As others see it: Stimulus hypocrisy

Talk about it

Americans tend to forgive politicians for most transgressions, but hypocrisy is a deal-breaker. ...

Facts shine a light on hypocrites. More than 100 Republican governors, representatives and senators have been having a grand ol’ time ripping the stimulus bill, while simultaneously working the system to secure stimulus dollars to create jobs in their states and districts. ...

Moreover, Republican elected officials have been like flies to sugar at ribbon-cutting ceremonies for stimulus projects. They’ve cranked out news releases and smiled for the cameras. The hypocrisy? They concede the stimulus is working in their states and congressional districts, but they believe an attack-and-criticize strategy is a winning recipe in the November elections. ...

They also must believe Americans are stupid. They must believe even Republicans are unable to see their leaders taking credit for stimulus-funded work. Like these projects:

* Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, one of the most vocal critics of stimulus, brags about funding for a military project in Kentucky.

* South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson (of the infamous “You lie!” outburst), told the USDA that the stimulus money he wanted “would provide jobs and investment” for his district.

* Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va., sought funds for a high-speed rail project he said would create jobs. Cantor has been one of the most outspoken critics of the stimulus bill.

* Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty put on his conservative face at a recent conservative conference, but couldn’t spin his way through the fact he used stimulus money to balance the state’s budget. ...

The examples of Republicans saying “do as I say, not as I do” can be found in nearly every state in the union. ...

Cut it out, fellas. It’s a stunning display of the kind of political hypocrisy that has made politician a dirty word.

Tags: stimulus package, opinion, editorials, gop, stimulus, economy, political