Rep. Barney Frank lets them have it on strongarm tactics on CAFTA

[KeepItReal]

Rep Franks made a point of order or objection on the floor of the House then went on to say:

"Mr. Speaker, while I'm not an expert on time management...I do have a suggestion that would allow the House better to use its time.

Last night we spent well over an hour here...while your leadership variously cajoled, bribed, browbeat, et cetera a few Republicans who wanted to have it both ways...who wanted to give people the impression that they were opposed to CAFTA, while they were ready to cave in for sufficient inducement...

Well what we should have done... and I propose this for the future...the next time you have one of those tough votes where you're gonna have to do that with your (GOP) members...let's schedule an evacuation drill from the House... "

Edited to add more comment.

[Coexist]

1. thank you for telling the truth Rep. Frank

thank you.

15 minute vote - right.

[ellenfl]

2. go, barney! did the bill pass the house?

is this the bill with delay's added amendment (the great texas giveaway)?

{edit} oops, sorry. i was confusing the energy bill with cafta. they have both been much on my mind, of late. thanks, kir.

ellen fl

[KeepItReal]

4. He was talking about CAFTA...passed by 2 votes.

<EOM>

[xchrom]

3. sigh -- how right he is.

i've lived long enough to see the end of political diversity in this country and i've lived long enough to see the democracy turn into an oligarchy.