Oberstar disses Shrubya

Our Rep. Oberstar doesn't much like Shrubya's swan song.... well, who does?
-Anonymous

Oberstar: Bush Recycles Failed Policies in the State of the Union
Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Washington D.C. - Congressman Jim Oberstar is disappointed that President Bush failed to introduce innovative proposals in his final State of the Union address.

“As he recycles his flawed plans for the war in Iraq, the war on terrorism, and the economy, President Bush has demonstrated that his administration is intellectually bankrupt. There are enormous challenges confronting our nation, but President Bush’s obstinate pursuit of failed policies confirms that he is unwilling to embrace new ideas.”

“The American people want leadership and a new direction. Instead, President Bush missed an opportunity to communicate to the nation that he has given thought to creative solutions to address our national and international challenges. The state of our economy is very serious as health care, energy and education costs increase as family income and housing values decrease. President Bush believes that tax rebates are sufficient to assist the economy. I couldn’t disagree more, and continue to believe that our nation needs to create jobs with an immediate increase in infrastructure funding.”

Rather than acknowledge that his economic policies have produced reckless budget deficits, President Bush sought to blame Congress for excessive spending. “It is intellectually dishonest to suggest that congressional earmarks are responsible for our budget deficits. As a coequal branch of government, members of Congress have a responsibility to respond to the needs of their constituents. I do not apologize for my advocacy for meritorious projects that will benefit Minnesota. If President Bush was serious about reducing wasteful government spending, he would stop the $12 billion a month we are borrowing to fight an unending war in Iraq.”

Oberstar also criticized President Bush’s plan for additional free trade agreements. “At a time when our nation should be making investments in education, job training and our infrastructure to compete in the global marketplace, President Bush continues to advance flawed trade agreements that encourage the outsourcing of high-quality U.S. jobs.”

Oberstar offered these final thoughts. “To be sure, our nation has unfinished business. As President Bush begins his final year in office, he has not fulfilled his commitment to unite the country and leave no child behind; with his unwise decision to engage in a unnecessary war against Iraq, he has undermined our moral authority to win the war against terrorism; his unsound economic policies have burdened our nation with unsustainable deficits and now economic decline. While I am pleased that President Bush has sought cooperation to enact an economic stimulus package, I encourage President Bush to join with Congress to work for effective bipartisan solutions to address our nation’s urgent needs.”

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