The Republican Party, already in its death throes as a respectable party, are now moving to repeal the Antiquities Act of 1906, passed during the administration of Republican President Theodore Roosevelt, allowing the President the authority to create national parks and monuments, and save our nature preserves and environment from industrial destruction.
Every President since TR has used this law to add to our national treasures, but now the House Republicans will vote to repeal the Antiquities Act in an attempt to favor the voracious and selfish business interests, particularly in the energy industry, including the Koch Brothers.
Fortunately, the Senate will not follow through, and the President could and would veto any such attempt, but it is worrisome that a possible GOP Senate in 2015 could raise the ante on this outrageous action, and were the GOP to control the Presidency and both houses of Congress in 2017, it is likely that our environmental record of pride for the past 108 years would lie in ruins. Possibly, a President Jon Huntsman might veto such action, but any other Republican would, almost certainly, sign such legislation!
Theodore Roosevelt is turning over in his grave, but realize Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter were also exceptional on the environment, and really, all Presidents, Democratic and Republican, have utilized this law to provide wonderful national parks and forests and monuments for the enjoyment of the American people!
This is just simply another outrage that should motivate those who care about this law and the environment, to come out in droves and insure that the Senate does not go Republican, and attempt to turn the House to the Democrats as well!
Along with a million other outrages, including being able to block judicial appointments. (Should Justice Ginsburg resign this summer?)
Bob, I think Ginsburg should resign, but it seems clear she will not, as indicated in recent news articles. It would be best if she did, but try to tell a Supreme Court Justice to resign! It is like butting one’s head against the wall! LOL
If the situation were reversed such that we now had a Republican president, I’d bet that Justice Scalia would resign for the good of the GOP. Republicans often seem more committed to their cause.
Actually, Bob, Scalia is such an egotist that he would never resign, and will be carried out of the Court!
Have a Koch and a smile:
http://theeditorialcartoons.com/store/add.php?iid=109387
You’re probably right about Scalia, Ronald. – Who knows, maybe that wily Devil that Scalia can’t see will convert him into an atheistic gay liberal, just for kicks.
Love the Koch cartoon Paul!
Bob,
I smell a new hit on Broadway: Le cage au Scalia ; )
Nathan Lane would be perfect for the Scalia part. They even somewhat resemble each other. LOL!
Bob and Paul, you are both a riot! HAHA LOL
HAHAHA!! Ahhhh, that’s great.
Thanks for the laugh Paul.
Shocker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Paving the way for Keystone? Getting rid of that pesky “Eminent Domain”
Excellent post about if we don’t fix the environment: http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/30/world/un-climate-report/index.html?hpt=hp_t2