoline by ten cents per gallon. (St. Paul Pioneer Press, 5/20/05)
Pawlenty 2004-05 Budget Proposal Did Little For Local Roads & Transit: In 2003, Pawlenty conceded that his proposed 2004-05 budget proposal for transportation did little for local roads and transit. Pawlenty proposed an overall 11 percent cut in transportation funding with a 64 percent drop in state general fund money. (St. Paul Pioneer Press, 5/24/03; Star Tribune, 2/19/03
Finances Delay Highway Construction: The state’s decision to build with borrowed money and expected federal funding has led to deteriorating roadways. Existing roads are now in their worst condition in decades, according to the state Department of Transportation. The agency’s cash balance dwindled from a $155 million surplus in 2002 to a deficit of $60 million before officials were legally required to get back in the black. According to the Star Tribune, tight finances are starting to delay highway construction, even on projects already underway. (Star Tribune, 7/4/06)
Funny how conservatives were so quick to blame Ray Nagin and Kathleen Blanco… yet want to wait an “appropriate amount of time” for the investigations to run their course before we hold anyone accountable for this disaster. I know, an oxymoron to use conservative and accountable in the same sentence, but this is theoretical. In practice, we all know how the cycle works. Which, of course, leads me to the question: When are we going to blame Bill Clinton for this?
The real gem, though, is this:
let’s all practice some personal accountability in this country by firing the blamers we put into office and find some real leaders.
What? Did this guy actually just say that we should hold the people who are asking questions about this disaster accountable, but not the people whose neglect and tax-cut politics at least contributed to this disaster, if not outright caused it? This is one of the finest pieces of spin, ever. Worthy of Billo! Congratulations, I nominate John G. Miller for today’s Worst Person in the World!Simply shameless. And exactly what we should expect from republicans.
