Conservative leader beams with pride at the havoc he causes
by digby
Congressman John Dingell had a few words to say on his way out the door:
In farewell remarks Friday that were both emotional and biting, Rep. John Dingell, a Michigan Democrat who is retiring after 60 years as the longest-serving U.S. House member in history, cited Grover Norquist's anti-tax pledge as a major reason he believes "Congress doesn't work" as it used to...
Among the reasons for this cited by the veteran lawmaker are recent redistricting of House districts by state legislatures and the "Citizens United" decision opening the way for "spending unlimited amounts of unidentified money to allow certain people to swing elections."
Dingell also listed among his reasons for Congress not working is the anti-tax pledge of Norquist's Americans for Tax Reform (ATR), in which candidates for Congress sign a written promise not to vote for new taxes or raise existing taxes.
Insisting that taxpayer-funded programs are needed for "Americans living in the most dangerous circumstances," the Michigan lawmaker charged that "the Grover Norquist pledge is to carry out [Norquist's] goal of shrinking the size of government until you can drown it in a bathtub — his words, not mine."
The snotty Norquist had this to say in response:
"I know you are but what am I!"
No, actually he said this, which is just as sophomoric:
"It's very flattering and there's real wisdom in his words. Mr. Dingell is wrong in citing me, but quite correct in citing the pledge as a substantial blow to the left. This is a high honor."
Sadly, Norquist is correct in taking pride in his work. He's been instrumental in making the government work much for efficiently for rich people. That's quite an achievement.
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