April 25, 2010

SENATE WRESTLES IN LUNCH LINE

Which deserves first attention of U.S. Senators – climate change legislation or immigration reform?

Senator Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.)  insists the Senate should move quickest on climate change legislation.

However, maverick, aisle-crossing Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)  says he will abandon talks with Lieberman and Senator John Kerry (D-Nev.)  on a compromise bill after Democrats indicated they would move first on immigration.  

Sudden prioritization of immigration is seen as a political ploy by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), who needs the Hispanic vote in his home state as he faces a steep, uphill election this year.

The insipid brouhaha reminds us of school children wrestling to be first in line at lunch.

READY FIRST

Reid said he would bring to the floor first whichever measure is ready first.

Lieberman says the climate bill is ready while a bill to address the complexities of  immigration is not.

Graham stated Monday that this would not dissuade him. “Bringing up immigration at all is unacceptable! I am not going to have my fingerprints on a political maneuver that could wind up breaking this country apart.”

Kerry says Democrats will lose votes in the midterm elections.  Thus, climate change advocates see 2010 as their best chance to win long-sought caps on greenhouse gasses.

PLEA FOR ACTION

“The Hill” – daily newspaper for Congress reports that “over the weekend, and on Monday, several groups urged Senate leaders to press ahead with the climate bill.

The U.S. Climate Action Partnership said the Senate should make it a “top priority” this year.  The group comprises several large environmental groups and major corporations, including General Electric, Shell Oil and the Big Three Detroit automakers.

“The U.S. faces a critical moment that will unleash billions in energy investments or remain mired in the economic status quo.”

Ignorance is no excuse.  It’s the real thing.

"The graveyard is full of indispensable men."

---  Charles DeGaulle

It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.

When all else fails, read the instructions.

By Lindsey Wilger Williams, retired newspaper publisher and syndicated columnist