We've all heard about Sen. Jim Bunning's efforts to block the vote on unemployment benefits. But after a confrontation between Bunning and journalists at an elevator, I think I've made up my mind about this mean old man.
At first he claimed that he was taking a stand on reckless government spending, which I can respect. Bunnings said:
"I believe we should pay for it... I'm trying to make a point to the people of the United States."
But then I watched him utter these words on the Senate floor:
"I have missed the Kentucky-South Carolina game that started at 9:00 and it's the only redeeming chance we had to beat South Carolina since they're the only team that has beat Kentucky this year."
I think Bunning's bitter, because he's being forced into retirement. I doubt he cares about people at all. I think he's like virtually all American politicians, he only cares about his career, his money, his family and himself. Now, millions of families will lose their benefits because of his selfishness. Thus doesn't seem like an act of courage, but an act of mischief. If he's so concerned about government spending, why doesn't call for the end of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He voted for the surge in Iraq and has supported Republican spending for years, so there's no excuse for him to deny people's unemployment benefits.
Bunnings
Voted NO on redeploying US troops out of Iraq by March 2008.
Voted NO on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007.
Voted NO on investigating contract awards in Iraq & Afghanistan
Voted NO on redeploying non-essential US troops out of Iraq in 9 months.
If he can fund war abroad, why can't he help people at home.
Here's an idea, since it costs about $10 billion/month to fund unemployment, why don't we end the $10 billion/month wars so we can afford unemployment benefits in America?
Just a thought.
Now, I know that we can't keep unemployment going forever, but at least we can spend our money on the people who need it most.
The Unemployment Story
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/ynews_ts1202
Bunning's War Record
http://www.ontheissues.org/International/Jim_Bunning_War_+_Peace.htm
