Don’t blame GOP for bailout

The Democrats have been attacking again, blaming the current financial crisis on Republican deregulation. If only it were true.

Fraud, in the form of improperly filled out loan applications or inflated inspections, is still against the law. We’ve seen recent high-profile cases against local politicians, if you have any doubt. What occurred was not because of deregulation but old-fashioned greed.

If the Democratic-led bailout was really serious about addressing the issue, it would have included an extra $100,000,000 for the Justice Department to review and prosecute mortgage failures for fraud.

Isn’t it curious then that the top two recipients of Freddie and Fannie’s largesse were Democrats, including their candidate for president?

David Small
Olathe

In his Gettysburg Address, President Abraham Lincoln said: “... government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

The Star’s article “Cleaver switches vote, endorses bailout measure; He says his constituents overwhelmingly opposed the plan” (10/4, A-6) said:

“(Rep. Emanuel) Cleaver noted that calls and e-mails ran 99-1 against the rescue package”

“Cleaver said constituents opposed the package because everyday people were being asked to bail out ‘Wall Street fat cats.’ ”

“Cleaver said, ‘I feel as if I did the right thing.’ ”

Cleaver’s congressional Web site says: “Proudly serving the people of Missouri’s Fifth District.”

Honest Abe must certainly believe that government has indeed perished or is circling the drain. The buzzing sound you hear is Mr. Lincoln spinning in his grave.

Larry Dickstein
Lone Jack

Comments

[whispering_to_kc]

Don't blame the GOP, this is all the Dems fault?

That's almost too funny to laugh at. Fool.

I emailed Rep. Cleaver and asked him to support the bailout. While the fortunes of investment bankers are not my concern, my personal savings and employment are.

The GOP should prepare themselves to get run out of town on a rail. Splinters in a private place are in your future. Or, tar and feathers might be in order. Either way, a new age is about to dawn in Washington and the GOPers will not be invited to the party.

[Marctnts]

"...it would have included an extra $100,000,000 for the Justice Department to review and prosecute mortgage failures for fraud."

Just what we need. Another $100 million out of our pockets to create "more" government jobs.