Kirk's position radical, unjustified
My 10th District Congressman Mark Kirk has the dubious distinction of being the only Republican member of the Illinois congressional delegation, and one of only eight Republicans nationwide, who voted on Friday, June 26, for the Waxman-Markey energy bill (HR 2454), commonly referred to as "Cap and Trade" or "Global Warming" bill. The bill narrowly passed the House with a vote of 219 to 212.
The Waxman-Markey bill is a job killer. Especially hard hit would be energy-intensive sectors such as manufacturers, farmers, construction, machinery, transportation and plastics.
The Heritage Foundation cites that 844,000 jobs would be destroyed yearly through 2035. Many of these jobs would be shipped overseas to countries like China and India which have no intention of limiting their economic growth while they watch this nation self destruct. Coupled with steep job losses would be a reduction of our gross domestic product by $7.4 trillion by 2035.
Consumers will also pay more for all goods and services since just about everything we do and produce uses energy. Hardest hit by the draconian energy tax would be working families, but the tax would affect everyone whether rich, poor or in between.
Why then the desire to cause pain when there is little or no gain? The Waxman-Markey bill represents one leg of an extreme radical Democrat agenda which seeks to interfere with private property through vastly expanding power in Washington, D.C. As such the bill is a power grab. By destroying the economy the federal government can take total control. It would deal a blow to capitalism, amount to the largest tax increase in American history, and reduce the standard of living for our children and grandchildren.
Hopefully the U.S. Senate will have more sense and will not subscribe to the ill-advised House version of the energy bill. Already President Obama is imploring senators not to believe the misinformation that suggests investing in clean energy will not result in economic growth. If similar legislation is passed in the Senate, it would be a bad deal for America and a devastating man-made disaster.
What was Mark thinking? Did he make a devilish deal to become one of eight Republican turncoats? Let Congressman Kirk know what you think of his "yes" vote by calling (202) 225-4835 or his local Northbrook office at (847) 940-0202.
Nancy J. Thorner
Lake Bluff