The Phoenix Network:
 
 
About  |  Advertise
Adult  |  Moonsigns  |  Band Guide  |  Blogs  |  In Pictures
 

Why the Bailout Bill Really Failed

    All sorts of notions have been put forward as to why the bailout bill failed, with fingers pointed just about everywhere. But the real reason is a rather simple one. Under our constitutional scheme, Congress isn't designed to act that fast -- with the exception of a declaration of war. The idea that a Treasury Secretary could announce a crisis that no one can yet really see, come up with a plan that would largely give him enormous and unpreceented power to solve it, and that Congress would go along immediately was crazy. Our Founding Fathers envisioned a system where Congress would act deliberately, if at all. The remarkable thing wasn't that the bailout bill didn't pass; it's that it got 205 votes and almost did become law. That's not to say there isn't a real credit crunch that demands a solution. It's only that our system, for better or worse, isn't supposed to work in the way the proponents of this legislation wanted it to work. And, in fact, it didn't.                                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Share:
  • Share this entry with Facebook
  • Share this entry with Digg
  • Share this entry with Delicious
  • Email this article to a friend
  • Print this article

1 Comments

  • LorenzoJennifer said:

    Maine's very own Margaret Chase Smith, the first woman elected to both the US House of Representatives and Senate and herself, like Bush, a Republican, called Congress "the greatest deliberative body in the world."  If anything, Congress is faulted for being maddeningly s-l-o-w. Process, protocol and deference to seniority mark the snail's pace of legislation going through the House and Senate.  Caution especially characterizes the House as members have to face their constituents every two years.  Bush's attempt to ramrod the federal bailout bill through the House of Representatives reminds one of his rush to judgment in getting Congressional approval to invade Iraq.  His administration seems dismissive of the separation of powers in the U.S. government.  His attempted appointment of Harriet Miers, a Texas legal buddy, to a Supreme Court vacancy shows his disregard for the Judicial branch. Bush can afford to be as cavalier as he's been in the bailout boggle.  He and Cheney leave office in January 2009 and never again have to face the voters.  

    The federal bailout bill concentrates power in the hands of Treasury Secretary Paulson.  Yet, Paulson - like Bush - leaves office in January 2009, 3-4 months from now.  His successor will have to deal with the devils dwelling in the details of any federal bailout package passed between now and then.

    October 1, 2008 5:08 PM

Leave a Comment

Login | Not a member yet? Click here to Join
Follow the Boston Phoenix
twitter facebook myspace youtube rss
All Blogs
more by Steven Stark
Has Obama peaked? Yes, he has | November 13, 2009
Men + money = mess | May 15, 2009
Arlen the Family | May 08, 2009
Spare Change? | May 01, 2009
Courthouse marriage | April 24, 2009

 See all articles by: Steven Stark

ADVERTISEMENT
Latest Comments
The Guitar Hero/Band Hero kerfuffle considered - Christian Louboutin shoes are available at attractive rates in all outlets across the world. Turn your...

By Gucci Sneakers on 11-28-2009 in Laser Orgy

Khazei Sneaking Up? - Mrs. Kennedy, why wouldn't you prefer Congressman Capuano to succeed the late Senator? Congressman Capuano...

By Ernie Boch, III on 11-27-2009 in Talking Politics

City Council Forums - сын насилует маму всегда на это дрочу!! http://pxgmyzzcug.jimdo.com анорексия фото http://vmpfpxkwxl...

By Homogon on 11-27-2009 in Talking Politics

City Council Forums - <b>GPS оборудование </b> GPS - глобальная система позиционирования, определение местоположения...

By BimaIdedirm on 11-27-2009 in Talking Politics

Climategate: It's not going away. - Congratulations. Way better coverage than The Boston Globe or The New York Times.

By Randy Moss on 11-27-2009 in Laser Orgy

Latest Comments from Stark Ravings
Most Viewed
Bands You've Never Heard of Dressing Up As Bands You Love
Recap: Snoop Dogg, Devin the Dude, and Redman and Method Man at the House of Blues
Say Anything at the House of Blues | October 30
REVIEW: Thao Nguyen and The Get Down Stay Down at Middle East
Ticket On-Sale Alert: Harry and the Potters, Mario, Passion Pit, The Lion King, more
VIDEO: Halloween Mash UP
Mp3 of the Week: American Hi-Fi (with bonus Stacy Jones Q&A)
Most Viewed from Stark Ravings
Search Blogs
 
Stark Ravings Archives
Sunday, November 29, 2009  |  Sign In  |  Register
 
TODAY'S FEATURED ADVERTISERS
thePhoenix.com
Phoenix Media/Communications Group
Copyright © 2009 The Phoenix Media/Communications Group