Even though I live in Australia, I find this disgusting also. The crisis in the US affects us all, yet even though US citizens get voting power, the rest of us don't. Let me just say that I hope none of these dumb-asses ever step on Australian soil. I hope your letter finds the right eyes and you at least get a response, but since it appears to me that they don't actually care, you won't be hearing from them.

Thank you for posting this information on your blog. I was wondering how AZ reps voted on the bill.

Here's an article of mine showing the massive protests last week against the bailout. This took place last Thursday on Wall St. and it wasn't even mentioned on ANY of the major media outlets. If it was mentioned, it was scant coverage. They didn't want the protests to grow any larger or it would shut Wall St. down!

hubpages.com/.../Protests-on-Wall-Street---what...

WE"RE ALL DISGUSTED WITH THIS GARBAGE BAILOUT BILL! Worst of all, it most likely will do nothing to stem the crisis in the credit markets! What a waste of money.

Very nice letter, Tim. Thanks for sharing that with Congress and with us.

Tim,
I understand your frustration, but in this case it is simply too late. We've let our government and regulators be asleep at the switch for far too long, and have arrived at the sad situation that only emergency legislation (which, by definition, is ill-conceived) will help.

The best way to influence your local politicians is to meet them personally and develop a trusted friendship. Email forms during a time of crisis won't help.

Well done sir! My wife contacted all our representatives as well, urging them to vote against the bill. Our local congressman (Reichert) did in fact vote against it even though his email response led us to believe he was going to vote for it. We were glad and we'll be voting to reelect him.

This is sickening though. Truly sickening. Thanks so much for calling out the pork in such a detailed manner.

-Jeff

>> If you polled normal US citizens they would have thought only affected the financial crisis and market

I think you can count the rest of the world in that too. Certainly as a UK citizen I never had an inclin that the "bail-out" plan included such incredible provisions. Why would 503 ever be included, unless perhaps the authors were in someway related to a wooden arrow factory producing arrows of a certain specification. Highly cynical perhaps, but baffling none the less.

Ian

Very well put. I agree with your position. I figured the easiest route would be to force the banks to lower their interest rates which would in-turn decrease the homeowners monthly payments. Then the homeowners can continue to pay their mortgage and the banks receive their money and there would be no need to devalue the dollar!

Samson

I'm another Australian who has been following this with some interest. The revised bill is without a doubt disgusting. Disgusting in that it goes well beyond the scope of the original bailout package on account of the concessions it grants.

Disgusting that [some] politicians who are meant to represent their electorates (ie. the people) are kow-towing to businesses and using bills like this as a lever to get certain outcomes for the lobbyists. If it wasn't so serious you'd think the concessions were a joke. It really makes you lose faith in the principle of "integrity".

And it's also disgusting that such a financial mess was allowed to occur in the first place, with the Wall Street fat cats walking away with their multi-million dollar bonuses and/or severance packages.

Our elected officials have definitely not taken the desire of the American people into consideration when voting on the bailout. I will do my best to encourage others to NOT re-elect those who voted for the bailout. They have sold us down the river.

Thanks to your list showing how everyone voted, I just voted for my only Democrat. Raul Grijalva, 7th District House Rep voted nay and I voted for him to reward him. The earmarks disgust me. Have they absolutely no respect left for the citizens who put them in congress?

blah

Blah Blah Blah I hate polotics!!!!!!!!!!

Heuer 2012!
Seriously, think about it. Things won't change until new blood decides to enter politics!

great an article, I'm very thank you, I think really usefull, I'm following comments, thanks

Yes, good article and way to go with voicing you disgust with how our Senators and Congressman voted.

My question is: where do you find out how our AZ Legislators vote on a daily basis? Does everyone know how their rep voted on the 2007-2008 State Budget? Making cuts in Education funding to help balance this years budget. November 4th can't come soon enough to get rid of DeSimone-the alien- what planet is he from? Voting FOR the Eloy Amusement Park. Stupid! Like this would attrach millions of turists.

Thank you, now I know who NOT to vote for Tuesday. I was actually looking for a list of the jerks in Arizona who voted yes on this crap.

My ltr to all the elected officials of Az... McCain was the 1st one then Kyl. Reps and congressmen to follow...

February 23, 2009


Sen. McCain
241 Russel Sen. Off. Bldg.
Washington, DC 20510

As a citizens of the United States of America, Great state of Arizona, I feel compelled to write to you to remind you that when you took office, you swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States. Our constitutional rights are being trampled on, and we are being controlled by statutes that serve to benefit only those in high political positions and those of the elite wealthy.

I strongly request that you do the following:
• Starting now, stop allowing the printing of worthless dollars which allows our national debt to continue to climb.
• We need a money system backed by something of value. (Remember, according to the US Constitution, only gold and silver coins were lawful, legal tender.)
• Take our money system back from the Federal Reserve Bank, what the heck is that anyway and allow our country to coin and create a currency of value. (Why should a private bank make money off taxpayers by controlling the money system?)
• Abolish the IRS along with the income tax and implement the fair tax as has been previously introduced to our lawmakers and politicians.
• Allow private enterprise to fail.(Why should taxpayers bail out private enterprise?)
• Do something about the free trade that only benefits big businesses that take their company headquarters and production out of our country to shelter their profits. (Remember, “The Fair Tax” as has been presented, would do away with all the unfair benefits received by big business which would bring our industry back to the United States.)
• One last thing, Carter established the Energy Dep. To find ways to end our dependency on foreign oil and I can’t help but wonder what they have spent billions of dollars on other than their wages on and accomplished what? Exactly! Shut that department down…
• Continue to thwart this asinine stimulus package…

This in itself will immediately start our economic system on the road to recovery.

We, as a people, are angry. We are sick and tired of our politicians not doing what is morally and legally correct. We will not sit by and let this happen. We want to bring home our full paychecks. We want integrity and righteousness brought back to our country. We want a fair tax. We want a money system of value. We want government to stay out of private enterprise. We want less government! We will not be led around like a herd of sheep. We will not follow like sheep. We will not standby and do NOTHING while Marxism and Socialism are being implemented by certain government officials and politicians. Heck, let’s call a spade a spade here it’s the Democrats and a number of Republicans.

There’s a sleeping giant (the middle class) awakening. We’ll not allow ourselves to be terrorized and enslaved by a few leaders working toward a one-world order. Feudalism is outdated. I will do everything possible to not let it return.
I do not want and will not accept a computer-generated form letter from you. I respectfully want a response. I want each issue addressed, and how you will act on it. I need ACTION, not eloquent language, not false promises. “I” am only ONE, but it only took a small group to hold a salt-water tea party. Do you prefer sugar, cream or both?

In Freedom,

Kenneth Novcaski USMC/Ret.
2423 E. Magnolia Dr.
Gilbert, Az 85298


PS. I am a dedicated supporter and have voted for you ever since you have been in office. I need some bang for my buck here…

Semper Fi