More Congressional Hypocrisy

Sadly, I think there's actually three things that are guaranteed in life, not two: death, taxes, and raging Congressional hypocrisy.

Congress plans to spend $550 million to buy eight jets, a substantial upgrade to the fleet used by federal officials at a time when lawmakers have criticized the use of corporate jets by companies receiving taxpayer funds.

The purchases will help accommodate growing travel demand by congressional officials. … The congressional shopping list goes beyond what the Air Force had initially requested as part of its annual appropriations. … Geoff Morrell, the Pentagon press secretary, said the Department of Defense didn't request the additional planes and doesn't need them. "We ask for what we need and only what we need," he told reporters Wednesday. "We've always frowned upon earmarks and additives that are above and beyond what we ask for."

Congress turned harshly critical of companies that fly executives on private jets in the weeks following the government bailout of banks and auto makers last year. General Motors, Chrysler LLC and Citigroup Inc. were among those caught in the cross hairs of angry lawmakers.

I would say this is another example of Democrat hypocrisy -- and it is true that Dems are the ones asking for these jets -- but you could blow me over with a feather if it was only Dems who end up using these jets!  Another telling fact is that I have not seen anyone from either side of the aisle mentioning the irony of purchasing these new jets just months after effectively scuttling the entire private jet industry to score political points against the auto industry.  Thus, I condemn the whole of the House.  We'll see what the Senate decides to do with this when they get the bill.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that someone is buying private jets.  That whole industry employs a lot of people who have been suffering lately.  I find the who and the when to be distasteful, not the what.

Still, the even greater hypocrisy is that this whole spectacle put the lie to any politician who still wails and moans about the carbon footprint of the 'rich and powerful' who spend their own money to buy their own private jets.

Another fun fact on the subject:

Would someone care to explain how in 2008 -- the greatest economic crisis in the history of the planet, you know -- our eco-friendly and fiscally conservative Congress traveled a full 25% more than in 2007?

Riddle me that one, Batman.

There's my two cents.