My Mother, conservative Christian, traditional Republican, and passionate patriot (but apolitical) ripped Cliff Stearns (FL-6) (well, actually, it was Cliff Stearns' "director of something or other") a new one this afternoon when the aide informed her that Stearns did not support the DC Voting Rights Act, HR 1433.
I want to share with you her inspiring tirade against one of (too) many self-righteous politicians that wrap themselves in the flag, crow about Democracy and Freedom in Iraq, and proceed to spit on DC residents! My mom ROCKS!
*HR 1433 would give DC a real Representative in the House with actual voting privileges, and in return would give Utah (temporarily) an at-large Member. After the 2010 census, but DC would keep its representative, and the other seat would be reapportioned elsewhere. [Corrected as per KCinDC - thx]
Rant below the fold!
So, my mom called me to tell me the results of her (he hadn't called her back for at least a week) follow-up phone call. Where did he stand?
He (Stearns) is not supporting it, she said, his "director of something or other" (DOSOO) said "it was unconstitutional." She went OFF.
M: "What is constitutional about an American citizen not having a voice in Congress!?"
DOSOO: Um, well they have a delegate...
M: "Yes, but she CAN'T vote on the actual bill on the floor, only in committee, sir!" (she really knows her stuff on this bill now)
DOSOO: Well, they can vote for president...
M: "But it is a disgrace that they don't have the same privilege as every other American. DC was not intended to be a city where so many people lived, it was intended as the seat of government. But people live there, and they should have a voice."
"I am disappointed in him! And you can tell him that or not, whatever you want. But they pay taxes like everyone else, and they deserve a voice in making the laws that affect them!"
Go, Mom! Oops, sorry, you had something else to say?
"And you CAN tell him that when he comes up for reelection, I am SURE not voting for him!!!"
(and the crowd goes wild!)
I am so proud of my mom. I told her she may have to switch parties by the end of this fiasco. If you or your mom want to help DC have a voice in Congress (just one!), ask your Representative to support HR 1433.
God Bless America!