A cheer for John Boehner

John Boehner is doing his job well the second week into the Obama administration, as are Mike Pence, Eric Cantor and other leaders and mouthpieces within the Republican congressional minority. Not a single Republican voted for the monstrosity of a stimulus package! Every one courageously stood firm, and 12 Democrats crossed the aisle to vote with them.

I sent my Congressman (Dan Burton, from Indiana's 5th District) an e-mail yesterday morning, with wording to the effect that I never even have to worry about him. I know I can count on him to do the right thing on fiscal policy. I was not disappointed, once again. Find out who your Congressman is and send them a note, either congratulatory or scathing, depending on their vote!

The Republicans have found a backbone and are sending a message. I remember being so chagrined back in September when, on "This Week" with George Stephanopolous, John Boehner pronounced that there was no choice but to opt for a massive stimulus package because the economic predictions were so dire...like nothing he had ever heard. He has clearly reversed course, and good for him! The sooner the better. It has become painfully obvious that very few congressional representatives have much knowledge of economics (or Senators either, for that matter). So I suppose a brief period of misjudgment can be forgiven, though the fallout for the country as a result of that ignorance could be and indeed, has been disastrous. (See results of November 4, 2008 election!)

The stimulus package will pass because I doubt the Senate will filibuster it. But the hands of all House Republicans will be clean, as well as those of most GOP Senators. (If John McCain won't vote for the stimulus package, maybe Lindsey Graham won't either.) And that is important, not just with the next election in mind, but also for the history books.