DC Dysfunction
A recent New York Times editorial rightfully takes the GOP to task for anti-environment actions, but there is a bigger problem. The whole of DC is a mess.
Worst environmental Congress ever? Maybe. A recent New York Times editorial includes that observation as it rightfully goes after Republican attacks on environmental regulation and agencies.
Unfortunately, the Times piece fosters the very problem we have with the environment in DC. Too much rhetoric, not enough substance, and—most important—other stuff matters to Americans more. And we have to talk about the other stuff.
Yes, I'm appalled by the attacks on EPA and their work and their budgets. I'm more appalled by the failure of our government to get its act together about money. Republicans are completely crazy to say new revenue is off the table. Democrats are also off their rocker to say all entitlements are off the table. And we're completely crazy if we think we can protect all environmental programs without considering the federal budget mess.
Money at multiple levels drives political discourse today. The deficit, jobs, recovery, the federal budget…it's all people can talk about. Leadership on anything else is lost. It is—rightfully—using up the political oxygen in DC. Yet, while there is much flash, there is little energy behind the rhetoric. Congress ought to DO something about it so they can again focus on issues like the environment.
There is a 'perfect storm' of mostly legitimate budget concerns filling right wing ideological sails: The broad recognition that we should tighten our belts is making smaller government ideologues slather with Pavlovian delight, as some in the U.S. House majority advance their long-term government slashing goals during a (hopefully) short-term crisis.
I don't think this is the worst environmental Congress ever for the environment. It is, arguably, the worst DC climate I've seen for almost anything. It's almost enough to make you want to get out on the street and start yelling.
