Alan Simpson: Time to investigate Grover Norquist
Former Senator Alan Simpson
says it’s time to
“peel all the layers on the onion”
investigate Grover Norquist
Former senator Alan Simpson (R-Wyoming) speaking on the The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell said it’s time to “peel all the layers of the onion” and figure out just why people seem to listen to intently to Grover Norquist.
Grover Norquist unelected power player
Simpson noted that Norquist had challenged Republican Senator Tom Coburn on a $6 billion cut on ethanol subsidies he had called “tax increases,” which incensed Simpson greatly. “Grover and his happy band of warriors are trying to call that a tax increase– that’s a damn lie and he knows it,” he told O’Donnell. “And if he can get away with that, elect him President.”
Grover Norquist’s power starts with “the pledge.” Politicians who sign it vow not only to oppose efforts to increase marginal tax rates, but also to block “any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits,” unless they are matched by other reductions of tax rates.
All but six GOP members of the House and seven Senate Republicans have signed it.The pledge leaves little room when it comes to solving fiscal problems, because most economists and just about everybody with an ounce of sense agrees that new revenues must join spending cuts to reduce the deficit.
“if Grover Norquist is more powerful than the President of the United States and the Congress, he should run for President,” leaving open-ended the question of why he hadn’t pursued public office.
On that note, Simpson called for an investigation. “Grover Norquist should be examined into– where does he get his money?” In times where people amass so much power, he argues, . . . Anytime anyone gets this powerful,” he argued, “you want to dig in who is he slave to?”
Grover Norquist and his organization use Tea Party tactics, “if you are not with us, we will fight you at election time.”
Simpson’s an old man who probably wants redemption so he is taking a common sense approach to the nation. His checks from the corporate power mongers have dried up and he’s got nothing to lose.
Well, write you congressmen and tell them you want Norquist investigated. He’s probably all but untouchable since it’s obvious who he works for.
If Simpson don’t like what Norquist is up to, then it must be bad. As you point out, he’s got nothing to lose now he is out of the picture. Truthfully never liked Simpson either, but I support him slamming someone I like even less.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend? Maybe, but don’t turn your back on him.
Amazing coming from Simpson.
Sure is amazing Leslie, Norquist must be a really black pot for that kettle to be calling him out.