The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[Strangler Lewis]

Originally Posted by Nephythys

The Liberal To Do List If They Win

Department of Peace and Nonviolence Act — H.R. 3760: Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) and 74 Democratic cosponsors propose a new “Department of Peace and Nonviolence” as well as “National Peace Day.” Cosponsors include three would-be Democratic Chairmen: John Conyers (Judiciary), George Miller (Education and the Workforce), and Charlie Rangel (Ways and Means).

Gas Stamps — H.R. 3712: Jim McDermott (D-WA) and eight Democratic cosponsors want a “Gas Stamps” program similar to the Food Stamps program to subsidize the gasoline purchases of qualified individuals.

Less Jail Time for Selling Crack Cocaine - H.R. 2456: Charlie Rangel (D-NY) and 23 Democratic cosponsors want to eliminate mandatory minimum sentences for possessing, importing, and distributing crack cocaine. John Conyers, the would-be Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, which has jurisdiction over the bill, is a cosponsor.

Voting Rights for Criminals - H.R. 1300: John Conyers (D-MI) and 32 Democratic cosponsors, and H.R. 663: Charlie Rangel (D-NY) and 28 Democratic cosponsors would let convicted felons vote. Rep. John Conyers is the would-be Democratic Chairman of the Judiciary Committee which would consider this legislation.

Expand Medicare to Include Diapers — H.R. 1052: Barney Frank (D-MA) supports Medicare coverage of adult diapers. Barney Frank is the would-be Chairman of the Financial Services Committee.

Nationalized Health Care - H.R. 4683: John Dingell (D-MI) and 18 Democratic cosponsors want to expand Medicare to cover all Americans. John Dingell is the would-be Democratic Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee who along with cosponsors Charlie Rangel, would-be Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, and Henry Waxman, would-be Chairman of the Government Reform Committee, would have jurisdiction over the proposal.

Federal Regulation of Restaurant Menus — H.R. 5563: Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and 25 Democratic cosponsors authorize federal regulation of the contents of restaurant menus.

Taxpayer Funded Abortions & Elimination of all Restrictions on Abortion, Including Parental Notice - H.R. 5151: Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and 66 Democratic cosponsors want to overturn even minimal restrictions on abortion such as parental notice requirements. The bill would also require taxpayer funding of abortions through the various federal health care programs. John Conyers, the would-be Chairman of Judiciary Committee which has jurisdiction over the bill, is an original cosponsor.

(kill the babies- any way you can- but don't put drug dealers in jail)

Bill of Welfare Rights — H.J. Res. 29-35: Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL) proposes a Soviet-style “Bill of Welfare Rights,” enshrining the rights of full employment, public education, national healthcare, public housing, abortion, progressive taxation, and union membership. On some these measures, Rep. Jackson is joined by up to 35 Democratic cosponsors, including would-be Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers.

Link

Bleaugh-bloat, more absconding of our money to the gov't....whoopee.

I agree with Bear that most of these are empty partisan silliness and, yes, Republicans do it, too. Since you seem to agree, you should not have titled your post as you did. There are, however, some serious issues here.

Right now, the statutory mandatory minimum for 50 grams of not particularly pure cocaine base is ten years. You have to be working 5 kilos of powder to get ten years. The crack/powder disparity and its obvious racial implications have come under substantial criticism. The United States Sentencing Commission recommended that it be eliminated, but Congress did not respond. Now that the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines are merely advisory, there is basically a return to discretionary sentencing. Many federal criminal laws have maximums but do not have mandatory minimums. The federal drug laws, which imprison people for far longer than most state laws do, have long been criticized. In short, there is nothing remarkable or out of the blue about this proposal.

National health care is a serious issue. Other countries do it well, but probably nothing will come of this.

As I recall, diapers are expensive. Diapers for big people probably even more so.

[Nephythys]

Originally Posted by Strangler Lewis

I agree with Bear that most of these are empty partisan silliness and, yes, Republicans do it, too. Since you seem to agree, you should not have titled your post as you did. There are, however, some serious issues here.

That was not the point of my post to JW-

I titled my post based on the articles title- not my words.

Thanks-