Mitch McConnell’s new shame

| 9:03 am EST March 4, 2018
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Wouldn’t you think that after the “Valentine day massacre” at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, government officials would be chomping at the bit to discuss gun control? This would be true if we were talking about Australia, England, Germany or any other civilized country, and not the United States. Here, the Republican Party is being held hostage by the NRA and other lobbying groups.

As reported by CNN, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced Thursday that the Senate will turn to a banking bill next week, dashing the hopes of many Senators in both parties that the Senate would be able to pass gun legislation quickly in the wake of the mass shooting. Asked if there will be a way forward on guns next week, McConnell replied, “No, we’re going to the Crapo bill next week.” He was referring to the proposal inked by the Idaho Senator Mike Crapo which would repeal the Dodd-Frank Act implemented by President Obama.

The Dodd-Frank Act is the federal law that places regulations on the financial industry in the hands of the government. This process would limit risk by enforcing transparency and accountability. This would decrease the risk of another recession like we experienced during the Bush presidency. Republican critics say the 2010 Dodd-Frank law went too far and curbs banks’ ability to lend, while many Democrats say it provides critical protections for consumers and taxpayers. Crapo’s bill would ease restrictions on small banks and credit unions, but also includes a number of provisions beneficial to all but the largest U.S. banks.

So, of course Mitch McConnell would want to address an issue benefiting his rich banking sponsors over a non-paying group of children. It’s because of these decisions, we must gain control of Congress during the Midterm elections on November 6. It’s time for the government to start protecting the people and not the powerful lobbying groups.