Keeping Up With Hillary Since 1992.

The Hillary Clinton Quarterly has been keeping up with Hillary's career since 1992 when she became First Lady. As Secretary of State, Hillary carries out the President's foreign policies through the State Department and the Foreign Service of the United States. She was sworn in as the 67th Secretary of State of the United States on January 21, 2009.

2012 Election Merchandise - CLICK HERE!

Custom Search

picture 1

GOP TO UNEMPLOYED: EAT DIRT!

By Rake Morgan
A Rake's Progress

 

Senator George LeMieux of Florida voted against benefits.

Three weeks ago we all thought that Senator Jim Bunning of Kentucky was ready for the funny farm for trying to single-handedly block passage of a federal extension of unemployment benefits. Now it seems he has dragged most of the GOP with him.

On Friday, GOP senators blocked passage of another extension, needed to keep benefits flowing to job-seekers whose benefits will otherwise end on April 5. Speaking for the group, Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma said they blocked the bill because the $9 billion price tag would add to the national debt.

A lack of empathy by the GOP for the unemployed, or the poor, or the sick, certainly comes as no surprise. After all, this is the same GOP which flaunts as a red badge of courage its monolithic opposition to health care reform, the greatest domestic legislation since the passage of the Civil Rights Act.

What does surprise me is the mindless dogmatism of the deficit hawks. Let's be candid: only those whose cupboards are full have the luxury of worrying about what might or might not happen ten or fifteen years from now. Most of us -- and certainly the unemployed -- have to focus on the present: food for their kids and themselves, rent and mortgage payments, utilities, and other essentials.

One of the GOP senators mentioned in an LA Times story about the vote was George LeMieux of Florida.

"Even in these difficult times, my constituents say to me, "We're more concerned about the debt than we're concerned about anything else,' " said Sen. George LeMieux (R-Fla.).

That's an astonishing comment. To be accurate, what he should have said is that "my EMPLOYED, RETIRED, or WEALTHY constituents" are more concerned about the debt than anything else.

I could easily have looked at any other state, but LeMieux's is an interesting case because unemployment there sets a new record every month. In the latest report, the unemployment rate in Florida stands at 12.2%. That's 1.26 million people. I doubt that many, if any, of those 1.26 million workers are more concerned about the debt than eating, putting a roof over their heads, or paying their bills.

I might also mention that LeMieux, who is quick to ignore people who actually have to struggle to make a living, was not elected to the U.S. Senate. He was appointed last year by Florida Governor Crist. In other words, the pulpit he uses to lecture us about economic responsibility was a gift.

He way of saying "thanks" for this largesse is to tell 1.26 million Floridians, "Eat dirt!"

And in case you have never heard of LeMieux before, here's a video of his inarticulate explanation of why he voted against the benefits extension.

 

 

Embark on a rewarding online casino journey.

slots online real money usa

Hillary Clinton and Madison Guaranty: Conflict of Interest or Bum Rap?

Our resident legal advisor, Matt Hallisey, investigates accusations made by Hillary's critics that her involvement with Susan and James McDougal's Madison Guaranty Savings and Loan when she was at the Rose Law Firm was a violation of the legal code of ethics.


What was it like starting the first publication about an American First Lady? Read Frank Marafiote's account about the early days of HCQ.

The Real Story of the Hillary Clinton Quarterly


Keep Up With Hillary!

Get our exclusive photos
from Hillary's high school yearbook. . .and much
more! Order today!

Hillary's High School Yearbook Issue


 

Check out these exclusive designs from the
Hillary Clinton Quarterly
.

Don't Blame Me I Voted for Hillaryy


What They're Saying About Hillary

Hillary Clinton, Pakistani Foreign Minister Get The Giggles

Hillary Clinton, Russians Clash Over Iran Nuclear Reactor

Obama Clinton Story Promises Many Twists in Plot


Archive

Who Killed Hillary Clinton's Health Care Reform?

In Sickness and In Health: Hillary Clinton Takes Charge.

Far Right Dooms Health Care Reform.


Find the Hillary Clinton Quarterly on Facebook