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10/8/08
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14 comments
Financial crisis tops Allen-Collins debate
BREWER — The sharpest exchange in Tuesday’s hour-long debate between Susan Collins and Tom Allen occurred while the Senate candidates discussed the credit crisis that has resulted in a $700 billion federal economic package aimed at stabilizing world financial markets. Collins, the Republican incumbent, laid much of the blame with Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, the large quasi-public mortgage lenders that the federal government took control of last month to keep them afloat. She said both the Clinton and Bush administrations had warned Congress that the companies’ lending practices needed to be more tightly controlled. Democrats, she said, resisted the idea. “The Democrats in Congress said no,” Collins said. “I think that is the root of this problem.” There are many culprits, she added: greedy traders on Wall Street, inadequate regulation, and unscrupulous mortgage lenders among them. “The list goes on and on but at the heart, it is Freddie and Fannie,” Collins said.
Allen made it clear he disagreed with Collins. He said Democrats in the U.S. House supported reforms proposed in 2005.
“That is just not true,” Allen said. “The heart of the problem was the subprime mortgage business itself.” Another significant problem was the lack of support from the Bush administration, according to Allen. “The White House didn’t want more regulation. They wanted less regulation,” he said. “They were hoping that Fannie and Freddie would ultimately be privatized. Just think of where that would have taken us.” More than 200 people attended the debate, which was held at Jeff’s Catering and sponsored by Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce. On other debate topics, Allen and Collins seemed to share similar perspectives. Federal research and development funding for UMaine’s Advanced Engineered Wood Composites Center and for biomedical research institutions such as The Jackson Laboratory can help lead to private, spin-off companies that help keep Maine’s college graduates from moving out of state, they each said. They each expressed support for increased access to health care and for development of an east-west highway through northern Maine. They also said they supported increasing truck weight limits on federal highways to improve safety on Maine’s secondary roads and reduce fuel costs for local trucking companies. Collins frequently cited her record, or support of certain projects. She said she has successfully advocated for more federal funding for disease research and housing assistance. She cited the Cianbro Eastern Manufacturing Facility in Brewer and the Northern Border Regional Commission as examples of how communities or even states can benefit by working together. Allen expressed support for these efforts but said more substantial support for them could be achieved by doing away with Bush’s economic policies, which he said Collins has supported. Because of Bush and Collins, the economy and federal support for such programs have suffered, he said. “We have to change the direction of the country,” Allen said. “When you get the economics wrong on the big picture, you’re not going to be able to accomplish much at the local level.” In opening and closing remarks, Collins played to the hometown crowd by emphasizing her ties to the Bangor area and to northern Maine. She said she grew up in Caribou, has lived in Bangor for 14 years, and has strong ties to the local small-business community. She said she is part of a bipartisan group of 20 senators working on a comprehensive energy bill. “You deserve a senator who knows how to get things done,” Collins said. “One of the reasons I’ve been effective is because I always work across party lines. I’ve been rated as one of the least-partisan members of the Senate.” Collins said she has split with her party on votes one-third of the time, while Allen has voted with Democrats 98 percent of the time. In his personal remarks, Allen said he, too, is familiar with northern Maine, having spent considerable time there both as a private citizen and as the state’s 1st District representative. He said the Senate race is not about the candidates but is about making the world a better place. “It’s about you, your children and your grandchildren and what kind of life you want for them in the decades to come,” Allen said. He also said he has ties to Collins’ family. His opponent’s mother, Pat Collins, served on a committee with his father, he said, and Susan Collins’ parents stayed at Allen’s family home when they were visiting the Portland area from Caribou. “We had a family thing going on there,” he said, eliciting laughter as Collins nodded and grinned. After the debate, Allen campaign spokeswoman Carol Andrews said in a prepared statement that Allen clearly contrasted his record and positions with those of Collins, who she said has supported policies that have been harmful to northern Maine. “Collins voted for all the Bush economic policies that have favored the superwealthy over the middle class, big multi-national corporations instead of Maine’s small businesses, and bad trade deals that have cost Maine more than 18,000 jobs in recent years,” Andrews wrote in the release. “Tom Allen has a record of standing up for Maine’s middle class and small businesses with real tax cuts and credits, and against trade deals that allow big corporations to move jobs overseas while avoiding taxes.” Kevin Kelley, spokesman for Collins’ campaign, said the senator performed well by demonstrating knowledge of the issues and by emphasizing her roots and connections to the area. He declined to comment on Allen’s performance. “[Collins] has represented not just Republicans and not just Democrats but the people of Maine,” Kelley said. “She’s always made that her goal to be an independent voice for all of Maine, and I think that’s the way she came across [at the debate].” In the coming weeks, the candidates are expected to meet for seven more debates, one of which will be in Aroostook County. The rest are in southern Maine.
Comments
Fun and games in the local debate club. Middle class had their reunion and funeral years ago. Collins promised to step down because she believed in term limits, this year would be her last year. Collins always "stated" that she supports issues for the Maine people, but looking at her voting record, she "states" otherwise. Why not give someone else a chance? Lets see if Allen can put his money where his mouth is? I don't think he can be much worse, based on his voting record, he is consistent with what he says and what he does. The two ladies are not Margaret Chase Smith, by any stretch of the imagination. That lady meant what she said, said what she meant, time for a change.... Allen maybe a democrat but he is not for giving the demcratic way when it comes to unions. He wants to take away the ballot box and let reps intimidate the waeker individuals into signing a card ton get a union. At least with the ballot box there is no intimidation going on. and nobody knows how an idividual voted. Allen believes the unions should be forced down the throats of those who don`t want it. Every work place should have the option of an open shop. Not every worker believes in the unions and should be intimidated into voting for it. Susan Collins believes in the ballot box and majority rule.and for this basic reason can you guess where I`ll be voting Tom Allen will be the guest on a call in program on Maine Public Radio TODAY at 1:00 p.m. The number is 1-800-399-3566 if you want to call and ask Rep. Allen a question. Instead of giving $700 billion to the irresponsible lending institutions that got themselves into this mess ( and whose officials are financially well off in their own righy) why not parcel the money out to the rest of us, then we can pay off out mortgage, loan and credit card debt, and the problem will be solved! kylie00, your claim that the EFCA eliminates the secret-ballot vote is either a lie or made out of ignorance. The Employee Free Choice Act does nothing of the sort.
I've read the EFCA, and also the National Labor Relations Act, which it amends. Currently, there are three ways in which a union can be formed by a shop: a secret-ballot vote; calling a successful strike; and via card check, which the Supreme Court ruled constitutional in 1969. Currently, if card check is used, the business owner has a right to demand a vote. This process is then dragged out by ownership over years, with the hope that the desire for a union will go away.
The EFCA removes right enjoyed by owners, and forces them to sit and bargain with the new union, supervised by the Fed. The EFCA actually creates a provision where employees that oppose unionization via card check can gather the signatures of just 30% of their colleagues to force a secret-ballot vote.
What the fight against the EFCA is really about is Section 4, which strengthens and increases the penalties against ownership and managers that engage in illegal anti-union activities. Businesses like WalMart, who ar funding some of the advertising, do not want these increases - and why would they? It will actually make them pay more for the violations that they routinely make.
If you doubt me, go read the bill yourself - it's only two pages long (H.R. 800): http://tiny.cc/BmjfJ Chris1943 , if they did that we would have $30.00 a gallon milk, $20.00 a loaf of bread. $15.00 candy bar. Gas $40.00 a gallon... Thats why. Allen needs to get out the message about the union bill. I don't watch much TV, but I saw 100's of attack ads describing the union vote issue throughout the spring and summer. These ads were very effective in damaging the Allen campaign. Collins is popular because of her bipartisan record, but supported the Bush economic policies (don't regulate - businessmen know best) consistently. Blaming the Democrats for the economic meltdown is laughable and Collins should be embarrassed to make such a statement, but it doesn't matter anyway, because people detest Allen for the union thing. That was the most effective attack ad I have seen, and rarely do we get an explanation such as the post by GERALDWEINAND that explains the vote and Allen's position. Allen blew it; Collins should have been vulnerable because of her support of policies that led us to this financial crisis, but she's going to blow him away because of those early ads and his failure to refute the ad. DEMOCRATS VOTE 98% AGAINST EVERYTHING SMALL BUSINESS WANTS PASSED - CHECK THE VOTING RECORDS AT THE NFIB WEBSITE - THEREFORE IF YOU BELIEVE IN SMALL BUSINESS AND FREE ENTERPRISE YOU HAVE TO VOTE REPUBLICAN. HOWEVER IF YOU BELIEVE THAT LARGE STRONG LABOR UNIONS ARE GOING TO TAKE THE BEST CARE OF THE MIDDLE CLASS THEN VOTE DEMOCRATIC. THAT SIMPLE NO MATTER WHO YOU LIKE. There is an apparent lockdown on reporting on this independent candidate's efforts to present the people's opposition to the bailout bill, for, even though I asked for space at the debate and requested time to speak, there is not even a mention of this fact. In truth, I went to the debate, and rose to speak at the end to request a small portion of the time left. If a paper is telling a story rather than helping the two candidates along, why did this paper not mention that I said that the bailout is not going to help the people of Maine? Why did this paper not tell people that I spoke and that I asked for 30 seconds of time from each candidate's closing remarks to make a minority report from one of the two independents in this race, or to ask for time in a future debate? Why was this completely excluded from this lengthy article? Ralph Nader, Independent Candidate for President, whose campaign supported me publicly during his event, filled the house to capacity the other night in Portland and brought people to their feet. Independent voices are being sought as the answers do not come from Congress, and as the two Senate candidates both support a bailout that won't work. It's time to stop excluding our voices in these debates and in the reporting of debate events. People deserve to know that we are out there fighting hard for their right to be at the table. Laurie Dobson Write-ih Candidate for the U.S. Senate www.dobsonforsenate.com Democrats have controlled both Augusta (for the past 30 years) and Washington for the past eight years. Presidents don't pass laws, CONGRESS does. The democrats refused to work for you and me. Seems all they know how to do is spend money and raise taxes. It's time for real change. Remember when Reed was Govenor? And what have democrats done for Maine? Require all State workers to pay Union dues or be fired. Cause real estate taxes, gas tax, sales tax, income tax, excise tax, etc., to increase. Average people live within their paychecks; isn't it time we put fiscally responsible people in Augusta and Washington??? I am writing this as a former Union Member of local U.S.W
0027 at the Domtar Mill in Baileyville.
As a member of the executive board for the local union here, I was involved with the negotiations for the severance package of the dislocated workers. As we began our negotiations, the company made it clear that it was going to base the severance pay on the 2007 W2s. This was unacceptable as most of these workers were laid off through most of 2007. We entered the process in hopes of a fair and balanced package, but it was soon apparent the company had other ideas, and after weeks of negotiation we were at a dead lock.
Enter Senator Susan Collins. She and her staff traveled to Washington County to meet with both the union and Domtar company officials to discuss the future of the workers, and the company’s future plans for the paper machine at the mill.
After that meeting with Senator Collins, she pledged to the union workers that she would do whatever it takes to get us a fair package.
The very next meeting, the company continued to balk at giving the workers a fair package. Myself and others contacted Senator Collins' Bangor office to report what was taking place, and the company’s position on this matter. Senator Collins was on the phone the next day with the CEO of Domtar to ask for his assistance, and to work towards a fair package with the union workers at Domtar.
The next meeting with the company, it was stated they were willing to give the displaced union workers the severance pay along with all the other benefits.
If it were not for Senator Collins, I honestly believe the company would not have agreed with the package our international union rep put forth. After the agreement was approved by both the company and union, Senator Collins personally called each member of the negotiation team to ask how we were doing and to extend her hand to help each person in the future. She also called Labor Secretary Elaine Chao to push for TAA and TRA benefits to help displaced workers get into approved training, along with extended benefits.
To say Senator Collins helped each and every union member would be an understatement; she went the extra step to make sure no union members were left behind, and to have such a powerful influence in our time of need was a major factor for all of us.
I personally have to add, that at first I was skeptical of a Republican senator coming to meet with us, based on the old adage that Republicans are against unions. Senator Collins didn’t come here just as a senator, she came here as a person concerned about the welfare of the workers, and their families, and she took a personal interest in seeing to it that no one was left behind.
In closing, I want to point out that I don’t just view Senator Collins as just a senator, but also a friend to myself, and the union workers of Maine. The attack ads I have listened to about Susan Collins are all wrong, she and Senator Snowe have been there for the people of Maine and they continue to fight for each and every one of us when times are tough.
Ms. Dobson correctly points out the deficiencies of our "fourth estate" when dealing with "in-depth" reporting. She, and others, have made many good observations regarding the so-called "bailout" bill, and they cumulatively add up to one thing: We refuse to make the necessary tough changes required to decouple from a criminal system that has kept us subservient for decades. For those who cry out for a solution to our ills as a nation, let it be known our crisis is much greater than the current financial one alone. You won't hear this from Sen. Collins or Tom Allen, but we need to come together to do the following hard work: 1- Overturning the dubious ratification of the 16th Amendment (no small feat) to reclaim the original language and spirit of the Constitution regarding taxation. 2- Elimination of the criminal Federal Reserve System (it's not Federal) and its scam of fiat currency, and return to a value (metal) based standard of monetary stability. (There is a good reason why the banking elite hold assets based in gold & silver.) Fed Chairman Bernanke is nothing more than an educated overseer of a system run by criminal banking cartels. The Federal Reseve is an illegal entity clearly operating outside of Constitutional limitations. 3- Installing Supreme Court justices who will revisit the Constitutionality of the above travesties (currently considered "settled law"), otherwise we will make no progress here. 4- Advancing a national sales tax model (supported by many leading economists) to replace federal personal income taxes, resulting in increased savings and productivity. (Federal income taxes on wages do not pay for any governmental services as they are mostly absorbed by just the interest on the national debt.) As a result, also gone would be the illegal enforcement arm we know as the I.R.S., along with myriad support "agencies." There is a lot of dark history behing all of the above. They are issues that have been addressed by such agents of change as Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich, (and Ms. Dobson) along with many reputable economists. Their concerns have now been realized, yet are still ignored to this day. It is unfortunate (but not surprising) that such voices continue to be relegated to the realm of "fringe" status. It is also evident that many people are unaware of the fraud and deceit that has been perpetrated on them in the name of "God and Country." Unless those who continue to be blinded by this fraud can open themselves to a renewed understanding of our true history (replete with such concepts as "strategies of tension" and the ideologies of Fabianism and Leo Strauss, et al.), we will NEVER break the chains of feudal economic slavery with which we have been held captive. The rearranging of our financial "deck chairs" by the Federal Reserve or U.S. Treasury is a futile theatrical exercise, and we will continue to be drawn through periods of inflation and deflation at their bidding. The global banking elite are powerful, intelligent -- and malevolent.
Damn, I missed Dumb and Dumber 3! I didint even know it was going to be on. |
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