House New Democratic Coalition supports bankruptcy bill.

[madfloridian]

This really belongs in LBN, but there is not a headline from the site, so it can't go there. It surely needs the attention though.

They are actually asking Hastert to bring the bill to the floor so they can vote yes.

http://www.tnr.com/etc.mhtml

SNIP..."FOR SHAME: This e-mail came in over the transom today from the House New Democrat Coalition. If you consider yourself a moderate Democrat, it should turn your stomach:
Washington, D.C.--With consumer debt reaching record highs of more than $2 trillion, members of the New Democrat Coalition (NDC) sent a letter today to Speaker Dennis Hastert, urging him to schedule House action on the bankruptcy reform legislation as soon as the Senate completes its consideration of the bill. The letter, signed by twenty NDC members, including the four NDC leaders, reiterates New Democrats' long-standing support for common-sense bankruptcy legislation and states an intention to work across the aisle to pass bankruptcy reform into law.

"I'm pleased to see so many New Democrats band together in calling for a mainstream solution to bankruptcy reform. I hope Speaker Hastert will heed our calls and move promptly to bring this legislation to the floor soon," said Rep. Ellen O. Tauscher."
It is our hope that the House of Representatives will consider this important piece of legislation in an expedited manner. We stand ready to work with you and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass bankruptcy reform into law."

Sincerely,

Rep. Ellen O. Tauscher
Rep. Adam Smith
Rep. Ron Kind
Rep. Artur Davis
Rep. Carolyn McCarthy
Rep. John Larson
Rep. Stephanie Herseth
Rep. Dennis Moore
Rep. Mike McIntyre
Rep. Joe Crowley
Rep. Jay Israel
Rep. David Wu
Rep. Diane Hooley
Rep. Melissa Bean
Rep. Jim Davis
Rep. Harold E. Ford, Jr.
Rep. Ed Case
Rep. Jay Inslee
Rep. Shelley Berkeley
Rep. Gregory W. Meeks

[Nite Owl]

1. "New Democrat"

what a joke. FDR and Truman and JFK must be turning in their graves.

[Warpy]

18. New Democrat = Old Republicans

Let's face it, these old boys need to go. We might as well vote pubbies in to take their places if the DNC can't get anybody into the primaries to run against them.

It's what I'm going to do with our state governor's race next time. At least our last pubbie governor wanted to end the drug war. The DINO we have now has been bloody useless, cutting taxes on the rich and jacking them up on everybody else.

Just say NO to Richardson.

[wryter2000]

51. Old Republicans

Heck, I'm not sure even the old Republicans were this bad. I doubt Nixon would have backed this sort of legislation. Eisenhower sure as hell wouldn't have. :mad:

[Joe Chi Minh]

63. Exact parallel

with New Labour - out and out, ultra-Thatcherite corporatists.

Tragic, too, to see such a star ruffian polemicist as Carville turn into "Zell Miller" mush, on the specious grounds of pragmatism (re the Social Security issue). He sounds like a "New Appeaser" - wanting to negotiate from a position of weakness.

[cyberpj]

56. Well prepare yourself for a NDCstyle candidate in 2008 because

Hillary is looking more and more like a republican every day.

These people will split the party (with Dean) so they can continue to "play nice" with corporate money.

[Imagevision]

93. Let's not forget our ever-faithful Senator Joe Biden!!

[liveoaktx]

2. Another reason to avoid DLC

http://www.ndol.org/ndol_ci.cfm?kaid=103&subid=110&contentid=3869

[madfloridian]

3. Exactly right.

I wonder if they even know what is in the bill. I actually think they don't know.

[AG78]

11. Why?

They're not stupid. They know exactly what they'd be voting for.

The stupid people are the consumers that keep voting for these "Democrats".

[madfloridian]

23. I guess I was trying to be gracious to them...but you are right.

They know every thing it is about.

[w4rma]

17. These DLCers definitely know. This isn't the first year this bill has come

up. They know exactly whats in this bill.

[FlemingsGhost]

4. This is no anamoly, folks. You're either a DLC "New Democrat," or

you are shit out of luck.

[Mojambo]

5. I can't wait until 2006 n/t

[Ladyhawk]

27. I'm not very hopeful about 2006. n/t

[Mojambo]

28. I don't expect tremendous gains against Republicans in 06

But I do see the opportunity to purge destructive elements within our own representation in Congress.

[Ladyhawk]

33. Any good news will be welcome.

I wish I could be more hopeful. :(

[Blue Belle]

53. It's too bad...

that we can't replace Wu or Hooley. Oregon re-elected them in '04 in a consorted effort to keep Oregon Blue. I feel so stabbed in the back... I'm so disappointed.

[eridani]

85. Well, write them and give them holy hell!!

I'm doing likewise with Smith and Inslee.

[Blue Belle]

91. I have...

I wrote to both... and Wyden.

As for Smith... I'm just targeting on replacing him.:smoke:

[Southsideirish]

60. Amen, now can those "doubting Thomas's" see why this party needs a

thorough purging????

[springhill]

65. Good Luck!

Voting Machines anyone? We are never going to gain as long as voting remains a mystery.

[natrat]

38. why? isnt everything fraudulent? false hope

[me b zola]

6. Well shit

And DLCers want to use this forum to explain why WE are out of touch???

May they all rot.

[Solon]

7. This isn't a mainstream solution...

I'm sick of this "third way" bullshit and these fucking traitors to the people of the country. Fuck them all, I hope they rot in cardboard boxes when kicked out of office.

[GainesT1958]

20. I love the way they all back out of it by saying:

"Oh, don't worry...we'll go back and fix those restrictions with amendments later on!"

Yeah, right..later WHEN?

Hopefully in a few years when a genuine "NEW Democrat" president holds their feet to the fire unless they do!:mad:

They have no concept of reality...I wish someone would bawl Stephanie Herseth out about this...she sure as heck isn't representing your average South Dakotan on this, is she?:grr:

Freakin' TRAITORS!!!:mad:

B-)

[Solon]

24. There in no position to do it now...

Why should we, the people, believe they will do it in the future? What's the motivation to vote for Republican lite if they sell us the same piece of shit that true Repubs do?

[enough already]

40. Yeah, right

Clinton said the same thing about welfare reform, that he would "go back and fix it". We're still waiting. Screw the DLC and anyone even remotely associated with them.

[NVMojo]

8. slimes ...all of them ... slimes....

[candy331]

9. Dang, didn't think Gregory Meeks name would appear, we all just

must wait for the rapture because all other hope is gone I'm afraid.

[yankeedem]

10. "Gee, wouldn't it be great if Harold Ford Jr. ran for Senate"

in 2006 :eyes:

[Solon]

13. No, but throwing him in debtors prison would be great!!!!

:D

[yankeedem]

15. Amen to that

Someone voting for this bankruptcy bill who "represents" one of the poorest cities in the US (Memphis) shouldn't be allowed to be a Democrat.

[GainesT1958]

19. I've felt this for a long time..

And now I'll say it, unabatedly:

Harold Ford, Jr. is SCUM!:mad:

I hope he gets his lousy brat butt beat so bad in the primary next year, he'll crawl down to Fla. with his daddy!:grr:

My congressman's name is on that list, too, sadly. He'll hear from me tomorrow!x(

B-)

[ktowntennesseedem]

35. My personal opinion of Ford used to be quite high.

But it's been falling lately, and now it just hit rock bottom. I'm about as far from his TN district as I can be, so I've never had the chance to cast a vote for him; but if I ever get such a chance, you can bet my vote will go either go for someone else or none-of-the-above.

[DemFromMem]

95. Ford - Does this help Tennessee?

I'm a Ford constituent. We're usually ranked as the state with the highest personal bankruptcy rate. So I'm a bit (not!) surprised that our very responsible local media is ignoring this story.

Frist represents some of the poorest neighborhoods in the state and I'm sure many people in the district will feel the pain.

I guess he's calculated that he needs to out-GOP the GOP as he pursues the Frist Senate seat.

Maybe this is not so bad. This is a very red state these days and it's going to take a lot for many voters to swallow supporting a black man from Memphis who comes from a political family that is highly controversial.

The good news is that there are no exciting GOP candidates right now.

[The_Counsel]

75. And To Think: I Actually Supported Ford for Minorty Leader...

I thought Ford as minority leader would have been a real shot in the arm. I fuckin' guess not now... :grr:

What the hell is WRONG with these people?!

What the hell is wrong with US for ELECTING these jackasses?

Can't we get anyone with some SENSE to primary against these people anymore?

Where's the Tylenol...?!

[proud patriot]

12. Tauscher will be hearing from me

also I'll mention this to the moveon house party on Thurs.

[Disturbed]

16. Why are there so few Dems that aren't Corp whores?

Silly question, aint it?

[madmark]

14. puke

[gulfcoastliberal]

21. Gee, I'm so shocked NDN/DLC supports such a monstrosity...

NOT!

[peacetalksforall]

22. What the heck is this? Something is very weird here.

[atommom]

25. Just got a letter from Rep. Dennis Moore (in response to an email)

explaining his support for bankruptcy reform. It's the first time the man has shocked me like this. :shrug: I'll post some of his points in the AM. He had some reasonable arguments, but in my disgust I didn't read them as carefully as I should have. Overall, I'm still pissed.

[madfloridian]

29. But there are no reasonable points on people losing homes...

because of medical bankruptcy. There is no viable reason to allow credit card companies carte blanche on rates.

I am upset with Bill Nelson as well. He voted for cloture.

[atommom]

30. I agree with you. I'm very disappointed.

[madfloridian]

31. I called Bill's office earlier.

Then tonight I wrote him at his website. I am angry.

[atommom]

32. I'm going to ask for a fuller explanation, too. This just seems

completely wrong to me. :mad:

[TygrBright]

80. To quote from Monty Python....

"Dennis Moore, Dennis Moore...
dum-dum-dum-dumb-dumb..."

and...

"He steals from the poor...
...and gives to the rich...
Stupid bitch..."

Y'know, the longer I live, the more amazed I am at the prophetic power of the Pythons.

disgustedly,
Bright

[Ladyhawk]

26. Is this a comprehensive list or are there more Dem slimeballs? n/t

[ultraist]

96. They haven't voted yet, there will be more

:nuke:

[madfloridian]

34. Night kick.

:kick:

[Itsthetruth]

36. Throw Them Out Of The Party!

Will these Democratic members of Congress have their ass thrown out of the Democratic Party or will the party remain a "big tent" full of right-wing Bush enablers?

Some certainly believe that it's time for a cleansing of the tent.

[ananda]

37. Dean?

Where is Howard Dean and the DNC on this?

Where is the House Minority Leader and the Whip?

So sad...

Sue

[madfloridian]

42. Howard Dean was told NOT to set policy.

We have to force that. That is why we are also working with DFA so actively...we belong to both.

The DNC has a long way back from the edge.

[ananda]

62. What!??

Dean was told not to set policy? By whom?

Anyway, why is supporting pro-Democratic issues setting policy?

This is a BAD business.

Sue

[madfloridian]

69. He was warned off it by Reid and Pelosi. The chair organizes.

He does not set policy.

I would love to hear some speaking against this as well, but I refuse to blame him. He called them out during the campaign, remember what happened.

I am willing to ask the congressional leaders to take a stand, and let him alone to organize.

[The_Counsel]

76. Well If Reid and Pelosi Would Just DO THEIR EFF'N JOBS...!!!

...Dean wouldn't have to "set policy!!!"

Don't these people TALK about how they're going to approach a certain issue? You can just BET the Republicans do! How the hell else do they march in lock-step all the got-damn time??!!!

You know it's a bad thing when I don't even have enough anger left for BUSH anymore, because I'm using it all up on MY OWN PARTY LEADERS!!!

AAAAARRRRRRGH!!!!

Where's the fuckin' Tylenol already???????????!!!!!!! :grr: :mad: :nuke:

[ProfessorGAC]

39. Of Course, The Bill Is REALLY Needed. . .

. . .because all the lenders are losing SO MUCH MONEY! Right? No? The banks are still making huge profits? Who'd have figured that?
The Professor

[lonestarnot]

41. And here we have the list of the half baked! Half baked because they

are about to be fully baked! THROW THEIR ASSES OUT! OUT OUT I SAY!

[Nickster]

43. Dang, really disappointed to see Melissa Bean in there

I saw this and just wrote out a letter to her stating my displeasure and asked her to reconsider her support for this as I reconsider my support for her re-election effort. Why are they always the same? Damn them for making me believe....Grrrrr

[paineinthearse]

44. DINO's by any other name - NDC's formation press release

Their website - http://www.house.gov/adamsmith/NDC/ndc.html - is "under construction".

There is a redirect to....

http://www.house.gov/adamsmith/NDC/2005pressrelease.htm

For Immediate Release:

February 9th, 2005

Contact:

(Rep. Ellen Tauscher)...Hayley Rumback [phone]

(Rep. Ron Kind)...Stephanie Lundberg [phone]

(Rep. Artur Davis)...Cory Ealons [phone]

(Rep. Adam Smith)...Lars Anderson [phone]

HOUSE NEW DEMOCRAT COALITION ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERS, MEMBERSHIP FOR 109TH

Ellen Tauscher, Artur Davis, Ron Kind, and Adam Smith to lead group

The New Democrat Coalition (NDC) in the U.S. House of Representatives today announced its leadership and membership for the 109th Congress:

Ellen Tauscher (CA), Chair

Ron Kind (WI), Co-Chair

Artur Davis (AL), Co-Chair

Adam Smith (WA), PAC Chair

At today's meeting, the Members laid the groundwork for creating a vibrant and effective caucus in the House, pledging to create a NDC political action committee (PAC), attending 50% of meetings and active involvement within the caucus. The Members in attendance unanimously approved the new leadership.

"As someone who's been heavily involved with the New Democrat Coalition since my arrival in Congress in 1997, I'm very excited about the reorganization and direction of the group," Smith said. "It is a smaller, more unified, more cohesive group, and we're asking more from our Members. We're looking to put forward a positive policy agenda and message that focuses on economic growth and opportunity, international leadership, and personal responsibility."

"I'm honored that my centrist colleagues have chosen me to lead this organization into the future and I look forward to bringing my energy to this leadership post," said Rep. Ellen O. Tauscher (CA). "I hope to find new areas of collaboration within the NDC, particularly on the issues that urgently need our attention like Social Security reform and trade."

For the first time, the New Democrats will have a PAC to support both incumbents and challengers. Smith, who will lead the PAC, noted, "The creation of the NDC PAC will give the caucus the flexibility and the capability to help re-elect current Members and to give up-and-coming New Democrats the funds they need in order to be successful in their races. We will support candidates who promote economic growth, securing our country and ensuring that Americans have the opportunities and tools necessary to create a better future for themselves and their families."

"The talent of the NDC membership is by far our strongest asset, and I look forward to working with my esteemed colleagues, Chairwoman Tauscher, Co-Chairmen Davis and Smith, on pursuing an agenda for the Democratic Party that enables everyone in our country to be full participants in the new, global economy," stated Rep. Ron Kind (WI).

"I look forward to working with Ellen Tauscher and Ron Kind as we reorganize the New Democratic Caucus," said Rep. Davis. "New Democrats played a pivotal role in shaping the policy agenda during the Clinton Administration, and we can return to that level of creativity and innovation. New Democrats can help drive the Democratic Caucus toward a more proactive and less reactive stance on the issues of the day."

The following 40 Members of Congress have joined the NDC for the 109th Congress thus far:

Brian Baird (WA)

Shelley Berkley (NV)

Lois Capps(CA)

Russ Carnahan (MO)

Ed Case (HI)

Ben Chandler (KY)

Joseph Crowley (NY)

Artur Davis (AL)

Jim Davis (FL)

Susan Davis (CA)

Rahm Emanuel (IL)

Eliot Engel (NY)

Bob Etheridge (NC)

Harold Ford (TN)

Jane Harman (CA)

Stephanie Herseth (SD)

Brian Higgins (NY)

Rush Holt (NJ)

Darlene Hooley (OR)

Jay Inslee (WA)

Steve Israel (NY)

Ron Kind (WI)

Rick Larsen (WA)

John Larson (CT)

Carolyn McCarthy (NY)

Mike McIntyre (NC)

Gregory Meeks (NY)

Juanita Millender-McDonald (CA)

Dennis Moore (KS)

Jim Moran (VA)

David Price (NC)

Loretta Sanchez (CA)

Adam Schiff (CA)

Allyson Schwartz (PA)

David Scott (GA)

Adam Smith (WA)

Ellen Tauscher (CA)

Tom Udall (NM)

David Wu (OR)

Formed in 1997, The New Democrat Coalition provides moderate, pro-growth Members of Congress the opportunity to advance a common sense policy agenda that will move our country in the right direction. New Democrats have built a reputation as the "go-to" group in Congress on the critical issues of pro-growth, security and personal responsibility.

New Democrats hail from every region of the country. Intent on modernizing both the Democratic party and the country, New Democrats support policies to expand economic growth and ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to benefit from that growth; a fiscally responsible and efficient government; a secure home front; and a robust foreign policy that includes trade, constructive U.S. leadership throughout the world, and a modern and strong military.

# # #

=======================

Harman had been a member of the "Blue Dog Coalition", but I've not heard anything from them since DeLay's Texas redistricting defeated Charlie Stenholm. This could be a successor. The Blue Dog's old website - http://baronhill.house.gov/bluedogs/ - is dead.

[blackspade]

61. WOW!

Their agenda sounds like the repubs of yesteryear.
These are not democrats. If they think that Hastert and Co. will work with them they are sadly mistaken.
Hastert will use them and then ignore them and the NDC will pretend that they are an important part of the "positive policy agenda and message that focuses on economic growth and opportunity, international leadership, and personal responsibility."
These folks are fools if they think that they are the white knights of the democratic party.
I want to know from now on who the members of this bunch are and who their PAC money is going to.
Those are people who will not get my vote or money!

[truebrit71]

45. Back-stabbing bastards...every single one of them...

We need DEMOCRATS in the Democratic party, not rubber-stamping boot-lickers.....What the FUCK has happened to this party....I expect Chairman Dean to be kicking some serious ass behind closed doors....

:grr:

[Canuckistanian]

46. I thought Stephanie Herseth was part of the new Democratic revolution

I thought she was one of the good guys.

[BlueInRed]

47. I've put a link to this in the Senate thread in LBN

Hope it helps people get moving to make phone calls, etc

[BlueInRed]

78. We need to invoke some party discipline in the House on this

If we can invoke a little party discipline, they could potentially scare some moderate Rs to defecting to our side.

We should pester the hell out of these House members. There is no excuse in voting for this bankruptcy bill.

[madfloridian]

48. Question, is this say all the New Dems will vote yes, or this group.

Rep. Ellen O. Tauscher
Rep. Adam Smith
Rep. Ron Kind
Rep. Artur Davis
Rep. Carolyn McCarthy
Rep. John Larson
Rep. Stephanie Herseth
Rep. Dennis Moore
Rep. Mike McIntyre
Rep. Joe Crowley
Rep. Jay Israel
Rep. David Wu
Rep. Diane Hooley
Rep. Melissa Bean
Rep. Jim Davis
Rep. Harold E. Ford, Jr.
Rep. Ed Case
Rep. Jay Inslee
Rep. Shelley Berkeley
Rep. Gregory W. Meeks

Compare to the list of members.
http://www.house.gov/adamsmith/NDC/ndc_members.html

[atommom]

49. Here's my letter from one of the New Dems explaining his position.

This is an excerpt of the letter. I'm working on a response now. Feedback is welcome.

Thank you for sharing your views on S. 256, the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005.

Originally introduced in 1998, during the second session of the 105th Congress, bankruptcy reform legislation came close to enactment in both the 106th and 107th Congresses. On February 27, 2003, Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner of the House Judiciary Committee introduced the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2003 (H.R. 975), and the full House passed this measure on March 19, 2003, by a vote of 315-113.

On February 17, 2005, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved S. 256 by a vote of 12-5. The full Senate is expected to consider this measure in March.

The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 is substantially similar to H.R. 975, which was similar to the legislation (H.R. 333) that the House and Senate approved during the 107th Congress. Like H.R. 975, however, S. 256 omits the Schumer amendment which would have prevented the discharge of liability for willful violation of protective orders and violent protests against providers of "lawful services," including reproductive health services. Similar to earlier legislation, S. 256 addresses many areas of bankruptcy practice, including consumer filings, small business bankruptcy, tax bankruptcy, ancillary and cross-border cases, financial contract provisions, amendments to Chapter 12 governing family farmer reorganization, and health care and employee benefits.

This bill contains a needs-based formula that directs filers into Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 based on their ability to pay. Filers earning less than the national median income are not affected by this legislation. If a filer is above the income limit, this bill protects those who have special circumstances, such as a decline in income or unexpected medical expenses that can be taken into account and preclude moving the filer into Chapter 13. These precautions are taken to ensure that those who can afford to pay their debts are required to do so.

This bill also includes provisions to protect women and children, those individuals who typically have the most to lose in bankruptcy proceedings. It has been suggested that the bill would put women and children in competition with credit and finance companies for scarce resources of the debtor but this is not the case. Currrent bankruptcy law puts child support and alimony payments in seventh priority but this legislation moves alimony and child support to the first priority of debts to be repaid and it protects savings for a child's education and retirement savings. Additionally, it strengthens the ability of a woman to collect marital dissolution obligations.

[chomskysright]

54. HERE IS A feedback ?...

this bill protects those who have special circumstances, such as a decline in income or unexpected medical expenses that can be taken into account and preclude moving the filer into Chapter 13. These precautions are taken to ensure that those who can afford to pay their debts are required to do so.

right there: so, 1. how is median income defined? by region ? by state? by nation?

2. define special circumstances: yes, I see the decline in income, etc., but what does the bill exactly say?

3. what mechanism does an individual have to utilize in order to 'prove' this special circumstance?

[cyberpj]

55. to ensure that those who can afford to pay their debts are required to "

Then someone should explain all the loopholes left for corporations to duck paying while they continue to make money!

[atommom]

70. Here's some info from another source:

The bill amends Code § 707(b) by adopting a rigid formula to determine whether a debtor is presumed ineligible for a chapter 7 discharge.2 Unlike the present system that screens for “substantial abuse” by comparing the debtor’s actual living expenses to income, the means-test formula uses pre-determined budget amounts based on the Internal Revenue Service’s National Standards and Local Standards.3 For example, if the IRS Local Standard sets a debtor’s monthly housing and utilities allowance at $756, this is the expense amount used in the means-test formula even if the debtor’s actual rent and utilities are $950 per month.4 Similarly, a debtor whose actual food bill is $350 per month because of a special diet prescribed by her doctor for health reasons will be limited to the IRS standard of $196 per month.5

On the equation’s income side, the formula uses the debtor’s average prior 6 months’ income to project what can be paid creditors under the plan.6 This “current monthly income” is used even if some or all of the income counted during the six-month test period is no longer available because of job loss, temporary disability or divorce. Trying to fix this problem requires the debtor to incur unnecessary litigation costs, petitioning the court to ignore the income definition.

Ironically, since the formula compares presumed income and expenses with the amount of unsecured debts, debtors who have large amounts of credit card and other unsecured debt are more likely to flunk the means test and will be permitted to obtain a chapter 7 discharge.7 In addition, since the debtor is allowed to deduct on the expense side the actual amounts payable on priority and secured debts (including for example the monthly installment payment on a luxury auto), and actual amounts for “Other Necessary Expenses” listed in the IRS collections standards manual,8 the so-called “high-rollers” that proponents claim the bill was aimed at will likely escape scrutiny under the means test, particularly since they have the means to litigate application of the presumption.

As another example that the bill sponsors are not interested in curbing real abuse, the bill does not change the current limitation in § 707(b) that the abuse provisions apply only to debtors who have primarily consumer debts. Why exclude from the means test those primarily with business debts, such as corporate executives, or celebrity or sports figures? Even if the means test does not presume abuse, the bill changes current law by permitting creditors and other parties in interest to file motions seeking a dismissal of the case under the general abuse provisions in § 707(b) if the debtor’s income exceeds the median income.

Much more at: http://www.consumerlaw.org/initiatives/bankruptcy/hr975.shtml

[annabanana]

57. Carolyn McCarthy is from Long Island..

"This bill contains a needs-based formula that directs filers into Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 based on their ability to pay. Filers earning less than the national median income are not affected by this legislation. "

I wonder how many of her constituents earn less than the national median (Note: rent on a studio apt here runs about 1200 - 1500 per month....and not a nice "garden apartment" type place either..more like someone's attic)

[Mandate My Ass]

71. Actually they are affected, but I'm sure she knows this

They can be challenged by the creditors and forced into Chapter 13 because they've expanded the definition of what constitutes fraud in ways that are highly questionable. They also are required to pay for credit counseling and "financial responsibility" classes.

[JHB]

68. Why is needed in the first place?

No such need has been demonstrated. Cases of deliberate attempts to use the bankruptcy laws to defraud lenders have consistenly been a miniscule percentage of all bankruptcies.

The corporate entities making most of the loans in question already enjoy public insulation from their poor lending decisions due to their limited liablilty status. For what public reason are they being further insulated from "the invisible hand of the market"?

[wryter2000]

50. Dammit, Tauscher

I wish I lived in her district so I could BOOT HER ASS OUT! You should have seen her after asswipe invaded Iraq. She'd voted to give the moron the authority to do that, of course. But there she was, crying her eyes out, because "my President lied to me."

Get a grip, airhead!

[Selteri]

52. Dear Rep

Dear Rep,
Thank you for selling my children and I into debtors slavery with your support of this bill. I am sure when I and my children, their children and however many end up trapped into debts that force those unfortunate enough to need to declare bankruptcy into an enforced debtors servitude, protecting only those who are rich and powers.

Your choice to vote this way is both unconstitutional and morally bankrupt. I look forward to doing everything in my power to remove you from power.

Sincerely,

a disgruntled voter who's disgusted at being sold to corporate shills by those claiming to represent my best interests.

[cal04]

64. My rep is McCarthy, I am at work and OUTRAGED

I just called her office and told her secretary she should be ashamed. People on Long Island are MOVING by the dozens because they can't live here and now you approve this. It's an outrage and disgusting.

[Southsideirish]

58. Melissa Bean??? Folks in Illinois really worked hard for her to defeat

Crane. We will remember!

[tom_paine]

59. We now see the seeds of the penultimate Phony Bushevik Front Group

The Democratic Party. (eventually)

As Amerika further descends into Totalitarianism and the Democrats are defunded, intimidated and murdered (oops, I mean "sent anthrax by a Lone Nut" or "Had an Airplane Accident" or Committed Suicide), what will remain will be a Bushevik Front Group, almost like the Fedralist Society, I think, maintained by the Busheviks and their allies through back channels a la Gannon, for the very specific propaganda purpsoe of maintaining the illusion that Amerika is still Free.

And here are the seeds of that Bushevik Front Group. Oh, I am accusing them of nothing right now, though it wouldn't surprise me in the least if DLC at bottom was a wholsale creature of the Busheviks, but in 20 or 30 years (perhaps sooner) when the relatively mild Totalitarian Tendencies of today have finally come to penultimate fruition.

Just my suspicion. It probably won't even be these people, but I could see the "New Democrats" bending the knee to the Imperial Family and agreeing to keep the sham going "for the good of the country".

Oh my yes, not even the smallest stretch of the imagination, even for this bunch today.

[Gloria]

66. But I just read yesterday here at DU that Pelosi was doing a great

job keeping everyone in line!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ganja Ninja]

67. Ralph Nader has been vindicated - again!

These Democrats have lived up to everything Nader said they were. It really makes me wonder what's the use in voting. There really is no choice. It's six of one and a half-dozen of the other.

[Callboy]

72. kind of a bad day when

you are mad because someone wont let you shirk your responsibility
to bankrupt yourself

remember that next christmas when you are racking up debt buying useless presents.

I agree though, that in some cases, it is needed.

Card companies deserve it for jamming those offers at you

They want 30 percent guaranteed return now.

Why the high rate when there is no risk of default

The law that goes along with this should read that a ch 13 repay entitles the company to principal recover only.

[Callboy]

73. time to start a new party

[Hell Hath No Fury]

74. Uh oh...

another "shirker" hater. :eyes:

Someone give'm the drill, please. I can't find that article that talks about the majority of people who file bankruptcy becuase of overwhelming medical debt.

[walldude]

77. Or job loss

because the company went bankrupt. Nevermind that the Presidents and CEO's get to keep their houses, cars and protected accounts, while they bankrupt the company, send thousands of people to the unemployment line, and put the screws to people who can't afford to pay their bills. This bill is another step towards class warfare. Reverse Robin Hood strikes again...

[FighttheFuture]

82. Dems are still better than Repugs, on the whole... but....

We need to start taking names, evaluate better what they voted for and why. The ones who are obvious shills and butt boys, or J. Losermans, need to be purged. Period. Stop wasting time with these asses.

I still cannot believe that Zany Zell was allowed to stay in the party, to retire, after he stabbed and twisted the knife all the way through, with no repercussions from the Dem party proper. Thanks Terry McAulf, you ass.

[madfloridian]

79. Anyone know what "bi-partisan" site our Dems use for info on bills?

I talked to Jim Smith's aide for a long time today. Smith is running for governor, so he is listening,....maybe.

The aide took down the info, said he would compare it with the info they got from a government site which kept them up to date.

I asked about it, and he was vague...said it was bi-partisan.

Just wondered how much our Dems know about this bill? Wonder what site, what database they use, and if it is truly bi-partisan.

[Memekiller]

81. I was a New Democrat...

...when Clinton was in power. But I think this next term, I'm devoting any time or money I give to campaigns to unseating Dems who supported this bill or helped dismantle Social Security.

Before we can take down the Republican Party, we first need to set up a party in Washington that answers to the people.

[FighttheFuture]

83. I second that!!

[smoogatz]

84. My email to Ron Kind

Dear Congressman Kind,

Your support for the consumer credit industry-authored bankruptcy
bill is reprehensible. You've prostituted yourself to the banking
industry for a few thousand dollars in contributions, and turned your back
on the interests of hard working American families in duress. In doing
so, you've lost my vote in the next election. I've already sent an
all-faculty email to my colleagues at ____ regarding this matter.

Regards,



I removed the name of our university--but its faculty and students are Kind's core constituency.

[eridani]

86. Looking on the bright side--

--there are 20 names on this list. There are 201 Dems in the House. That means that 90% of the Dems are presumably on our side in this.

[Callboy]

87. again, i am so surprised

how could they betray us?

[iwantmycountryback]

88. I'm surprised to see Meeks and Inslee on that list

I thought they were pretty liberal people. I can kind of understand why Melissa Bean will vote yes because she's in her first term in a moderate district. I don't know a lot about that others except that apparently they have no spine and don't care about their constituents.

[Harlequin]

89. personal, unsecured debt weakens democracy

it makes people afraid to stand up to the government/for their rights, because they're so "owned" they're afraid of losing anything and are easily threatened.

Moreover, thier bodies are already in a state of constant shock/hypervigilance because of the fear... so that's why in part our country is so easy to consume any solution to fear.

debtor's anonymous helps people with problems with money and debt... this isn't an ad. I'm not a spokesperson. but it's the only place I found relief in my financial woes that no other place on earth could.

[Ms. Clio]

90. And besides Harold Ford, who else on this list helped crown Rev. Moon?

Just curious if anyone knows and don't feel like looking it up right now.

[BrklynLiberal]

92. With friends like this, who needs enemies?

[Blue Belle]

94. And with enemies like this who needs friends??

I just saw this in Salon.Com's war room. Apparently, the Freepers are up in arms about this as well. Read:

The bankruptcy bill: It brings people together!


Plenty of folks on the left are upset with the Democrats in Congress who are lending their support -- one way or another -- to the gift to the credit card companies that is the the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005. The theory is this: Democrats who support the bill give cover to the Republicans behind it, and there's so little public interest in the bill that no Democrat in Congress can credibly claim that he or she needs to back it to win re-election.

But left-leaning bloggers aren't the only ones upset about the bankruptcy bill; the right is rumbling as well. At least some of the Freepers are up in arms that Their Republican Majority would be foisting this "unmitigated disaster" on American consumers. As one Freeper puts it: "I’m a dedicated conservative, law-and-order guy. If you borrow, you pay it back. But for financial institutions to change the rules midstream (especially on low-income families) is not only wrong, it’s evil." There's similar reaction over at RedState.org, where one poster says the bill -- which purports to cut down on fraudulent bankruptcy filings by making it much harder for consumers to have their debts relieved -- is like "using a 12-gauge shotgun to kill a pigeon in a flock of songbirds."

You don't get a lot of hunting analogies on the left-wing blogs. But then, you don't get a lot of issues on which the blogs from the left and the right see eye to eye. The Democratic bloggers think the bill is bad news for consumers; the Republican bloggers agree, and they're afraid that the Democrats -- at least, those who don't end up voting for it -- will make the Republicans pay. Glenn Reynolds, the conservative blogger behind Instapundit, seems to be throwing his weight behind a proposal for a "cross-blogosphere coalition" in opposition to the bankruptcy bil, but it's almost certainly too late. The credit card companies dumped a ton of money into this legislation, and they'll get their payoff any minute now.

But there is time to enjoy one final irony. As we mentioned yesterday, experts say that the people who will be hurt most by the bankruptcy bill are the residents of the states with the highest percentage of bankruptcy filings -- which is, by and large, another way of saying "red states." The good news for those red staters: Many of them don't make enough money to be covered by the bill's new limitations.

[paineinthearse]

97. Forwarded to DNC

I've forwarded this to a member of DNC, who lives a couple towns over, with a preamble explaining our frustration at these DINO's.