Among the foremost threats to individual freedom in America is the abusive and oftentimes lawless behavior…
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More Legal Shenanigans from the Biden Administration’s Department of Education

Among the foremost threats to individual freedom in America is the abusive and oftentimes lawless behavior of federal administrative agencies, whose vast armies of overpaid bureaucrats remain unaccountable for their excesses.

Among the most familiar examples of that bureaucratic abuse is the Department of Education (DOE).  Recall, for instance, the United States Supreme Court’s humiliating rebuke last year of the Biden DOE’s effort to shift hundreds of billions of dollars of student debt from the people who actually owed them onto the backs of American taxpayers.

Even now, despite that rebuke, the Biden DOE launched an alternative scheme last month in an end-around effort to achieve that same result.

Well, the Biden DOE is now attempting to shift tens of millions of dollars of…[more]

March 19, 2024 • 08:35 AM

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Happy Birthday, Mr. President – The Nation Is in Shambles Print
By Ashton Ellis
Wednesday, August 04 2010

The following birthday message to President Obama from Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi was mistakenly posted to WikiLinks by an absent-minded congressional staffer. 

August 4, 2010

Happy Birthday, Mr. President! 

We in Congress hope the occasion of the 49th anniversary of your arrival in America goes much smoother than the rapid drawdown of troops in Iraq.  Or, for that matter, the (somewhat) surge in Afghanistan.  It’s hard to see how it wouldn’t.  Unlike those poor unfortunate souls, you don’t need a well-functioning central government to enjoy your big day. 

Barack be praised! 

Your firm stands against the unrelenting tides of public opinion are inspiring.  Not in a generation have we in the Democratic caucus seen a new president go so far so fast without any regard for his poll numbers.  As our campaign consultants keep reminding us, your popularity is nose diving in every meaningful category.  Rasmussen Reports says 57% of voters favor repealing ObamaCare while a USA Today/Gallup poll found that 53% disapprove of the job you’re doing.  (But don’t worry.  Fox News says we’re hated by 73% of the American people, so you’re probably fine.)

The most surprising poll we saw came from Reuters reporting that 61% of Americans think the country is “on the wrong track.”  Obviously, these people don’t yet appreciate all the spending we’ve been doing on their behalf.  As you may have heard during your brief stay in the Senate, it takes a lot of work to legislate compromises that a majority of the Democratic caucus can buy into.  Or profit from.  It’s hard to remember which one! 

If only the American people knew you like we do.  Just the other day, Charlie Rangel (D-NY) and Maxine Waters (D-CA) told us how much they appreciate your sense of decorum regarding their ethics issues.  Charlie in particular understands your comments about “due process” and “going quietly” have nothing to do with his being charged with tax evasion after supporting Hillary Clinton for president. 

Besides, everyone likes a friend who sets a good example in public, and you certainly know how to distance yourself from anything that reeks of politics.  True, it would be nice if you could help with damage control, especially since the Congressional Black Caucus is being painted as a corrupt cabal of race-conscious politicians.  But we understand smoothing out differences behind closed doors isn’t your strong suit. 

By the way, Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Arlen Specter (D-PA) send their regrets in not signing this letter.  Both assured us it was nothing personal.

We also want to thank you for your laissez-faire leadership this past legislative session.  Most of us can’t remember a president who was more hands-off with policy decisions than you.  Though it took a while for everyone to understand that you value results over process, we’re happy to report that your style unleashed a new round of congressional creativity; especially in the Parliamentarian’s Office!  And we’ve never seen the lawyers on the House Rules Committee staff so happy to come to work.  Already there’s a pool to see who can upstage “deem-and-pass” when cap-and-trade and the value-added tax hit come up for votes during this winter’s lame duck session. 

Finally, please tell Vice President Biden that we miss him terribly.  For 36 years Joe was the Spleen of the Senate.  We’re not really sure what he did to make us a better body, but we always liked having him around.  In that regard, we know you two share a special bond. 

Thanks again for a history-making congressional session, Mr. President.   Wars are ending, the public sector is thriving and more people than ever are energized for the upcoming midterm elections.  Although we’d like to take credit, we know that none of this would be possible without you. 

Sincerely,

Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)

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