Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Roskam votes against relief for homeowners

Now that congress is back in session, and the more challenging bills will be coming out, it's time to really put the lens on who Roskam truly plans to represent in DC. So far, we know that he will not do anything to help immigrants; he will gladly deny rights to gays and lesbians, and his environmental and energy efforts will move things in the right direction as long as they don't upset big-industry oil and auto manufacturers (meaning, he will do little to promote renewable energy or energy conservation). He will, however, vote to protect the rights of lobbyists, and vote to kep in-tact the government benefits of fellow legislators who are convicted of wrong-doing in the name of public service (both of these bills failed in the house, but were two of his first votes adn set the pattern for what he is really all about). Of course, he says he wants to support the small business owner, but the pattern really reflects support big-business.

His most recent vote: he joined a small minority of Republicans (only 72) in voting against HR 1852 (Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007). As we have seen so often, locally he stands with Hastert, while Biggert and Kirk show a more reasoned vote.

So, Peter, if you really want to support the small business owner, what's up with not supporting some relief for the impending mortgage crisis? You voted against raising minimum wage, which you argued would hurt the business owner (of course, even at the new minimum wage, no one could afford to live in your district); but with the looming housing/mortgage crisis, people need relief otherwise there is going to be an absolute collapse of the middle class in the district.

Perhaps, more to the point, what would your alternative be?

And by the way (completely unrelated), what's up with denying DC voters the right to representation?

Clearly, Peter is only out to represent the "haves" in his district. Thankfully for him, the Democrats don't seem to be able to get their act together to put forth a viable alternative, so his seat is safe. It's a sad state of affairs.