Is Attaching Unrelated Bills to Legislation Justified for Political Gain?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the practice of attaching unrelated bills to major legislation in the context of US politics, particularly focusing on a specific instance involving the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act and a proposed amendment related to terrorism. Participants express various opinions on the implications of this practice for mental health, government power, and public perception of threats.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants highlight the commonality of attaching special-interest bills to larger legislation, suggesting it is often done quietly but has become more overt in recent cases.
  • One participant argues that the threat of a tyrannical government poses a greater risk to mental health than terrorism, describing the situation as Orwellian.
  • Another participant echoes concerns about government overreach and the absurdity of assuming that absolute power would be trusted.
  • A participant references the psychological impact of terrorism on individuals with existing mental health challenges, linking it to broader political narratives and government actions.
  • Some express skepticism about the media's portrayal of terrorism, suggesting that the American response is exaggerated compared to other historical threats.
  • There are humorous comparisons made between the likelihood of terrorist attacks and local wildlife threats, indicating a perception of disproportionate fear.
  • One participant expresses admiration for Congressman Waxman, suggesting he represents honesty in politics, while another notes that his approach frustrates those on the political right.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the implications of attaching unrelated bills to legislation, with no clear consensus on whether this practice is justified or beneficial. Disagreement exists regarding the perceived threats to mental health and the role of government in instilling fear.

Contextual Notes

Some arguments rely on subjective experiences and interpretations of political actions, with varying assumptions about the motivations behind government policies and media narratives. The discussion reflects a mix of personal anecdotes and broader political commentary.

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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