It’s only an hour or so after learning that Nancy Pelosi finally defenestrated Charlie Rangel (D-NY) from his position at the helm of the House Ways and Means Committee and I am already missing Charlie – and it’s not just because Charlie and I had such a good time together in Copenhagen.
Pelosi is replacing him with Pete Stark. Yes, you heard me correctly. The Pete Stark. Rep. Fortney “Pete” Stark of California Pete Stark:
Other controversies include singling out “Jew colleagues” for blame for the Persian Gulf War and referring to Congressman Stephen Solarz of New York (who co-sponsored the Gulf War Authorization Act) as “Field Marshal Solarz in the pro-Israel forces.” in 1991.[16] In 1995, during a private meeting with Congresswoman Nancy Johnson of Connecticut, he called Johnson a “whore for the insurance industry” and suggested that her knowledge of health care came solely from “pillow talk” with her husband, a physician. His press secretary, Caleb Marshall, defended him in saying, “He didn’t call her a ‘whore,’ he called her a ‘whore of the insurance industry.’”[16] In 1999, he said to former California State Welfare Director Eloise Anderson, herself a former welfare mother, that she would “kill children if she had her way” for her advocacy of welfare reform.[7] In a 2001 Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health hearing on abstinence promotion, he referred to Congressman J. C. Watts of Oklahoma, an African American, as “the current Republican Conference Chairman, whose children were all born out of wedlock.”[16] In 2003, when Stark was told to “shut up” by Congressman Scott McInnis of Colorado during a Ways and Means Committee meeting due to Stark’s belittling of the chairman, Bill Thomas of California, he replied, “You think you are big enough to make me, you little wimp? Come on. Come over here and make me, I dare you. You little fruitcake.”[16]
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(that’s only a taste – there’s plenty more at the Wikipedia link)
Do these Democrats have a death wish? Have they gone completely bonkers? Or did Nancy Pelosi’s plastic surgeon misfire and accidentally inject the Botox into her brain? Whatever the case, this an extraordinary gift to the Republican Party. It’s unclear at this point whether they will use it well, but it still constitutes an amazing opportunity. On the other hand, it is a huge insult to the American people. To appoint a man of Stark’s character – a complete and utter nut job- as the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee at a moment of national economic near-catastophe is about as cynical act as I have ever seen a modern American politician perform. Since it’s Oscar season, I think we can channel Sally Field and safely say this of Pelosi: “She hates us, she really hates us!”
UPDATE: Easy come, easy go or Sic Transit Stark. From Politico:
Rep. Sander Levin will take over as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee after Rep. Pete Stark, who held the gavel for a day, stepped aside.
The dominoes fell after Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) resigned the chairmanship of the powerful tax-writing panel Wednesday as Republicans and many Democrats were moving to oust him following an ethics committee ruling that found he violated House gift rules.
Levin, who had been chairman of the Trade Subcommittee, will helm the panel through the end of this Congress — barring the unlikely return of Rangel.
Officially, Stark stepped aside to keep the gavel of the panel’s Health Subcommittee. But lawmakers and aides said Stark faced a rebellion within the committee and the caucus over his sometimes bizarre behavior and penchant for making offensive comments.
Did the comments on this blog have something to do with this? We like to think so.
Fortney has been nuts for years but lately it’s been getting worse. The most recent incident involved him trying to secretly videotape ethics investigators probing into some of his dealings. The Republicans will get every bit of mileage from his chairmanship as they have from Rangel’s. What a nuthouse Washington has become.
Speakeress Pelosi
The gift that keeps on giving. Fortunately for Pete he’s got the (D) and will be referred to as “iconclastic” or “unique” instead of wacky as a loon.
“What a nuthouse Washington has become.”
An ego-tripping narcissist resides in the White House. He will probably resign before the end of his term. In the meantime, Obama is running the country into the ground. Nancy Pelosi is stunned to realize that she will unlikely be House leader after the November elections. The woman is helpless to stop the imminent disaster. I still don’t think that Barbara Boxer will lose her U.S. Senate seat—but it could happen in one the bluest states in the union. The very real outside possibility is something of a mind blower.
The MSM journalists could very well be privately questioning Obama’s sanity. One of them may soon blurt it out in a public forum. Things are going to get very interesting before springtime. I say that no later than June a number of “mainstream” lefties will demand that Obama give up the presidency. Hillary Clinton is waiting in the wings. She and Bill want their revenge.
Re #4. You are dreaming. Barry will never resign. Most of us Normal–main-stream–Americans– are stunned. We are still reeling from this past year, and we can’t get up off the pavement, not just yet. Except the tea party movement.
With the Tea Party movement we may have a prayer..we do not belive the MSM is EVER EVER EVER going to question Barry O’s admin. We have essentially given up hope of that….
We are, however, as all good, “typical” white and colored (that word, colored, is used with the upmost respect for all Americans of any nationality and absolute dignity) Americans longing for the “good guys” to stand up and help us ole guys/gals defend our own personal rights and beliefs and financial FREEDOM.
How I so wish someone with intergity and values could lead us out of the wilderness America has become Lost in. Hillary can’t do it. We need fresh spirit and real American Genuis!
“…we do not belive the MSM is EVER EVER EVER going to question Barry O’s admin.”
It’s called self preservation. The MSM is worried about the Obama administration going off the cliff—and taking them with it! One does not need to be the most brilliant human being in the universe to sense that Armageddon is approaching.
I should also add that Barack Obama made a fool of himself earlier today by having those health professionals wear white coats. They most assuredly felt embarrassed. It is utterly insane. Anyone possessing a lick of sophistication is bewildered. Lefty establishment figures are surely feeling uneasy. The sort of individual who usually votes in an off year election will not be impressed.
While Stark is going to make for glorious blog fodder and a highlight reel on Fox, I wish someone would go after him over his residency. He’s not a legal resident in California, anymore: his main residence is, IIRC, in Maryland.
Let the “Democratic Stark Circus” begin!!!!!
The body politic is ravaged by a cancer of corruption and Nancy Pelosi just administered a stroke.
Dan Riehl has had enough. He’s extremely upset.
VDH senses fatigue.
Me? I am at a loss to explain what my eyes are seeing. I wake up in a country I don’t recognize any longer. And David…the NYTimes, Newsweek, WashPo, CBS, NBC, MSNBC, AP, CNN…have shown, if nothing else…they would rather perish than publish truth.
We have been invaded by a brand of radical leftism that appears ready to throw down the gauntlet. Are we to tremble at the sight of it?
“And David…the NYTimes, Newsweek, WashPo, CBS, NBC, MSNBC, AP, CNN…have shown, if nothing else…they would rather perish than publish truth.”
The MSM does not care about the truth. It is, however, worried that Obama may be destroying the Democratic Party. I already believe the Democrats are no longer a viable national party. A good argument can be made that they can win only in the bluest of districts. The Clintons will be back in fashion.
I should also add that Barack Obama made a fool of himself earlier today by having those health professionals wear white coats.
David,
There was something very Sovietesque about that (hilarious) display. The Onion would be incapable of creating a better parody.
“The Onion would be incapable of creating a better parody.”
Visitors to the Drudge Report are laughing their heads off. Obama’s fervent supporters feel embarrassed. This is getting to be an everyday expectation. What stupid thing will the president do tomorrow? Obama is obviously way over his head. Karl Rove or James Carville would have put a stop to this nonsense. Obama has surrounded himself with second-rate people.
Mr. Thompson,
The idea of Obama resigning and giving us… President Joe Biden (!) makes me absolutely giddy.
Can you imagine what would come out of Joe’s mouth if they couldn’t keep him tied up in the attic most of the time?
We’d be entertained non-stop. The country would recover simply because of the endorphins released through our laughing.
Another California (D) who comes from the 60s.
How’s that Hopey, Changey thing going for ya?
No worries. I’m sure, ‘Solly Cholly’ will strong-arm the leadership of the ‘cocoa party’ soon!
I have a strange feelin’ that cream and marshmallows are gon’ be da first ta gooooooooooo!
Wow! Stark makes Alan Grayson sound like Mister Rogers by comparison.
Pete has been bat$#;+ insane for many years. Merriment at 11. Pass the pop-corn.
I am ecstatic the Stark is the new Ways and Means chairman. The Republicans should waste no time making him as well known as Nancy P. Clips of his tirades, photos of his Maryland residence and his California “home”, interviews with his California neighbors (who have never seen him)… the ammunition is virtually endless
Almost every single day I say to myself,”they can’t be this stupid!” And every time I’m proven wrong!! I mean, this has to have been done for a reason right? Here I go again……she can’t be this stupid can she? Peholesi thinks this is a good choice for a position that needs to be able to work hand in hand with both parties?
How does one so stupid make it to her advanced age without falling down an elevator shaft, slamming her head in a car door, or doing something else so dumb as to accidentally kill herself?
Stark is the product of a gerrymandered district that meanders through the suburbs – from working-class to comfortable middle – on the east shore of the Bay but picks up enough of West Oakland to ensure that it stays in the hands of someone truly stupid.
Unless Pelosi has someone detailed to drop some Prozac in his juice every morning, Stark’s going to be an open-pit quote mine for the GOP.
And, of course, Rangel’s not REALLY out, he’s just sidelined for a while. He’ll still be on the committee, just not the chair, so don’t be surprised if you see him with his hand up Stark’s backside, with Stark’s lips moving but the voice sounding vaguely like Harlem Charlie.
I’d never heard anything this Stark idiot said in the past. I vaguely knew who Stark was, but beyond that had no idea what was going on. One of the videos that IBD had up had him being interviewed by some guy, trying to convince the interviewer that the more debt the country has, the wealthier it becomes. The idiot then insisted that a Republican tax cut (which according to him would increase the country’s deficit) was bad for the country. When the interviewer pointed out the contradiction in this, Stark called him various names, and eventually threatened to throw him out the window.
Thing is, through the whole interview, he had a sort of Fred Willard vibe going. You know, the improv comedian with the fake-sincere voice and the fake-knowledgeable demeanor and the fake-compassionate facial expression? Stark looked like he was doing the same thing, over-sincere and over-compassionate, and at times he almost seemed to get the joke. Then he exploded in anger. What a jerk.
Obama will never resign, but he probably will not complete his elected term. He is building the greatest case for impeachment in the history of the Republic. And much of the pressure for impeachment will come from the disenchanted branch of his own party.
His doctrinaire communist ideology is so strong that he will not deviate from what he sees as his anointed destiny to become the leader of a global socialist government that the awareness that he is splitting the Democrat Party to the degree that it will not recover for decades. This is the change that he is dedicated to. By the time of te election it will be a shambles. The Clintons will seek their revenge, which will guarantee an open split and the probability of a third – Socialist – party.
The Democrats are going to self-destruct. The Right must concentrate on demonstrating to the electorate that is has the plan and the unity to take over from this debacle and bring out Nation back to rational governance.
No, I am not missing Rangel and if Pelosi lost her gavel, I would not miss her either.
Does anyone know if citizen’s can initiate a recall of Congress immediately? We must avoid more “wheels and deals” legislation by so-called “representatives.”
Liberalism is a disease that needs to be eradicated – immediately. Drop print media and cable, at least until 2010 election is over, and if need be until 2012.
Obama generates animosity between groups. Rational Democrats should call for immediate removal and purge ALL liberal leaders (Hello, Pelosi, Reid, Leahey).
Obama has created a perfect storm against America and Freedom. TIME TO PUSH BACK!
Join a TEA PARTY Today.
Stark has more to do with the problems in healthcare than any other individual. The costs he imposes on hospitals and physicians via his insane quest to remove any vestige of profit motive from the practice of medicine are immense. So he’s a perfect fit for today’s dem leadership.
“…we do not belive the MSM is EVER EVER EVER going to question Barry O’s admin.”
It’s called self preservation. The MSM is worried about the Obama administration going off the cliff—and taking them with it! One does not need to be the most brilliant human being in the universe to sense that Armageddon is approaching.
Nope it doesn’t work like this. At one point the public will become angry enough that the MSM will become afraid of destroying themselves by supporting him. Not merely on the financial ground but on the political one. Then they will throw Obama under the bus. But don’t believe for a minute it will be because they will have seen the light. Their goal will be to preserve themselves as vectors of liberal propaganda. Three months after Obama leaving the WH they will be attacking his Republican successor with a viciousness who will make the attacks against Bush look mild and fair.
“a man of Stark’s character – a complete and utter nut job” — you have not illustrated his character, but yes, a nut job.
#6 Thomson: “Armageddon is approaching” — No. Descent into Mad Max is here.
Obama and his backers simply carry out the wishes of Frank Marshall Davis to destroy the American economy AND any American governance capable of reversing the descent. Stark is a stake in the heart of Congress’ control of the economy.
The descent won’t be stopped. Stark, however, will let us giggle on the way down.
I remember watching Stark insult J.C. Watts on the floor of the house regarding his family. Watts was demonstrating all of the manifestations of a man about to spring into physical violence, while a clueless Stark just continued with his diatribe. Two very large Republican congressman put themselves between Watts and Stark about 2 seconds before a very righteous asswhippping was going to be administered right there in the House.
A pity. I would have paid good money to have seen that.
#20 Fat Man: “Pete has been bat$#;+ insane for many years.”
To suggest Stark is in anyway related to “bat$3;+” implies he was crapped out by Henry Waxman: http://preview.tinyurl.com/Henry-Waxman
Now is that civil?
Yes, but did he pay his taxes?
27 CitizenCain asks:”Does anyone know if citizen’s can initiate a recall of Congress immediately?”
I don’t know. Can we bring a class action suit against them?
No, there is no provision in the Constitution to recall members of Congress (or the President/VP). Too bad…
The truly amazing thing about le affaire Stark is how totally clueless Mrs. Pelosi remains…..did she not have any idea that all of the lunacy of Stark would be on youtube within an hour after his nomination? Yet it doesn’t seem to matter to Mrs. Pelosi.
One of her staffers should have had a heart-to-heart with Mrs. Pelosi, saying “Ma’am, thats just a BAD idea…..”
This explains so much about our tax code. It’s written by a collection of lunatic kleptocrats. I’m sure weather to laugh, cry, or curl up in a corner and hide.
So who else insane is on this panel?
1. Pelosi was unable to impose her California neighbor Pete Stark on the committee. Might this have implications for her ability to round up votes for Obamacare?
2. Levin is from Michigan. From Rangel/NY to Stark/CA to Levin/MI. Apparently only Representatives from failed states need apply to chair Congress’s most powerful committee.
3. From the linked Politico piece: Republicans on the Ways and Means Committee would have preferred Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.) to ascend to the chairmanship because Levin is seen as fiercely partisan, a House GOP aide said. Levin is also said to be less willing to negotiate with Republicans on free trade — one potential area of agreement between Republicans on Ways and Means and the Obama administration.
Are the Democrats nuts, or are they zealots who want to inflict as much socialism as possible on the country before their majority is lost or reduced?
4. I have mixed feelings about seeing Rangel go. He seemede a charming rogue whereas most of the Democratic leadership are sanctimonious rogues. (Nor is there a shortage of sanctimonious rogues among Republicans.)
During the Bush administration I called Pelosi’s and Rangel’s offices to thank them for some piece of bipartisanship. Pelosi’s person was barely civil whereas Rangel’s was cordial.
5. Be careful what you wish for. Especially if the Democrats hold the House in November, we may decide we were better, i.e. less badly, off with Rangel.
You bloggers should have zipped it on the Stark chairmanship. Think of the material you threw away.
Now you’ve done it: Made me look up
the Presidential Succession List, and
ruined my whole day.:)
Hillary is 4th in line, _but_ if the Dems
decide to cut their losses, she still has
a direct shot:
Biden resigns, Obama appoints Hillary VP,
Obama resigns, and Bobitt is your POTUS.
Pray that it happens in time.
#5 Rosie is right – Barry’s narcissism & ego are too massive for him to resign, and that’s exceeded only by #42, Bill Clinton.
Now, by appointing Mr. Stark W&M Chair, Pelosi has unwittingly (I do wonder if she ever does anything wittingly?) provided plenty of rope with which the Dems can, and will, hang themselves. They were already well on their way to the gallows, but appointing Stark puts the noose around their neck(s) and releases the trap door.
In some ways (although none I’ll cry about), it is a shame that Rangel is gone. Even being the scoundrel he is, he wasn’t afraid to go on the talk shows, espouse his (wrong) ideas, and rarely disappointed as far as entertainment value.
Our next POTUS will be the candidate with the best hair. A Romney/Palin hair combination will be unstoppable.
So . . . now we learn Moonbat Stark is out as Chair. I express my sympathy to the entire Republican delegation; but for damage to our country, Stark would’ve provided infinite ammunition to Democratic opponents/critics.
May Mr. Rangel enjoy his relegation to the back bench.
Congress and the Left:
“Those whom the gods wish to destroy they first make mad.”
I tend to see the inexplicable and evidently suicidal folly of the current Democratic leadership along the lines of the famous frog/scorpion joke. The frog reluctantly lets the scorpion ride on his back across the river. The scorpion stings the frog, ensuring he also drowns, because “it is his nature.” The Democrats are now ruled by movement progressives who know nothing but doctrine and are programmed to do what they’re doing, how they’re doing it. They know nothing else.
The idea that Obama will resign is utterly delusional. Because pressure will be brought on him by…whom? The MSM? Obama disdains them. The Dem leadership? They are at least as radical as he is and just as “scorpion”-like.
The notion he would be impeached is even more delusional. Aside from having committed no “Treason, Bribery or other high crimes or misdemeanors” within any remotely plausible constitutional definition, the party leaders have already demonstrated utter obliviousness to their own careers or the public sentiment. They are on this journey together.
Re #35 Flighterdoc: No, there is no provision in the Constitution to recall members of Congress (or the President/VP). Too bad…
No, but I would like to start an unofficial recall petition just to see how many signatures we could get. MSM might take notice after, say, 2 million responders.
“The idea that Obama will resign is utterly delusional. Because pressure will be brought on him by…whom?”
Obama will leave because the job of president is no longer any fun. It will not satisfy his desire to receive unconditional love. The man is a narcissist. The last few years of the presidency will not be worth the bother. This will especially be the case if the Republicans win back both houses of Congress. Obama has had a relatively easy life. He is not used to having to tough it out.
Whereas Barak Hussein Obama has initiated policies that will by all rational analyses bankrupt America, leaving her defenseless in a hostile world, through policies including but not limited to health care reform, Cap and Trade, TARP, and Cash for Clunkers, the undersigned call for his resignation from the position as President of the United States.
(Can we organize this recall campaign? Yes we can! It is time we did more than hope for a change!)