Comments on: A rookie ranking member

By: Space Realist

Space Realist — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:03:13 +0000

I think your premise is false. If Olson thinks that NASA jobs are merely “white collar welfare” as you state, then I’ll wait with bated breath for the press release that says just that.

P.S. Nice talking points covering the patriotism angle, Thomas Paine. FYI, the era of pointing to those who disagree with you and insinuating in any way that they are less patriotic or care any less for their country than you do is over. It’s a dead ideology, except for those several clowns who remain in Congress who have yet to learn that lesson (you know, the ones referred to above). Maybe putting the country first involves helping us reach beyond the bounds of space, inventing new technologies, and fostering an understanding of our planet in ways never conceived before.

By: Al Fansome

Al Fansome — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:49:01 +0000

SPACE REALIST: Start by making Pete explain to his constituents that he is a feckless weenie, incapable of wielding the power to protect the largest employer in his district.

Dear Space Realist,

In other words, Cornyn and Gramm were a little bit like Senator McCain, who tells everybody who comes into his office “Don’t tell me how this helps my state. Tell me how it helps the country.”

Your attack suggests to me that Rep. Olson may not believe in white collar welfare. He may actually put the country first. Your attack actually improves my (still unformed) opinion of Rep. Olson.

We will see.

FWIW,

– Al

By: Space Realist

Space Realist — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:52:10 +0000

Get real. Olson rooked the people in his district into thinking he would be relevant on space issues, and now he’s going to tout his status as ranking member as an indication of his relevance. Only, we all know that the leadership is going to punish the hell out of those morons around Johnson Space Center for electing this Coryn-esque ideological clown. In his many years as COS to both Senators, did anyone ever notice Cornyn or Gramm involved in any substantive way in space issues? NO. And who was responsible to minding JSC and keeping his bosses engaged? Good Ole Pete. I hope every job at JSC is ripped out and sent to KSC. THOSE people aren’t ignorant enough to slit their own throats. What’s particularly disturbing is the rising mantra around JSC that the federal government is an evil, out-of-control entity–and the beast needs to be starved.

I say starve away. Start by making Pete explain to his constituents that he is a feckless weenie, incapable of wielding the power to protect the largest employer in his district.

By: SurfinOnARocket

SurfinOnARocket — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:02:40 +0000

Correct me if I’m wrong, but there are only 5 Minority Members on the House Science Committee that are not serving as a Ranking Member on another committee. This means that all 5 will be a Ranking Member on one of the 5 science subcommittees. So, even though Olson is a Freshman, he will definitely serve as the Ranking Member on one of the subcommittees. Given this factor, and the district he represents, he is an obvious choice for the position with Space and Aeronautics.