Bunning’s blockade brings federal furloughs; McConnell ‘disappointed’
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U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Southgate
By Halimah Abdullah and David Lightman – McClatchy Newspapers
WASHINGTON — Kentucky Sen. Jim Bunning continued his one-man blockade on Monday of short-term funding for a host of federal programs that expired Sunday, leaving thousands without unemployment benefits and nearly 2,000 federal transportation workers on furlough.
The Republican senator’s objection to the funding bill has temporarily shut down multi-million dollar construction projects in several states and canceled highway reimbursements to states worth hundreds of millions of dollars, said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
“As American families are struggling in tough economic times, I am keenly disappointed that political games are putting a stop to important construction projects around the country,” LaHood said in a statement. “This means that construction workers will be sent home from job sites because federal inspectors must be furloughed.”
Federal projects shut down by the furlough include more than $38 million in project funding for Idaho’s Nez Perce National Forest and Fernan Lakes Idaho Panhandle National Forest and $86 million for bridge replacements in the Washington DC area. Kentucky doesn’t have Department of Transportation projects that will be affected by Bunning’s actions.
Bunning, a 77-year-old Hall of Fame pitcher who will not seek re-election in November, wants the $10 billion price of extending the programs offset by reductions in spending elsewhere in the budget.
“If we can’t find $10 billion to pay for it, then we’re not going to pay for anything. The debt that we have arrived at, even the head of the Federal Reserve Bank chairman (Ben) Bernanke said it’s unsustainable,” Bunning said on the Senate floor Monday afternoon.
ABC news reported Monday that Bunning declined to be interviewed about his stance on the bill. When a producer asked him to stay and talk, Bunning “walked toward the elevator and shot the middle finger over his head.”
The Kentucky Republican, according to several sources, told Democratic colleagues “tough s—” Thursday when they tried to get him to change his mind about blocking a voice vote on the bill. Voice votes can be blocked by a single objection and the next roll call vote was scheduled for Tuesday.
Federal agencies and lawmakers spent much of the weekend trying to assess the ripple affects of Bunning’s actions.
According to the National Employment Law Project, a research group, some 1.2 million unemployed workers, including 14,000 in Kentucky, would lose federal jobless benefits this month. The U.S. Labor Department figures about one-third will lose benefits in the first two weeks of the month.
Letting the highway program lapse could mean an estimated 90,000 jobs lost. As many as 2 million families with satellite television service could lose access to local television stations because a copyright law expired Sunday night.
According to the law project, states hardest hit by the Monday cutoff could be California, where an estimated 201,274 people could lose jobless benefits, and Florida, where the total is an estimated 105,016. Other potential state totals: Georgia, 48,284; Texas, 82,850 and Illinois, 65,431.
A spokesman for Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky’s senior senator, issued a statement Monday expressing disappointment that unemployment benefits had been allowed to lapse.
“Senator McConnell supports extending unemployment benefits and is disappointed they have expired,” said Robert Steurer, a McConnell spokesman. “He believes this should have been addressed weeks ago when there was a bipartisan agreement to do so. However, he hopes this issue is resolved quickly so that Kentuckians who are out of work will have their benefits restored soon.”
Other Republicans took Bunning to task.
“It’s hard to argue with a senator who wants to become fiscally responsible …” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. “However, when it comes to unemployment benefits, I don’t think it’s fair to punish people who’ve already lost their jobs. You have to be realistic sometimes. The money is running out.”
Sen. Jon Kyl, the Senate’s No. 2 Republican, promised Sunday that Congress will pass legislation to fund the jobless benefits, highway and transit money and other government programs.
However, the Senate is not expected to act until Tuesday at the earliest. And when it does reconvene, it plans to consider a longer-term extension.
The bill, which also could include tax breaks that expired at the end of last year, is expected to attract several amendments that could slow it down, and though Republican leaders say the measure will eventually pass, approval is likely to be delayed until the end of the week. Once the Senate passes the measure, it still needs the consent of the House of Representatives.
Kyl, though, told “Fox News Sunday,” flatly, “it will pass.”
The Arizona senator also sympathized with Bunning. Recently, Congress adopted “pay as you go” rules mandating that in many cases, new programs must be paid for. So why, Bunning asked, if these extensions are so popular, can’t Congress find the money to fund them?
“Congress just passed the so-called pay-go legislation, which is supposed to require that we find offsets or other savings if we’re going to spend money,” Kyl said. “And what’s the first thing we do? We exempt this bill from it.”
Bunning remained steadfast in the face of withering criticism Monday.
Democrats seized the opportunity to pounce on both Bunning and his party for “obstructionist politics.”
Kentucky Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo, a Democratic candidate for Bunning’s seat, plans to hold a protest rally at 3 p.m. outside Bunning’s Lexington office at 771 Corporate Drive on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Kentucky Republican Rand Paul’s campaign for the U.S. Senate will hold a rally to support Bunning at the same time and place.
About the Author: John Stamper is the accountability editor for the Lexington Herald-Leader. A native of Monticello, Ky., he has been with the Herald-Leader in a variety of roles since graduating from Western Kentucky University in 2000. Reach him at jstamper@herald-leader.com
Don Gregory | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Could it be that pitcher Jim is attempting to throw a strike at McConnell’s tribe in retaliation for Mitch’es “forcing” Senator Bunning into retirement. This could be very detrimental to the party of “NO” if it gains traction prior to the 2010 elections. And just a few days delay could do it! ! !
Alan More | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
I hope Jim Bunning can sleep at night knowing he block benifits for people who are jobless..WHAT DOES HE CARE HE HAS A JOB RIGHT….WHAT A JERK
Larry K Deeling | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
FYI There are still humdreds of billions of dollars in the stimulus slush fund that is supposed to provide jobs and “stimulate” the economy. the jerks are the people holding that to spend on pet projects in front of Nov’s election.
Brandy | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
This Sen. Jim Bunning guy is suck a jerk. The gov. should lay him off and then when he goes to apply for unemoloyement say oh sorry you can’t have it.
The USA is in such a mess already nobody has any money the way it is and can’t find a job anywhere and then take unemployment benifits away from people. Americans are trying everything we can to feed our families and keep a roof over our famalies heads and unemployement isnt that much anyway but at least it gives you something to maybe buy some groceries with, you cant take this away from people.
The United States are always in a hurry to help all these other countries out and give them money when something happens but when we ourselves are in major trouble they dont want to help us AMERICANS that were born in the US.
This guy shouldnt even get a chance to vote. Nobody cares what he thinks. Get him out of the senate seat.
DHagy | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
What is even more pitiful is the fact that the “jerks” of Kentucky voted to KEEP him in office. You get what you vote for.
jerry | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
“Hey Mitch”,I guess Jim still ain`t your bitch. It`s all your fault you know, if you hadn`t Thrown him out of the club, he might still be doing your bidding. Something for you to think about, huh?
Richard | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
He is simply showing some fiscal responsibility. About time someone had the balls to do so.
KyRanger | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
You know, I don’t have a problem with this. It is refreshing to see one of the politico’s say NO for once. You don’t spend money you don’t have, period, end of story.
The Fed Gov has been running off of credit card debt for years, it’s time to stop.
Yes, lost jobs, lost project money, lost unemployment benefits, but the stopping has to start somewhere. You can’t spend your way out of debt, wake up people.
Givemeonions | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
If you want to show fiscal responsibility stop spending more money on weapons and “defense” then the rest of the world’s defense budgets combined. Spend some of that money on road, schools, transit, hospitals, etc. Then maybe we wont have stockpiles like the one in Richmond that we have to turn around and spend money to destroy.
Call in the loans to the big banks because they are spending that money to lobby congress.
That’s fiscal responsibility.
Gov | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
if any of you actually believe he did this for fiscal responsibility, have i got a piece of property to sell you…he did it out of spitefulness, that’s all…he’s stubborn and he wants revenge against ole mitch…
jcon | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
This story is bull. Good propaganda operation from the white house. The Democrats control the House, Senate, Presidency – No republican can stop their operations.
RICHARD V HALL | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
KENTUCKY SHOULD BE PROWED OF JIM BUNNING THIS IS THE KIND OFS BUT HEADS THEY HAVE BENN SENDING TO THE SENATE FOR 20 YEARS THE PRESEDENT SHOULD MAKE SURE KY NEVER GETS A PENNY AS LONG AS MITCH AND JIM ARE IN WASHINGTON
XeenaLulu | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Wow, buddy. Believe in Karma? I hope you and your family does not experience what 1.2 millions of hard working people and families will experience after their benefits run out. Shame on you.
XeenaLulu | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Richard | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
He is simply showing some fiscal responsibility. About time someone had the balls to do so.
*******************************
Wow, buddy. Believe in Karma? I hope you and your family does not experience what 1.2 millions of hard working people and families will experience after their benefits run out. Shame on you.
solrm | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Many to justify this evil man’s wrongful actions will try to confuse the issue by stating that anyone who wants a job can find one, and we cannot afford help those, who are unemployed, through no fault of their own. It is easy to criticize when we are blessed, and not the ones in such dire straits. We find ways to pay for helping those in need, in far away places, who more then likely will want to kill us in a few months, why do we refuse to help our own? Has any republican made a strong objection to Bunning’s actions? Bunning’s legacy will be nothing to be proud of.
Jim Miller | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
My personal take on this whole crippling farce is that it is another ‘It’s all about ME, and no-one else counts’. There should be NO, repeat, NO rule allowed in either the Senate nor the House that allows a single person to hold up anything. If filibusters are allowed, that use should be corralled in to a ONE WEEK MAXIMUM.
ALL Senators and House Representatives should be confronted when they come out to campaign in Nov either for themselves or for others; and TOLD to their FACES, ENOUGH!!
A letter writing campaign should also be started telling the ‘holier than thou’, so-called leaders we have in Congress that they were sent there to REPRESENT us, and the us is “WE, THE PEOPLE”. Not me, the Senator or me, the House Representative. It is WAY PAST time for our elected officials to get off their backsides and actually DO SOMETHING for our country, besides selling it off, piece by piece to foreign nations. It is WAY PAST TIME, for the other GOP Senators to stand up and MAKE Sen Bunning sit down and shut up, by going to the Democratic side of the Senate and Voting a REVOKE of this INSANE rule they ALL created. It is WAY PAST TIME for politics and ‘grandstanding’ to be removed from doing the BUSINESS of “WE, THE PEOPLE”.
So, Mitch, Harry, Nancy, John, how about YOU ALL getting your personal acts together and do OUR BUSINESS in your respective chambers.
Mike | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
You are correct. My only regret is that it was not a Democrat who finally said “stop spending our grandchildren’s future”. If Bunning was running again, I would definitely vote for him. I will not vote for anyone in November, regardless of party, who believes in living today on my grandchildren’s dime.
Law Dog | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
The real jerks are the emperialists who run Washington. Whether you like it or not, America is an Empire. We have our military deployed in over 150 countries and are currently fighting in two major wars. We have offshored almost our entire manufacturing capabilities for cheap labor and the only money that is being made is through credit swaps and derivative trades on the global market. America must stop trying to rule the world and be satisfied with being a strong independent country, just like our founding fathers intended.
DHagy | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Jim M: Do you ACTUALLY think that’s going to happen? That the “parties” will do what’s best for the PEOPLE of this country? They haven’t for decades; why start now? We are now all stuck with career politicians who don’t give a rat’s patootie about “the people.” Oh, they do–whenever it’s about time to vote and then they’re our best friends. Outside that time, they don’t care. They don’t know what it is to be poor; to worry every day about whether or not you can afford the basic necessities. I used to think voting was the answer; it’s not. Going to the polls now is like trying to decide which bowl of SH*T is going to taste better.
Fred | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
It is the Democrats that are playing politics. Jim only wanted the bill to be paid for, IS THAT SO MUCH TO ASK FOR! No instead, lets rack up more DEBT you idiots!
I support Jim Bunning and would vote for him again if I had the chance.
MILLHOUSE | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
The media is making a WAY bigger issue of this than it should be – all the Dems had to do was take the 10 billion from the stimulus money and Bunning would have voted for it – but the want to keep spending and spending and spending.
I am proud that Jim Bunning is my U.S. Senator and proud that he isn’t letting McConnell, free spending Democrats, or the media shove him around!
Phil | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
All you posters dumping on Sen. Bunning haven’t got your facts straight. Bunning is for the unemployment benefits. He is simply trying to force the Congress to observe its own laws. According to the new ‘paygo’ law that that the Democrats were crowing about just a few weeks ago, all new entitlement spending has to be offset with a revenue increase or a spending cut somewhere else. The bill in question is exempted from that. Despite all their empty talk about fiscal responsibility, the majority party doesn’t put OUR money where their mouths are.
Senator Bunning simply suggests spending some of last year’s gazillion-dollar ‘stimulus,’ which was supposed to jump-start the economy immediately, and only a third of which has been spent to date, on this bill. The Democrats, however, want to hang on to this money for now so that they can pay off their union supporters and voters can look at a slew of new construction projects (remember shovel-ready jobs?) around election time this November. The unemployment benefits and construction work could easily be paid for out of this Democrat slush fund, but Harry Reid isn’t letting go of it so easily. If you need to blame someone for this, blame Reid.
Thank God there’s one Senator who stands up for the American taxpayer.
ukgirl53 | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Don’t believe it when Dum-Dum Mitch says he is for the extension….they had this planned to use Dum-Dum 2 aka Bunning. Dum-Dum Mitch isn’t for anyone one but himself, he doesn’t care about Kentucky or any other state or person, what I can’t understand is why you people put him back in office, he is like all the other pub’s in the congress….he is for the RICH! Conservative = supporting rich, not christain values…both of these guys are A 1 JERKS!!!!
joseyj | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Bunning claims he’s taking a “principled stand” because bills should be paid for.
But Bunning and ALL other Republican senators voted AGAINST Pay-go in January!
http://senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=111&session=2&vote=00012
Republicans are spinners of deceit!
UK indy | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Poor decision by Bunning. Where was his concern for fiscal responsibility prior to the fiasco in Iraq?
SueAnn | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Well, when you can find a job and you have your unemployment cut off, what is next for you? For the posters here who feel this is fiscally “responsible”, how do you define fiscally “responsible”? This is not a household we are running here – this is about people’s lives and well-being. You know what? When President George W. Bush wanted to go to war against Iraq, there were very, very few people saying “Stop, we must make sure we can pay for this first”. And, as a matter of fact, the war was not paid for. I guess when it is about killing people versus feeding people, we get concerned about where the money is coming from. As a working taxpayer, I would like Mr. Bunning to know that I want to designate my tax dollars to any program that will help people with food, housing, and health care. I am sure if Mr. Bunning really understood who is getting hurt here, he would understand that being fiscally responsible is taking care of priorities and taking care of people’s lives is a priority.
SueAnn | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Sorry, I meant when you “can’t” find a job in the first sentence.
Big Ben 4 liberty | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Keep it up Bunning!!!
Phil | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
So … regardless of whether the Republicans voted for it or not, why won’t the Democrats live by it now? Since they were so proud of it.
charlie | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Most of us have only so much money. IF we want to buy something that is over our budget, then we might not eat out for a month to save the money to pay for it. Our government should do the same. Our reps continue to send bills thru congress with earmarks for special projects. All they need to do is agree to not spend the ear marks and let that pay for this.
Phil | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
It always goes back to Bush for some people, doesn’t it?
@ SueAnn:
You won’t get me off topic by debating the Iraq War, except to say that the spending on that can’t touch that of the last year by the Democrats.
If the Democrats are so concerned about the unemployed, why don’t they pay for this out of the stimulus? It would be simple for them to do, I would think, and there wouldn’t be an interruption in benefits (Dirty little secret: it’s getting funded anyway). But they need that money to buy off voters this fall, so they won’t do it. And they need this political theatre to score a few desperately needed points. Bunning doesn’t need to boost his poll numbers since he’s not running again.
MarshallDem | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Please immediately join me and express your objection to Senator Bunning’s blockage last Friday of an extension of unemployment and healthcare benefits to over one million jobless Americans, including 119,230 Kentuckians.
As the only Senator to object to extending unemployment benefits, Senator Bunning’s action to reduce the deficit on the backs of the unemployed is disgraceful. Even Mitch McConnell called Bunning’s actions “disappointing.”
The Senate will be considering this measure later this week.
There are three ways for Jim Bunning to hear your voice:
1. Call Senator Bunning’s Kentucky and Washington offices.
Washington, D.C. (202) 224-4343
Louisville (502) 582-5341/(800) 283-8983
Lexington (859) 219-2239/(800) 283-8983
2. Tomorrow, join me in front of Senator Bunning’s offices in Louisville and Lexington to voice our objection to his actions.
Louisville
Location: Martin Luther King, Jr. Park
Across from Bunning’s offices at 600 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Place
Time: Noon
Lexington
Location: In front of Bunning’s offices at 771 Corporate Dr.
Time: 3 p.m.
3. Sign our petition by clicking here.
Unfortunately, Trey Grayson and Rand Paul have demonstrated they are nothing but Bunning clones in their support of Bunning’s action. They are obviously engaged in political posturing to attract support from the most extreme part of the Republican Party at the expense of Kentuckians who are jobless.
But as Democrats, Independents, and moderate Republicans, let’s together call on Senator Bunning to change his stance. As I said on Saturday night, it does not matter whether you support me or Jack Conway. Let’s have unity in opposing Senator Bunning’s action. I hope you will contact Senator Bunning’s office, sign our petition or join me tomorrow in Louisville and Lexington.
Thank you.
lex_citizen | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
what a bunch of tools!
Obama signed PAYGO into law and Bunning is following the law.
Crybabies.
bibo | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
I love you guys who complain the bunning objected to the EXTENSION of benefits that have been extended several times before. It affected 14k out of 120k people. You think there should be PERMANENT benefits for life, with nobody evr saying no or voting to stop them. why not? It’s ‘free’ money right? what a bunch of economic fools
Frances | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Where was his fiscal brain when it came time to vote for Pres. Bush’s Medicare Prescription Bill. Why not hold his pay.
Frances | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
It is amazing to me how some blame the democrats for all the spending. Yah lately they have had to vote for stimulus via economists both democratic and republican. Or else possible depression. The major bills that cost us money had to be signed by the president. Yah I know you don’t want to look back but sometimes we need to know how we got into this mess. If you look at the numbers we had a small deficit during Carter’s years, then it went up several billion dollars during Reagan. Started to go down again under George HW Bush because he raised taxes mainly. Then during the Clinton years a surplus and then 8-years later wow. Then more even now because we wanted to avoid a depression. I find it amazing how the republicans think they have no part in this mess. Both parties are to blame, I just wish we could get rid of all of them.
rambo | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
this is what the country needs.never voted for bunning but he is dead on right no matter how unpopular it might be.our government and its blind spending is out of control. about time someone grew a pair of balls.
Rob Powers | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Yet another reason to vote out these white-headed out of touch servants to this commonwealth.
Karma | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
I really cant believe some people agree with this delusional man..he’s 77, go try to enjoy the little time that you have left on this earth! Which is not long, and quit trying to play politics and jeopardizing peoples livelihoods! My hope is that the only people who did not get their unemployment extended in KY are those who voted for Bunning! Some say he is practicing fiscal responsibility..lol..yea right..someone had to pay thier phone bill today, rent, get food, put gas in the car! And for those who agree, I hope you lose your job or your business, and you have to receive unemployment! then lets see how right this old jerk is..because it can happen!!! I am an independent, I vote both ways depending on the person, but after something like this I will never vote for another republican again!!! that was and is horrible..I can’t believe him..very sad
yeah right | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
The Republicans are all about “every man for himself” while the Democrats are about “those who are very wealth should help those who cant help themselves” and I guess you just have to decide who you stand with….
Karma | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Oh and by the way since Bunning said he is making a point..NO ONE CARES!!! about your point..you are truly ruining the republican parties already tainted image, just what the democrats want..and now since you won’t go along with the 10.8 million, they are going to have extentions of 100 million that he can’t block! So yea great job tjats 90 million dollars more you idiot! When all you had to do was go along with everyone else, this one was not hard..
n | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Good for you Mr. Bunning!!!!
Thanks for standing up for all of us WORKING people who are TIRED of paying for those who are not employed!!
Great job, keep up the good work!!
n | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Agreed!!!
Jack M. | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Sen. Bunning is a true conservative, and sets an example for other Republicans. So some jobless people might have to go hungry for a while, and give up their luxuries. Not a big deal, especially when it means that Bunning is staying true to his conservative principles. We need more Republicans just like him.
yeah right | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
How big of you Jack M., that you think jobless people may have to go hungry for a while, not a big deal you said…..I bet you think your a Christian too, besides obviously a Republican. And the Children of those unemployeed people, are you ok with them going hungry too….You are not doubt an Idiot……But do go to your Tea Party Dude….lol
kyrn | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Goodness, even a Kentuckian knows you should learn to spell before you post something for everyone else to try to read. We don’t all agree or disagree with Mr. Bunning. We can send millions overseas to help others but we don’t seem to be able to help our own peoples much. And if all the pork monies were eliminated we would have support for people who need it. Take care of the necessities before you splurge on other things.
Dale | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Phil, there’s a really GOOD reason that SueAnn brought up the Bush administration – to point out how hypocritical people like you really are. The Iraq war cost far more than the meager spending to directly help AMERICANS who are struggling with the economy right now. It’s so easy to pontificate about how Bunning is all about fiscal responsibility, but the facts simply do not bear that out.
Scott Wilson | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Good job Bunning. Someone has got to stop this spending madness in DC. It’s not about extending benefits, but how do we pay for it. We cannot run the kind of deficits that have been created in just the last 13 months.
Jackie | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Well each Republican Law Maker takes a turn at blocking/stalling help to Americans. The Plan set out on Jan. 20, 2009 was to make sure Obama and the USA failed. For over a year we’ve seen Republican Law Makers and Governors refuse Obama’s help for the American people. Senator Bunning is just taking his turn. Now Bunning and other Law Makers have become millionairs by working/voting for Banks/Corporations. President Obama is fighting for the American people alone as many just wont help him help us. Senator Bunning will quickly vote yes again when Banks ask for another bailout. But remember to pay your full share of Taxes by April 15th, so Bunning and other get they salary incease pay.
Phil | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Can you refute any point I made, Dale? I’m not going down the bunny trail with you about the Iraq war. Why not pay for this out of the stimulus money? Can you answer that?
James M | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
To Richard Hall you idiot. PROUD of Kentuckians like me and my fellow ones that wanted rid of this man. YOU can be as PROWED as you want you stupid idiotic redneck.
Buck Feshear | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
When the discussion turns to the Iraq war, it’s always so nice to see Saddam Hussein’s cheerleaders chime in, even after he’s down there having coffee in Hell with Beelzebub.
David | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Wow – I just accidently hacked into a blog from the future! It was from our grandchildren and great grandchildren!
They were searching for the conspirators who had doomed them to slavery.
They were chanting the name of their hero – unsuccessful and defeated.
This hero started the freedom, the end to the shame of their ancestors, the old ones who
wrote checks they could not cash.
didn’t solve problems, but said their grandchildren could handle it.
The old ones knew that times were tough, and it wasn’t fair,
but doomed YOUR grandchildren to show strength, when they were weak.
‘BUNNING’ was the chant!
Dave Nelson | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
I suggest that Mr. Bunning leave now. He is not longer relevant and does a disservice to the great state of Ky. Maybe, before he leaves, he can give back all of the money he has received from the taxpayers. What a poor excuse for a leader.
Dan | Mar 1, 2010 | Reply
Is building a half a bridge instead of a whole bridge your idea fiscal responsibility?
zento | Mar 2, 2010 | Reply
The people that we have representing us in Washington obviously care nothing about us. They are concerned with big business. I’m sure if Bush were up there wanting money to invade some country McConnell and Bunning both would be behind that. We could save this country some money by sending both of these loons home.
Tim | Mar 2, 2010 | Reply
Dems could pay for it if they wanted to. They are just using this to get their base all worked up the way they did back when Newt shut down the government. Mean republicans make great headlines. We need to change the change. The economy is getting worse the the national debt keeps growing. We are still in Iraq and the war in Afghanistan is expanding. Obama has not held a press conference in over 200 days. It was cool electing a young black man but what we really need is someone who can run the country somewhere other than into the ground. And don’t give me that crapp about all Bush’s fault. Obama has had plenty of time to show some results.
Jack M. | Mar 2, 2010 | Reply
Thank you Dave for your brilliant post! These rediculous liberals understand nothing about how the economy works. They think that they can just keep on writing government checks and never have to pay. Slavery is in the future, not the past! Our unborn grandchildren are already chanting ‘BUNNINGJ! BUNNING!’
Mark | Mar 2, 2010 | Reply
I see there are supporters of his actions in this post. Sorry people, I have to say this, he did vote against the PayGo bill so the vote against the bill shows his true feelings on government spending/accountability. He doesn’t care about gov’t spending/accountability. His motives may be to tell the GOP and the Dems he is still relevant at the ripe age of 77. Mitch McConnell may indeed be a “control freak” and well the Dems well they’re Democrats. That being said, I saw that a few of you would vote for this guy if you could. I wouldn’t be so enthusiastic about him if I were you. It really doesn’t look like he’s doing this to “help anyone” especially not to curb spending. I believe he’s angry. Look, he’s no longer relevant and old. I wonder if he’ll give up his pension to curb some of that government spending to save my grandkids?
Jack M. | Mar 2, 2010 | Reply
Even though you got it right, rambo, those libs will NEVER admit it!!! Like you say, it doesn’t matter how unpopular Bunning is. You might be the last person on the planet supporting Bunning, with the rest of the world calling him cruel and uncaring. But why should a true conservative care what other people think? Sometimes the country needs cruelty, and Bunning has the GUTS to stand up for what’s right!
Jack M. | Mar 2, 2010 | Reply
Good point “n”. Like you say, “Thanks for standing up for all of us WORKING people who are TIRED of paying for those who are not employed!!”
Everyone who is unemployed MUST be a liberal, that’s why they want all this free money!! We hardworking CONSERVATIVE people don’t want your “free” money.
janda | Mar 2, 2010 | Reply
bet when his raise comes up for vote he will not care where the money comes from
Nicole | Mar 2, 2010 | Reply
Boy, Bunning is a real masterpiece. Causing people to lose their jobs and to keep them from getting unemployment. Way to go Bunning!! I hope that members of your family and friends families will be affected by this. Kentucky Republicans should hang their heads in shame for re-electing this jerk to office.
bigunit | Mar 2, 2010 | Reply
Bunning is a TOTAL c0ck-svcking, m0ther-fvcking a$$h0le!!!
solrm | Mar 2, 2010 | Reply
Democrats and republicans, each have contrastingly different beliefs.
The democratic philosophy has always been to help the less fortunate, such as Medicare, Medicaid, minimum wage, health care, worker rights, voting rights, discrimination, etc. The republican philosophy has always been to fight against such legislation, and support only legislation that benefits the wealthy. Every day too many face the fear of not knowing if they will have food and shelter, caused by circumstances beyond their control.
The republicans try to justify Bunning’s prejudices by making the asinine claim that jobs are plentiful and anyone could find work if they weren’t lazy, looking for a free handout, and helping those in need should be denied, because we can’t afford it. The issue of affordability never concerned the republicans previously if the wealthy would profit. The democrats state openly what their beliefs are. Are the republicans ashamed to do so in a candid manner?
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