There is an interesting new phenomenon taking place in our political discourse. If conservative elected officials attempt to pass legislation reflecting conservative principles nominally unrelated to budgetary or economic issues, we are hearing a repeated refrain from Democrats and their allies in the mainstream media. They plaintively ask, "What about jobs?"
This happened when Republicans in Raleigh and Washington passed anti-Obamacare legislation. It also might be prone to happen if there are attempts to pass legislation that addresses certain social issues, or charter schools, or the like. The new political correctness being enforced is that Republicans must exclusively focus on jobs and the economy.
Economic and budgetary matters are of great importance. But Republicans in Raleigh and Washington (and locally) must be able to multi-task, and handle numerous issues simultaneously.
We need to note, in any case, that there is a bit of a double standard.
We have continued to see state Senator Don Vaughan advocate and advance animal rights legislation. He has generally received media plaudits and considerable coverage for these efforts.
Apparently there is little concern that Senator Vaughan is insufficiently concentrating on jobs and the economy.
Bow wow. Ruff ruff. Grr grr.
(translated:Vaughn is a lap dog)
Posted by: Crime Dog | January 31, 2011 at 02:28 PM
But....but....but....but why do you hate animals, Joe?
Posted by: bubba | January 31, 2011 at 02:40 PM
Perhaps Don felt he was in need of some legacy legislation for him to be remembered by. Since I never heard how he and his side were going to solve the crisis in Raleigh I guess the animal thing was his fall back plan.
The mid-east is in turmoil, millions of Americans are without jobs, first time in over a century there's a new party in charge of both houses in Raleigh, and they give Don Vaughn front page coverage for animal rights.
Posted by: Harold | January 31, 2011 at 02:54 PM
Harold, there has been considerable coverage over the last year on similar issues that Vaughan has advanced. The animal kingdom is well represented in his district.
Posted by: Joe Guarino | January 31, 2011 at 04:52 PM
Job creation depends on getting regulations and taxes out of the way. Taxes are often hidden. As fuel prices rise, the tax revenues of the state increase as a result of the price increase. Fuel for heat, for power for the manufacturing processes, for transportation. As a result of the new food safety measure, farmers have new paperwork requirements. Does paperwork produce food? The FDA will hire 2000 new employees to administer the new law. Budget deficit anyone?
Has everyone realized that this new regulation will make the food on your table cost more? The consumer pays for it.
Posted by: Ken Hill | January 31, 2011 at 05:53 PM
Exhibit A in why the Left hates FOX News, Limbaugh, and conservatives on the internet.
A decade ago they could have gotten away with this hypocritical narrative because they controlled the news media and pop culture.
Now people like Joe and the aforementioned FOX News et al come along and expose them by highlighting their hypocrisy and calling foul on their tactics.
They have to work so much harder now to control the message and they can't stand it.
Posted by: Spag | January 31, 2011 at 09:55 PM
Don Vaughn, while you are seeking to protect two legged dogs, don't forget us.
"Bill seeks to let one-armed people use switchblades"
http://www.sunjournal.com/river-valley/story/978172
Posted by: Mack Da Nife | January 31, 2011 at 10:42 PM
Thanks, Ken and Sam.
And Mack, that's pretty funny.
Posted by: Joe Guarino | February 01, 2011 at 07:05 AM