Friday, April 28, 2006

Buckwheat for President!

Story in the NY Times. It says:
G.O.P. Senators Hurry to Quell Furor Over Gas

By CARL HULSE
Published: April 28, 2006
WASHINGTON, April 27 — Senate
Republicans tried on Thursday to get the upper hand in the escalating political battle over high gasoline prices by proposing a $100 rebate for taxpayers and by suggesting that they might increase taxes on oil-industry profits. Senator Bill Frist, the majority leader, took questions from reporters after announcing a legislative plan to combat high gasoline prices.

The Republican proposal also called for opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil production, a provision sure to draw opposition from many Democrats and even some Republicans.

"The American consumer is the one that needs the break today, and we need to be taking steps to make sure that they aren't emptying their wallet every time they fill their tank," said Senator John Thune, Republican of South Dakota, as the leadership unveiled its legislative response to an issue quickly taking over the Congressional agenda.

The Republican plan includes a provision that could levy a significant tax on oil company profits, a provision that President Bush promised to veto when a version appeared in a Senate bill last year. The proposal came on a day when Exxon Mobil reported a 7 percent gain in its first-quarter earnings ...


I agree with Squirrel -- except it's the republican Senate. If the republicans think I am dumb enough to let a $100 make me start thinking it's OK to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, they must be possessed. I spend that on gas in no time -- and if they are dumb enough to think that that is going to stop my wallet from hemorrhaging due to the price of gas, they better go back and take math again.

I say we should all give that stupid money to Buckwheat, so that he can help improve the clinic in Skagway. Buckwheat is changing his own life, and working in a big way to help his community -- go dude. Maybe he also needs a new bike -- You know -- Aim High. I say Buckwheat for president. We've made worse decisions.

4 comments:

Tim said...

Buckwheat for President. I should have bumper stickers printed! We'd all be better off if a guy with his big heart were in the White House.

Shawn, thanks for the link and, most of all, for your generous personal contribution. With people like you pitching in, it's going to be a very special moment when I get to call Buckwheat and tell him what people have done. I wish it could be a massive conference call so you could all hear him howl with gratitude. He's a good man and deserving of the help.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. When this is all finished, he's gonna be mad at me if he finds out I didn't give everybody a howl, so "Owoooooooooooh!"

shawnkielty said...

I was really moved by his selflessness. Here he is dying perhaps -- and he is concerned for his community. So he is a fundraiser for his home -- and a helth advocate for himself.

Those are good decisions. We'd all be better off ... if we made those more often.

The Old Bag said...

I can get behind Buckwheat.

Di said...

What a positive way to deal with a life-threatening experience. I've recently had my own, and you are changed forever...there is a desire to make the most of your life while you can....to leave some mark that is worthwhile. I'd vote for Buckwheat!! He's truly an inspiration!!