Executives from five leading oil companies were called before the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming for a public scolding today.
Several Democratic Congresspeople, chief among them Edward Markey of Massachusetts, had harsh words for the executives on a number of issues, beginning with the fact that the oil companies intend to accept tax breaks voted into law by Congress.
The Congresspeople weren’t asked, however, whether they intend to accept tax breaks they’ve voted into law for themselves.
One Representative, Democrat Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri, noted that
People talk about perceptions of Congress and of our approval ratings. Your approval ratings are lower than ours – and that means you’re down low.
Cleaver wasn’t asked whether his statement was meant as an indictment of oil companies or of Congress.
Just under two years ago, executives from the same oil companies were grilled in similar Congressional hearings.
The Committee wasn’t asked, however, what Congress had done about rising oil prices in the meantime.
Newsprism wonders why people who legislate in a glass House (see here, here, here, here, here, here, and here) would be throwing stones.
April 2, 2008 at 8:34 am |
Now, now Dr. Coleman, you know was well as i do what it really going on. Congress just stracthing the itch that the american people have made about gas prices. Its all for show, for the past three years as gas prices have steadily risen (some times by leaps and bowns) the american people are getting wise and finally making noise. But of course, congress is run by , RICH WHITE MEN, who probably have thousands of dollars invested in some of these oil companys. Now this brings up another problem, can only a wealthy man run for a seat of power in congress or the house, or even president, it seems that way dosent it. But thats another rant and maybe a story for later. Big oil companies run the nation, we are blind rats running around in the great petroal gas maze, we see oil and we LOVE IT. Now congress does seem to care, (like i care American Idol…..its crap on stage) they have there hearings and will give a little pop to the hands of the oil companies but they will not take any real action. No real action would acturally recquire work, and congressmen hate work (look at Ted Kennedy) No real work would be spending money on creating a new fuel, but wait..breakin news ” Congress has just passed a bill that would allow $1.65 million dollars to be spent on improving shelf life of vegetables…” wow…..thank you Pig Book…. Wow i wonder how much we could fiind in that tight little budget of ours to spend on saving the eco system as well as the economy… my final thoughs…Damn you, damn you, you you…..DINOSAURS!!!