The last two weeks have gone a long way to separating the true putzes from the poseurs. As each day passes, the level of competition rises. The winners in these contests, however, always bring a certain level of disdain and faux patriotism to their game. Tim Huelskamp has been a perennial winner, and today he throws one of his patented li'l hissy fits.This looks like a winner:
At a House hearing on death benefits, Representative Tim Huelskamp, Republican of Kansas, asked Eric K. Shinseki, the secretary of veterans affairs, “Do you think Harry Reid doesn’t like the V.A. or our veterans?”
Seriously? Question for the dishonorable member: "Do you think the Republican Party hates the American people?"
Shinseki must have thought he stepped through the looking glass. He did manage to regain composure in time, though:
Mr. Shinseki, looking baffled, replied: “I think he highly values veterans. As to why Congress is unable to do its business, I will leave to the members to discuss.”
And thank goodness for our side:
Representative Tim Walz, Democrat of Minnesota, called the question “beneath the dignity” of the veterans affairs committee and offered Mr. Huelskamp 30 seconds to apologize. He declined.
Here's an incomplete list of constituencies the Republicans appear to hate, based on either their votes or their inaction:
. Farmers
. Immigrants
. Women
. The uninsured
. The LGBT community
. Low-wage workers
. Urban dwellers
And the list goes on.
Any time Rep. Huelskamp wants to support our veterans, he can do so, by voting for a clean Continuing Resolution. Harry Reid is not stopping him.
I should note that the day is not over, the competition is fierce, and Mr. Huelskamp could lose his putz honor before the day is out.