I agree with Barney Frank
Posted on February 8th, 2009 by Tol | No Comments
Imagine my surprise, but one of the things I prize most in any discussion is intellectual honesty. To disagree with someone on a point simply because of their ideology or because you’ve disagreed with them on all previous points is simply intellectually dishonest.
Here’s the backdrop. David Gregory has picked up the mantel of Meet the Press and clearly went to school on the man whose giant shoes he’s agreed to fill, the late Tim Russert. He does a good job and I recommend his program. Today, he asked Barney Frank why so many politicians fail to live up to the public’s expectations. I’m paraphrasing, but Rep. Frank said, “The voters do not hold us accountable enough.”
I couldn’t agree more. And let’s start with Rep. Frank. Why do the people of his district return him to Washington every two years? While he attempts to shift blame, he has Chaired the Financial Services Committee for over two years now. How is it in that time he never caught wind of the tsunami in which we now find ourselves. More, a year ago Rep. Frank was publicly proclaiming Fannie and Freddie fundamentally strong.
There are many issues on which Rep. Frank and I disagree, but that is not the point of this post. My point here is that until our representatives believe there are consequences for failure, their behavior will not change. Voter’s must enthusiastically cross party lines when their party’s incumbent fails to deliver. Democrats in Massachusetts should have gleefully sent Rep. Frank packing for his abject failure as Chairman.
Speaking for my lone vote, I have placed my Senators and Representative on notice, just because my state and district is Red/Blue, don’t be complacent. The people are roiling mad at your continued bickering and ineptitude. Your party affiliation will not protect you from incompetence, at least if I have anything to do about it.
Loading ...