As you may have read, legislation to reform the current method of handling college loans has been approved by the House (253-171), despite GOP opposition. The main argument I've heard seems to be "A bank in my district will have to lay some people off!!!!".
The way loans are handled now is explained in a Gail Collins column .
Can someone please explain to me why this legislation isn't being supported (heck co-sponsored!) by every conservative in the place? Instead we get this:
"Ask yourselves whether another government takeover is what we need right now," said Minnesota Rep. John Kline, senior Republican on the Education Committee.So there's a middlebankerman costing us billions, and they oppose removing him? Anyone know if Alabama's own Senators Shelby and Sessions will support it? Senator Shelby serves on the Senate Banking Committee...used to be the chair. But a search of his website under the term "student loan" turns up nada. zilch. zero.
Right now, the Republicans only leg to stand upon is fear.
ReplyDeleteSpecifically, it is fear of the unknown.
Their opposition is not well thought-out, and as the healthcare reform "debate" is demonstrating, it is not only shrill, but incoherent.
As well, it is inherently and increasingly disrespectful.
True (no token, but true) signs of mental disorder.
On one hand, they want to pump our tax dollars into their favorite corporate causes and donors, while on the other, if the average family or person is set to receive any such similar largesse or benefit, either directly or indirectly through tax amelioration, they howl!
Your observation on this matter is spot-on!
Just found this news item supporting my earlier comment.
ReplyDeleteThought you and your readers might find it interesting.
"Vin Weber, a veteran of the "Gingrich revolution", in which the Republicans wrested control of both houses from the Democrats in 1994, says the party is "tapping into deep anxiety and discontent about the magnitude of change" under the Obama administration, allowing Republicans to "get on their feet rather quickly"."
from:
US Christian conservatives 'defiant'
By Paul Adams
BBC News, Washington
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8264516.stm
15:16 GMT, Saturday, 19 September 2009 16:16 UK