I enjoy reading Roy Exum's columns. We're often on opposite sides of the fence, but we can all learn from listening to those with opposing views.. and occasionally I find we’re in agreement.
For example, in response to: Lamar Alexander's Joke … I agree with his assessment of Alexander's 'pandering bill, which is as lukewarm as fresh spit…' Ha. I love horses too, but gotta say, Alexander's performance on the treatment of horses pales in comparison to the anguish he continues to create for Tennesseans.
Alexander supported Obamacare by opposing Ted Cruz's plan to defund it. He voted yes to accept Eric Holder as attorney general; again voted yes to confirm Sonia Sotomayor as Supreme Court Justice; and yes to Chuck Hagle as Secretary of Defense. . .(hasn’t that selection been impressive!) Alexander voted yes on the Gang of 8 immigration amnesty bill, which encourages companies to hire illegals, undermines the rule of law, and doesn't secure our borders. He not only voted for but he sponsored and lobbied hard for the Marketplace Fairness Act (aka, internet sales tax)… And, yes, to cash for clunkers (costing taxpayers over 3B). In each instance, Alexander broke with a majority of his Republican colleagues.
Senator Alexander voted for this war on coal by siding with Obama and the EPA requiring stricter control of coal plants. The ultimate goal here is to eliminate coal plants altogether (remember Obama stated as much). With 43 percent of TVA's energy coming from these coal plants (2013) -- some about to be shuttered -- bet you can guess what's going to happen to the cost of electricity and ultimately, the economic growth of the valley.
His refusal to answer whether he supports Common Core by his carefully worded soundbite: No National School Board is intentionally deceptive. “As Breitbart News reported in March, Alexander’s message of “no national school board” is actually a red herring since there is no “national school board” issue, per se, on the table.
I’m betting he’s President Obama’s (aka, Valerie Jarrett’s) favorite Republican, since he agrees with Obama 62 percent of the time. Heritage Action’s scorecard lists him at a lowly 48 percent out of a possible 100 percent.
No, Lamar Alexander is no Republican. Perhaps progressive rhino is a better descriptor...but even that falls short of the mark. Need more evidence? It seems even the issues listed in the 2012 Republican platform are in direct contradiction to Alexander's record - written proof he's no Republican and certainly not a constitutionally conservative either.
His record as a senator is sickening. Whatever happened to the young man in a plaid shirt who walked across the state, declaring his belief in the Constitution and fiscal conservatism? That seems like a lifetime ago, a time when we wholeheartedly supported him and his efforts....well, times have changed haven't they. if there was ever an argument for term limits, Lamar Alexander is the posterboy for that discussion.
We recently heard -- and have been following -- his opponent, Tennessee State Rep. Joe Carr. From everything that we see, Carr's record truly is one on fiscal conservatism with a core belief in constitutional limited government. Carr’s leadership resulted in Tennessee enacting the toughest illegal immigration laws in the country. He led the charge to eliminate the death tax and crafted the captive insurance bill. His legislative accomplishments have helped Tennessee become the fourth most business friendly state in the nation.
It's a 'no brainer' for us. Our money, time, efforts and prayers will go towards replacing Lamar Alexander with State Rep. Joe Carr.
I would continue but my blood pressure is already rising as I type. As Lamar repeatedly quips: ' elections have consequences'…
Ah, indeed they do, Lamar, indeed they do.
Jo Peckinpaugh
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Amen to the letter from Jo Peckinpaugh. She is right on all counts. Alexander needs to
be voted out of office. This is our chance to send him back to Maryville or wherever.
Vote for Joe Carr.
Liz Norris