Georgia conservatives on my mind

Posted Oct 01, 2008 at 09:42am

ATLANTA, GEORGIA-Inside the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, progressive views can be few and far between . The Georgia State Legislature, housed inside the historical landmark capitol building, is often known for its conservatism despite being in downtown Atlanta, often thought of as being more progressivve. That is why the people working in and around the capitol who came to see the bus were surprised to see us. The people who came through were surprised that we were even able to find permitting right in front of the capital. The reaction was great though, especially when they found out that we were holding their Senator Saxby Chambliss and Representative Phil Gingrey accountable for the role they have had in the failures of the Bush Administration.Long-time Senator Saxby Chambliss falls in line with the conservative agenda 90% of the time. Representative Gingrey is not far behind with 86% support of Bush’s policies. In 2005, Gingrey voted for the energy bill that included an estimated $85 billion worth of subsidies and tax breaks for most forms of energy, including oil and gas that went straight to the oil companies making record profits and did nothing to alleviate the pain Americans experience at the pump. Gingrey also supported Bush’s budget to extend multi-trillion-dollar tax breaks that mostly benefit the nation’s wealthiest families. Gingrey voted not to support and expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.Rep. Gingrey has been strongly criticized for his lack of support for US soldiers. During the Walter Reid scandal he made some unbelievable statements in reference to the conditions there. Instead of being appalled at the evidence of numerous cockroaches in building 18, he said that the fact that they were dead was a good sign. In reference to the deplorable conditions in the hospital overall, he had the audacity to blame the vets themselves, “And, of course, if you leave food around in a motel room or a dorm room at a college, you’re going to get some mice show up at some point in time.” It was no surprise to anyone when Gingrey voted against legislation that would provide Iraq and Afghanistan veterans GI Bill benefits at the level available to WWII veterans.

Representative Gingrey and his family getting the President’s autograph