News Is Attaching Unrelated Bills to Legislation Justified for Political Gain?

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The discussion critiques the practice of attaching special-interest amendments to significant legislation, specifically highlighting Representative Peter Hoekstra's attempt to amend the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act with provisions for retroactive immunity for illegal wiretaps. Participants express concern over the implications of such actions on constitutional rights and mental health, arguing that the threat of government overreach is more detrimental than terrorism. The conversation also touches on the psychological impact of terrorism on Americans, with some asserting that the government's fear tactics contribute to public hysteria. There is a call for greater cooperation and understanding among people, contrasting this with the fear-driven narratives often perpetuated by government and corporations. Additionally, admiration is expressed for Congressman Waxman, noted for his integrity and commitment to transparency.
mgb_phys
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You couldn't make this stuff up !

I understand that it is common in US politics to tack your own little special-interest bill onto the end of a major piece of legislation in return for your support - but normally this is at least done rather quietly!

Having had the retroactive immunity for illeagal wiretaps bill rejected - they found the ideal bill to attach it to - and then made a speech defending this!

“This bill is intended to ensure the mental health of Americans; yet, no American’s health can be fully secured if they are under attack by a terrorist or facing the potential threat of terrorist attack,”
Representative Peter Hoekstra , R-Mich., said last week on the floor of the House of Representatives, in support of his attempt to amend the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act.
 
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My mental health is far more adversely affected by the threat of a tyrannical government than it is by terrorists. And the fact that we see such a ludicrous effort to undermine the Constitution makes it downright Orwellian.
 
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Ivan Seeking said:
My mental health is far more adversely affected by the threat of a tyrannical government than it is by terrorists. And the fact that we see such a ludicrous effort to undermine the Constitution makes it downright Orwellian.

I second that! Even if the government as is could be trusted with absolute power it is absurd to assume it will remain so.
 
mgb_phys said:
Having had the retroactive immunity for illeagal wiretaps bill rejected - they found the ideal bill to attach it to - and then made a speech defending this!

“This bill is intended to ensure the mental health of Americans; yet, no American’s health can be fully secured if they are under attack by a terrorist or facing the potential threat of terrorist attack,”
Representative Peter Hoekstra , R-Mich., said last week on the floor of the House of Representatives, in support of his attempt to amend the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act.
To have this shady amendment attached to a bill originated by arguably the most honest and clean politician of the last century is such a travesty!
 
mgb_phys said:
I understand that it is common in US politics to tack your own little special-interest bill onto the end of a major piece of legislation in return for your support - but normally this is at least done rather quietly!

Having had the retroactive immunity for illeagal wiretaps bill rejected - they found the ideal bill to attach it to - and then made a speech defending this!

“This bill is intended to ensure the mental health of Americans; yet, no American’s health can be fully secured if they are under attack by a terrorist or facing the potential threat of terrorist attack,”
Representative Peter Hoekstra , R-Mich., said last week on the floor of the House of Representatives, in support of his attempt to amend the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act.

But you are wrong..

http://www.aotf.org/html/rn_added_stress.shtml"
.
 
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:smile: Sure it is not an April's Fool joke ?
 
This week's Health section of the Washington Post addressed the additional assault of terrorism on the psyche and emotions of individuals already challenged by mental illness. Across the country, community mental health services and support groups are experiencing the same surge in numbers, as are houses of worship. For this week, I gathered references on the role of occupational therapy in addressing anxiety, panic, fear, stress, or crisis intervention with this population.
It's not like the present administration is providing false or misleading information to justify invading another country, or repeating phrases like "But we don't want the smoking gun to be a mushroom cloud," or putting out terror alerts. Oh, wait - they are.

Bush et al have done plenty to cause alarm or fear in the American psyche, and it appears to be rather deliberate.

And then look at the administrations response to Katrina.
 
To be honest, having lived with terror for most of my childhood and adult life, I find Americas reaction to be more like hysteria. But then I suppose that's how I would of felt if I wasn't used to it. This terrorist threat thing is way less scary than the IRA thing, and once the funding from the US dried up from that, then it was dead in the water. I'm hoping the same will happen with Al-Qaeda, that slowly but surely they will dry up, but, I'm thinking not being in the ME is the only way that's going to calm down also, whatever is the best time frame for that.
 
Around here there's more chance of a wolverine ripping my legs off than a terrorist doing a number on the local Starbucks.

Well, not quite... some store-owners blew-up their Taco restaurant to collect insurance recently and took out the Starbucks next door. However, more frequently, there are wolverines driven into the this locale during forest fire season.

The govt's (and corporations) of the world think they need to instill fear in the civilians to keep them down and under control (and buying arms).

What would the world look like if we just cooperated with each other and the environment? I have a feeling everyone would get what they need or want.

editBTW... I am so impressed with congressman Waxman. I have really enjoyed the interviews with him by PBS. If anyone will keep America on track, upfront and honest this guy will.
 
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  • #10
baywax said:
Around here there's more chance of a wolverine ripping my legs off than a terrorist doing a number on the local Starbucks.

Well, not quite... some store-owners blew-up their Taco restaurant to collect insurance recently and took out the Starbucks next door. However, more frequently, there are wolverines driven into the this locale during forest fire season.

The govt's (and corporations) of the world think they need to instill fear in the civilians to keep them down and under control (and buying arms).

What would the world look like if we just cooperated with each other and the environment? I have a feeling everyone would get what they need or want.

editBTW... I am so impressed with congressman Waxman. I have really enjoyed the interviews with him by PBS. If anyone will keep America on track, upfront and honest this guy will.

Waxman's great! He drives my friends on the right absolutely crazy :-p !
 

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