Friday, February 19, 2010

Republican Hypocrisy: Supersize Me!

It should go without saying that you can find a healthy dose of hypocrisy in nearly every politician's kitbag, and that goes for Republicans and Democrats. But it is hard to top the 111 congressional Republicans who voted against the $787 billion stimulus package but have taken credit for the wonders it as worked at ribbon cuttings, check presentations and myriad other ceremonies in their districts.
Think Progress has called out these clowns, including Mike Castle of Delaware, who is my representative, in a devastatingly timely piece published in conjunction with the White House's announcement that one year on the American Recovery and Investment Act will save or create 1.5 million jobs.

While that number is open to debate, there is no question that the package has made the difference in many districts that have suffered deeply from the Bush Recession like those of House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio, who twice voted against the package but now says "I'm pleased that federal officials stepped in to order Ohio to use all of its construction dollars for shovel-ready projects that will create much-needed jobs."

Then there is House Minority Whip Eric Cantor of Virginia, who also twice voted against the package but recently sponsored a jobs fair where half of the participating organization received stimulus money.

And so on and so forth.

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