Republicans Gone Wild--Millbank--WaPo

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/21/AR2006062101822.html?referrer=email


I JUST LOVE THE HEADLINE!!

Republicans Gone Wild

By Dana Milbank
Thursday, June 22, 2006; A02



During a break in the proceedings at yesterday's House Homeland Security Committee hearing, George Foresman, the Bush administration official in charge of disaster preparedness, put down the "Read Ahead Book" his staff had prepared for him and began to wring his hands.

For good reason: He was the guest of honor at a ritual sacrifice, Washington-style. His Department of Homeland Security has slashed counterterrorism funding for New York City and the Washington area by 40 percent, and Foresman, though armed with many excuses, lacked an explanation that passed what Rep. Rob Simmons (Conn.) called "the common-sense test."

"It was indefensible, it was disgraceful, and to me it raises very, very real questions about the competency of this department in determining how it's going to protect America," said Chairman Peter King (N.Y.).

"How could a rational process produce such a dysfunctional conclusion?" demanded Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York, calling the situation "a sad joke."

"Something's wrong with the formula," said Rep. Jim Gibbons (Nev.).

And these were all Republicans .

Maybe it's the early summer heat, but something has caused House Republicans to boil with rage this week -- and to direct much of it at President Bush and his administration. They snubbed Bush by announcing that they were putting off immigration legislation at least for the summer -- and perhaps for the year. In another show of defiance toward the administration, they decided not to take up renewal of the Voting Rights Act. And King said he will confer today with his Senate counterpart, Susan Collins (R-Maine), about forcing the administration to restore counterterrorism funding to New York and Washington.

DISHING THE DIRT ON THE GOP--STARTING TO SWEAT IN HOT AND STEAMY DC!

the heat of the upcoming elections. Immigration is pretty much a lose-lose proposition but blasting Homeland Security looks like a winner. They can just blame their usual scapegoat--"the government" and allow Bush some cover for his disasterous presidency.

seeping out to the American People's consciousness.

the dis-unity of the GOP?