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Spoils to the Whiner
February 8th, 2007During the 2006 election circus, the Speaker in Waiting, Ms. Nancy Pelosi, noted that the only thing important was “winning.” Her’s was not a comment on winning an intellectual argument, a policy debate, or even the alleged soul of a nation.
No, Peoplsi’s “winning” was about warfare. Conquering. Defeating an opponent so the winners (defined as “not the American people”) would get the spoils, which appears to include significant donations from the American Association of Ambulance Chasers.
It is therefore of little surprise that a battle has emerged over the appointments of office. In this case, Pelosi has asked the U.S. military to provide a jet aircraft for her disposal, to wing her and a small mob of sycophants from coast to coast.
Nobody can begrudge the desire to fly non-stop, especially for such long distances. And I cannot argue against the military providing such seeming limited services for those who, during time of war, might instantly rise to the presidency.
But as taxpayers we all can threaten some good natured tarring and feathering for abundant waste. The argument Pelosi makes is that she needs to fly coast to coast without stopping, and thus requires a craft the size of a 757, seating more than 42 people who can share the on-board beds, showers, and portable ATMs (known in Democrat circles as lobbyists).
The non-stop argument is, of course, utter nonsense from a source well known for such. Since the aircraft is owned, operated, and fueled by the U.S. military, a smaller and more cost effective craft could/would stop ever so briefly at one of many military airfields mid-country. If Nancy “Smiling Eyes” Pelosi was slowed down for a mere half an hour, she would still be crossing county faster, and having a shorter layover than any commercial flyer (that would be you or me).
Frankly, anytime we can delay a politician in travel, we work to save the Republic from destruction by Congress.
The most insidious spectacle of this tawdry little charade came today when in front of God, country, and rolling TV cameras Pelosi said “As a woman, as a woman speaker of the House, I don’t want any less of an opportunity than male speakers when they have served here.” In other words, when people of common means began complaining that Pelosi was displaying aristocratic demands, she tried to claim she was being denied her luxuries because of her plumbing.
This is disgusting on so many levels, but worst of the lot is how insulting it is to the American public. No politician utters a word on camera unless they are casting spin or announcing that they are entering rehab. She thought the public would buy this argument, which in turn cast her in the most disingenuous light.
If she can step in such a transparent political meadow muffin over something as simple as air transportation then the Republicans have a ready made strategy for the next two years: pressure Pelosi on matters she takes personally. This not only detracts from complicated policy debates (which will cause a significant number of Americans to drop into comas), it causes Pelosi to respond with self-destructive behaviour, which shows badly on her and her party.
Alas, Republicans are so adept and self defeat that they will likely ignore this gold bricking goose who speaks to the house, and fumble the political ball well past the 2008 goal line.
