I need help on a response to a Republican email from coworker

BigD_95

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Fri Feb-06-09 01:09 PM
Original message

I need help on a response to a Republican email from coworker

This is the email he sent. I need a good come back, Please help.

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What do the Dems do? Please see below.

Dems Blast 'Corporate Excess' While Soaking Taxpayers for Luxury Retreat

Posted By Bobby Eberle On February 6, 2009 at 7:23 am

Remember the fallout when the corporate executives came to Washington asking for money? Rather than saving money by flying commercial, they traveled in their corporate jets and asked Congress for a "helping hand." The move did not sit well with the public, and congressmen took the opportunity to blast the executives for "corporate excess."

Hypocrisy runs amok in Washington... we all know that. But the Democrats have now taken it to a new level. While they send down fire and brimstone against "evil" corporate executives for living the good life, they will soak the American taxpayers for a luxury retreat in Virginia that they are attending this weekend.

As the Associated Press notes in a story on GOPUSA <http://www.gopusa.com/news/2009/february/0206_luxury_retreat.shtml> , "Members of Congress were quick to shame corporate executives for over-the-top extravagance during the economic crisis, flying private jets and taking luxury junkets. But some lawmakers are strolling fancy resorts spending tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars."

This weekend, Democrat House members are meeting at the Kingsmill Resort and Spa in Williamsburg, VA.

Having stayed at the Kingsmill resort last summer (at my own expense), I can say that the setting and amenities are definitely top notch. However, it's one thing for an individual or family to pay their own way, and it's quite another for the taxpayers to pick up the tab!

"Democrats spend taxpayer money on their retreat but do not permit lobbyists to accompany them. The public pays for a charter train from Washington to Williamsburg for many of the 200 members who attend, as well as conference rooms, security and catering."

Note that last month the Republicans attended a similar retreat, but NO taxpayer money was used.

"Lawmakers pay for their own transportation and room costs, roughly $190 per night, including food, according to one Republican who attended but spoke on condition of anonymity because details of the trip were not made public.

Meredith McGehee, policy director at the Campaign Legal Center, notes in a story running in The Hill <http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/500k-spent-on-dem-caucus-retreats-2009-02-03.html> that "when the economy is suffering and people are losing their jobs, members must be mindful to scale back and not use taxpayer dollars for luxury items."

"I actually think there is utility in meeting together once a year to concentrate on getting everyone to row their oars in the same direction," she said. "But how much money is spent this year and the scope of it and how many frills there are is important. It sends a message on how seriously members are taking the economic problems when people are being laid off left and right."

So, here we are. President Obama and the Democrats want to "stimulate" the economy by a massive spending bill closing on in $1 trillion, and, oh by the way, let's charge the taxpayers for our retreat as well. I'd say that makes no sense, but I'm talking about the Democrats.

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thanks for your help.