New poll

By Jennifer J. Foster

‘Buy American’ poll

By Jennifer J. Foster

Please check out and vote in the poll I’ve added in the sidebar below. I want to know what you think senators should do about the “Buy American” clause we just discussed.

‘Buy American’

By Jennifer J. Foster

There’s a debate brewing in the Senate over the “Buy American” clause in the economic stimulus package the House passed last week.

House leaders included it because, of course, it supports American jobs and businesses and keeps American tax dollars in this country.

But opponents say “Buy American” could have unintended consequences, one of which is waste: The clause could end up costing taxpayers more in the end, because domestically-purchased materials could be more expensive than those available outside the country. And such spending would be irresponsible, they say.

Now European trade representatives are adding their voices to the chorus against the clause, complaining that it could also trigger protectionist trade policies. If it isn’t removed from the legislation, they say, they’ll register a formal complaint against the United States in the World Trade Organization.

Hmm.

Once I got past my initial annoyance that the European Union appeared to be formally lobbying American lawmakers on American legislation that deals with the spending of American tax dollars to help the American economy, I realized that those trade reps may have a point.

I think it’s time for a thorough review of the tariffs that are levied against American products—all American products—in European markets. It wouldn’t be difficult to get a report on that and get the U.S. trade representative into a committee meeting in the Senate to discuss it. I think it’s only fair that it should be part of any debate about whether to retain the “Buy American” clause in the stimulus package.

If EU folks don’t want us to “Buy American,“ then it’s only fair that we should make doubly sure that they don’t have any incentives for their folks to “buy European.“

After all, the EU’s objections to “Buy American” are all about “fair trade,“ right?

Karma at work

By Jennifer J. Foster

Remember when Vice President Joe Biden just couldn’t help himself from taking a swipe at Chief Justice John Roberts for that flubbed oath of office at the inauguration?

See, Biden thought he was being funny ... and Obama did not.

Biden later ended up apologizing to Roberts for the joke.

Well, karma is a ... well, it rhymes with witch.

Guess who had some issues with the oath of office for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton when he was delivering it in a mock swearing-in ceremony Monday?

Bi. Den.

Maybe Biden does have the a memory like Roberts after all!

I actually found this circumstance funnier than Biden’s earlier joke. Don’t you love comeuppance? I do—especially when it involves arrogant politicians who have been in the business of hearing themselves talk for almost 40 years.