Whether or not you approved of the bailout, you have to count yourself lucky to be witnessing an historic event. Take a good, hard look at what is unfolding before us. One elected official after another said they could not vote for this legislation because their constituents back home were not in favor of it and would vote them out of office. As a matter of fact, this was part of an openly discussed game plan yesterday before the vote:
Both parties were also scouring the political map to identify lawmakers who face little or no opposition for re-election in November, knowing they would be more willing to vote yes. New York Times News Service
Think about that again. They wanted to vote for it, but the people they represented were overwhelmingly against it and would have thrown them out for approving the bill. How often does anything of REAL importance happen this close to an election? This is so close to election time that the legislators are accountable for their votes. Imagine that! And they are scared. They can not do their politics as usual because they don’t have time so spin it. This is a magical time to witness: politicians acting out of accountability rather than self-interest. Were that it was always true…
Phil Hodgen says:
I agree it is fascinating to be watching history unfold. In a nice train-wreck sort of way, I guess.
For me, the votes in November are now manifestly simpler to decide. Vote “No” on incumbents.
The fact that the current bill had provisions favorable to ACORN tells me everything I need to know about the character of our politicians: there are those who would pimp America, and those who would allow America to be pimped.
September 29, 2008 — 2:43 pm
MG - Arizona Housing Bubble says:
Shock and Awe. Two things we pride our government on being able to provide.
The specifics are less important.
Wonder how long it is until we invade the US and install a Democracy there. That place is ITCHING for one! 🙂
September 29, 2008 — 3:02 pm
Keahi Pelayo says:
I am becoming exhausted by all of the history that is being made.
Aloha,
Keahi
September 29, 2008 — 5:25 pm
Teri Lussier says:
I’m glued to the news- highly unusual for me. I’m a sponge right now, it’s incredibly fascinating, and yes, Sean, guv’mint is listening to us, but what is even more thrilling is that we are bothering to speak out! The lack of apathy is remarkable.
September 29, 2008 — 6:47 pm
Clarendon condos -- Jaybird says:
I just watched this 8 min video of dems and reps in 2004 in a hearing on freddie and fannie mae. The latter were protesting and throwing up red flags and the former were passionately defending and justifying everything about freddie/fannie. This is classic but the media won’t report it….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MGT_cSi7Rs
And this article was quite insightful as to how the fed’s interference had some terrible effects on the marketplace–very enlightening for those us who pursue truth for the sake of pursuing truth.
http://www.realclearmarkets.com/articles/2008/09/in_times_of_crisis_trust_capit.html
I do hope the defeat of this bogus bailout plan by the fear mongering establishment will give the people a chance to hear other perhaps more effective solutions to these issues.
jay
September 29, 2008 — 6:49 pm
chris e says:
Every 10 years something “dramatic” Hollywood style happens.In the 90s was the drama of the junk bonds.
I couldn’t believe Paulson’s speech and the underline threat that “credit will be restricted and that will devastate small business”.I do not think he and the Wall street gets it.People do not want to pay for their mistakes period.He mentioned nothing of consequence for the people responsible for the situation.In the mean time investors are waiting on the side lines, for us to bail out these institutions and then buy them for a song.If Washington Mutual was working out with their borrowers,giving them the same discount as to JP Morgan, there will be no crises.The arrogance of Paulson and the Wall Street is beyond comprehension.
September 29, 2008 — 9:24 pm