More Mendacity on Capitol Hill

What is it about the concept of "principles" that is so difficult for Congress to understand?

Most of us would be very grateful if our elected representatives would actually stand for something. Freedom or tyranny. Capitalism or collectivism. Morality or licentiousness. One side or the other, where ever that happens to be. Vote that way. Sponsor legislation that way. Stand up for what you really believe.

Then we can evaluate whether you represent our views, and we'll vote to keep you or toss you out on your ass next election so that you can pursue your agenda outside of government.

My ire is raised this morning by a couple of paragraphs in an Associated Press report on the progress of the Pork-a-Palooza package, which reflects the sad state of things on Capitol Hill. The first paragraph:

Democrats also upheld a so-called Buy American provision that requires projects financed by the measure to be built with domestically produced iron and steel.

Hmmm, I thought, when I read this. The Democrats are bucking their own president on this one. (Obama has warned that the provision could trigger a trade war.) Good for them, sticking up for their beliefs, I thought. Much too prematurely. The next paragraph:

But with Obama voicing concern about the provision, the requirement was changed to specify that U.S. international trade agreements not to be violated.

In other words, Democrats can claim they want to "Buy American" but the reality will be that nothing will change. It's a sham designed to give them cover come the next election period.

My opinion on this subject isn't the issue.* What is at issue is this stupid Washington game of playing us all for ignorant, gullible suckers who will believe whatever they happen to want to tell us. This mendacious habit of playing everything right down the middle so that anything can be justified.

Spineless.

*My opinion? The Buy American provision was never serious since we've shut down most of our steel-making capability in this country. We couldn't provide the product if we wanted to. However, we never should have agreed to these stupid trade provisions in the first place that crippled our own steel industry. It was short-sighted and dangerous. Solution? Require that a percentage of U.S. iron and steel be used, and work to increase that percentage. Meanwhile, return to the negotiating table and get our steel industry back.