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Politics : Al Gore vs George Bush: the moderate's perspective -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: American Spirit who wrote (1965)	10/10/2000 11:46:15 AM
From: Rambi	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 10042

You would be so much more convincing if you made even a small effort at fairness. Texas has been a Democrat-run state for a very long time, Even over the past 20 years, when urban growth was phenomenal nad Republicans began gaining more control, the Republicans and Democrats have traded the governorship back and forth like a football. The problem of pollution did spring forth on GWB's inaugural day in 1995 like Athena from the forehead of Zeus. The Clean Air Act of 1971, signed by (Democratic) governor Preston Smith, grandfathered in existing coal-burning companies who continued to operate without pollution devices. GWB was the FIRST governor of Texas to attempt, in 1999, to offer incentives to private companies to voluntarily clean up their act. Perhaps you feel that there should be nothing voluntary about it. However, it is a legitimate position that government should not control unless all other avenues are explored. In fact, what a novel idea! Give people the change to take responsibility, act like adults--will it work? Dunno. this is a relatively new development in a state that indeed, has been a big oil- the biggest?- producer and pretty much called the shots. At least GWB has acknowledged the problem that was allowed to fester and grow under the Democratic reign of the 70s and is attempting to rectify it. And he's doing so it seems in a way that is facilitating rather than dictatorial, probably a good tactic with Texans and oil.

To: American Spirit who wrote (1965)	10/13/2000 7:48:57 AM
From: long-gone	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 10042

And see how this administration has spent our money intended for improving the environment? Goodlatte Criticizes USDA for Misappropriation of Funds (September 20, 2000) Today, the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry, led by Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) roundly condemned the abuse of authority and misuse of taxpayer dollars in the questionable administration of the USDA’s Urban Resources Partnership (URP) Program. In 1994, the Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment initiated URP ostensibly to provide conservation technical assistance and financial support to urban communities. However, an audit performed by USDA’s own Inspector General revealed that the program lacked statutory authority to spend the $20 million dollars used to implement the program. “This is simply another example of waste, fraud and abuse on the watch of USDA officials. America taxpayers deserve a Department of Agriculture that conducts its agencies and programs efficiently and responsibly,” Goodlatte said. “The URP Program is yet another example of a creative idea that has been dealt a debilitating blow by Department mismanagement and complacency. It is high time for USDA to be held accountable to a higher standard of service.” In addition to this lack of Congressional approval, the audit also revealed that funds originally appropriated for agriculture conservation measures, were subsequently diverted to questionable uses such as: 1. Paying transportation costs for Sierra Club outings in Los Angeles; 2. Hiring an artist to paint murals on residential buildings in Los Angeles; 3. Backing a lawsuit against owners of derelict properties in East St. Louis, Ill; and 4. Providing almost $750,000 for salaries and benefits of coordinators for the urban projects, even though they were not federal employees. “This money would have gone to programs originally destined for America’s struggling farming and ranching communities,” Goodlatte said. “To quote the OIG’s audit the ‘URP was implemented without specific statutory authority, appropriated funds, or issuance of regulations. The Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment initiated URP by directing other USDA agencies to implement the “initiative” using funds appropriated for other programs… As a result, over $20 million in USDA funds were improperly expended or obligated for the URP program during FY’s 1994 through 1998’.” Review the Inspector General’s report on USDA’s Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment and the Urban Partnership Program. house.gov