Friday, February 19, 2010

A chat with Jim Himes

On yet another New Englandy snowy evening recently, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) spent an hour or so to meet with bloggers to discuss current issues.

Several of those in attendance wrote up their observations, and because I arrived late, I missed the majority of the health care reform discussion. Here's a couple of links (each with video goodness) to those who discussed the talk:
ConnecticutMan1 shot video for the on-the-record chat, and posted them, along with his write-up, at E Pluribus Media, and he posted an amusing story about Rep. Anthony Weiner at MyLeftNutmeg.

Jon Kantrowitz wrote up a second-hand account at CT Political Reporter
I was interested and pleasantly surprised to hear what Jim had to say about the deal making in the Senate that lead to those awful deals with Blue Dog Democrats in order to get a compromised health care bill passed:



And Saramerica brought up the I/P letter, which many Congressmen signed asking for relief and humanitarian aid for the Palestinian civilians in Gaza:



Many thanks to ConnecticutMan1 at E Pluribus Media for the video, and we're all grateful, even if he does say "oot" for the word "out"!

7 comments:

Connecticut Man1 said...

It is more like "owwoot" boot what do I know? :)

CT Bob said...

Ever since that episode of South Park, I have to stifle a laugh whenever I hear a Canuck say "about".

Rocco J. Frank Jr. C. E. & Michael Vecchiarelli M.A. said...

I really like Jim Himes, with one exception that leaves me very afraid.

Jim Himes is a former Goldman Sachs employee who wasted no time planting himself on a Financial Services Committee in DC.

He refused to co-sponsor HR 1207, the bill to audit the Federal reserve despite 3/4 of Congress co-sponsoring the bill and 75% of the public demanding an audit.

Why should we trust this guy is not working for the banksters?

CT Bob said...

Rocco, it makes perfect sense that a guy with a background in finance seeks a way to put his practical experience to use. He understands finance. So far I haven't seen him push for anything that obviously favors his former employers.

As far as the audit bill, I haven't really been following it. But if 3/4 of the House is cosponsoring it, wouldn't that automatically pass? Did someone stop it from coming up for a vote? Please feel free to provide specifics.

Rocco J. Frank Jr. C. E. & Michael Vecchiarelli M.A. said...

The bill passed, it is currently being implemented under severe protest by the Federal Reserve. The Senate is attempting to block a public inquiry into the missing Trillions claiming it violates the Fed's Neutrality.

The public I believe, rightfully wants to know where all the money has gone.

Bernake said it's none of the taxpayers business what they do with our money.

The biggest problems in Washington.

Henri Paulson, CashKarri, Bernake, Geitner, Robert Rubin, Gary Gensler, Lloyd Blankfein etc..

The list is endless. While Jim Himes speaks eloquently, and sounds sincere and honest his voting record and his former career as a Goldman Sachs employee tells a very different story.

I do not mean to upset anyone here, but I do believe that he even broke with his own party on this one to protect the Federal Reserve and its associated Goldman Executives.

Rep. Murphy, and Courtney Co-Sponsored the bill as did several other prominent Democrats.

I think its pretty clear here that Jim Himes may be fighting bills that result in aiding and abeding suspected financial criminals.

Without a doubt we must wonder if we put the "Fox in charge of the hen house."

CT Bob said...

So if the bill passed and is currently being implemented, won't that provide the oversight we need, regardless of the protests of the Fed? I'm trying to get a handle on this issue.

Rocco J. Frank Jr. C. E. & Michael Vecchiarelli M.A. said...

That is correct. All of which is no thanks to to Jim (AKA Goldman Sachs) Himes.

The method of its implementation is being fought out and protested in the Senate.