6/17/2011

The author of this opinion piece is a "union activist and political consultant." One thing the author should include is "delusional idiot."

Why Democrats need Weiner
By: Victor Kamber
June 15, 2011 06:30 AM EDT
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Americans counting on this Congress to stabilize our reeling economy should ask Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) not to resign his House seat.

Weiner may have deplorable personal flaws — but he’s awfully good at what his constituents elected him for: to serve their and the country’s interests as a skilled legislator.

This makes him a rare bird indeed. Even as national problems demand laser-like professional expertise from our elected leaders, this looks like the most unfocused, dysfunctional Congress ever.

Actually the unfocused and dysfunctional congress was booted out in 2010. The Democratic majority headed up by Pelosi was replaced. Even with a majority in all branches, they failed to pass any kind of balanced budget during their tenure. They chose to just kick the can down the road.

Politics may be the only profession where it is more important to be likable than competent. An electable politician is one we’d like to have a beer with. As for the tea party members in Congress: If you’re angry enough and have simplistic answers to tough problems, you can get elected.

It's comments above that have caused me to give up on liberals, and just treat them like spoiled infants.

The United States now faces the huge problem of reducing a horrendous deficit while battling high unemployment. This requires cutting spending and increasing revenues. Unfortunately, 98 percent of Republicans in the House are wearing blinders and can only see half of the solution. The blinders are a pledge not to raise taxes — a pledge made not to the American people, but to Grover Norquist.

Again, the US has faced this issue for years. It's not "now," to imply this is new. This horrendous deficit is a result of failed Democratic policy of not focusing on the budget in the past, worsened by Obama's deficit spending during his tenure, and no confidence from the market. If taxes are raised, how does that free up capital for business to invest in new jobs?


Now, Weiner may not be wearing pants on Twitter, but in his day job he isn’t wearing blinders either.

Weiner’s tweets are embarrassing. But they didn’t cost taxpayers a dime.

Maybe, maybe not...that is still being looked into.

It is because Weiner has been such an effective opponent of GOP attacks on Social Security and Medicare that Republicans, and even some Democrats, want him to resign. Republicans can’t respond to his withering rebuttals that leave their “talking points” in ashes.

I can’t help but feel that some Democrats now urging Weiner to go feel a bit guilty they aren’t standing up for their party’s ideals the way he does.

I love how the author states that they are losing some great orator, leader, and winner of all arguments.

Some pundits liken Weiner’s scandal to former New York Republican Rep. Chris Lee, who posed shirtless for an ad on Craigslist and quickly resigned.

Lee who? Comparing Lee and his legislative “career” to Weiner is like comparing a Hagerstown utility infielder to Albert Pujols.

Actually they were both politicians caught in a scandal. Just because one is more popular than another, it doesn't give Weiner any merit over Lee. In addition, Lee immediately resigned. Weiner tried to keep his job, lie to everyone to cover up his mess, and denied it was him initially. Remember his "hacked account" statements?

The census and redistricting may make the whole matter moot. New York loses two congressional districts, and that could include Weiner’s seat.

Some suggest that Weiner’s fate should be left up to his constituents. I’m for that. Though I don’t live in his district, I would contribute to that campaign.

Liberals deserve representation too — even if it’s from other states.

Victor Kamber is a union activist and political consultant.

Liberals don't deserve representation as a tea party activist does not deserve representation. People do not get elected into office because they "deserve" it. It's the choice of the voters if that person is deserves the job, which is done by an individual casting a vote. No politician is deserving of a job just because that politician has a certain view, be it popular or unpopular.

Victor Kamber would probably afford some time to commit to a more thoughtful article, but apparently he spends way too much time in Weiner's automobile with his head bobbing up and down.