This appeared in the local newspaper today; sorry, no link, because it's only a small-town weekly newspaper. This was in response to a letter I had written a month ago, noting that a tea party would be held up here, and a letter to Senator Nelson available for signing, protesting the socioeconomic policies of Pa Kettle in the White House.
The tea party, as everyone knows, is already said-and-done; 204 attendees in a town of 1500, the only "publicity" having been that letter to the editor.
Anyway, I know how these things are done. The letter was probably written by an unpaid office intern, a sophomore in college majoring in political science or something, a True Believer indignant that someone dare questions Pa Kettle in the White House, and signed by autopen.
In real life, Ben Nelson's a nice guy, as is franksolich; we just happen to disagree.
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Editor:
The actions of [someone from town] and [franksolich] have reignited my faith and that of many others and real Americans and true patriots. Let us hope that the far left Democrats and their leader are unable to destroy the spirit and fabric of our nation prior to November of 2010.......oops, wrong letter
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Dear Editor:
A March 29, 2009 letter written by [franksolich] opposing the stimulus plan and other policies of the 0bama administration begs the question: Where was [franksolich] during the last eight years when the previous administration initiated two economic stimulus plans totalling $700 billion, nearly the same size as the $787 billion in the current administration's plan?
Where was he during the last eight years when the previous administration wiped out the surplus and more than doubled the size of the national debt while overseeing the largest expansion of the federal government in decades?
The hierarchy of the Republican Party was silent during the spending of the last eight years but now is speaking up in an obvious attempt to turn this into a partisan issue, which is unfortunate especially for Nebraskans of both parties who are rightfully concerned and angry about spending.
I, too, am angry and concerned which is why I recently voted against the budget because of its alarming size and deficit.
I voted for the economic recovery plan because major economists said doing nothing was not an option amid the worst economic downturn in decades. This is why such conservative business groups including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers supported the 0bama stimulus plan.
We are seeing positive signs that it's beginning to work. In Nebraska, which is usually late feeling the effects of a slow economy, my hope is it will cushion the landing so we don't experience the major problems that have hit other states.
The recovery plan is bringing more than $1.1 billion to Nebraska and will save or create 23,000 jobs. This should come as good news for residents of Northeast Nebraska who have already seen a number of layoffs and business closures.
In addition, it must be noted that more than $280 billion of the stimulus plan is in the form of income tax cuts and other tax incentives designed to percolate through the entire economy.
I must further address [franksolich]'s mistaken impression that I must be "encouraged" to oppose tax and spend policies of the administration and oppose attempts to override right to life and the Second Amendment.
I have a long history of supporting tax cuts and spending cuts. I voted against the recent federal budget and a second bank bailout and trimmed $107 billion in non-job creating funds from the stimulus plan. I have a strong endorsement of Nebraska Right to Life and the NRA. My record is based upon my principles, which I certainly won't change now, or ever.
It is unfair to try and distort my record or raise questions based on misleading talking points in what is clearly a partisan attempt by [franksolich] to try and discredit me.
The people of [town] know me. The administration may have changed, as did the majority, however, I have not changed. I am still the same conservative Ben Nelson who has served you as governor and senator. I have always put Nebraska first, and I always will.
Sincerely,
E. Benjamin Nelson
United States Senator
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Oh my. This deserves a franksolichian sort of reply; it's obvious our distinguished senior U.S. Senator didn't read what I wrote.
After I write that, I'll post it here too.
By the way, this is old hat to me. I've been publicly chastised by U.S. Senators in the newspapers since I was 16 years old. The late U.S. Senator Edward Zorinsky (D-Nebraska), 1977-1986, "Eddie the Zero," once spittered-and-spattered at me, by name, in the pages of the Congressional Record.
