I think we've discovered just why Russ Carnahan voted yes on that cap and trade bill.
Some people say it's because his brother stands to make millions if it goes through.
Some people say it's because he votes however Obama wants him to (100% this year!)
And some people might say the bill was so long, he figured it had to be important (not that he read it).
But I'm saying it's because extensive tourist trips are necessary to ascertain the horrendous effects of global warming, and if he didn't vote for the bill, he and Deborah wouldn't get to jet around the world spending half a million dollars on vacation jaunts.
In November 2007, Russ
and Debra got a sweet deal at the SPLENDIDO resort in Portofino, Italy,
where they got special rates in a $2000 a night suite before doing a
little karaoke action in the lounge. That was a trip to learn
about global warming from European politicians, but nothing quite
replaces doing your own legwork, does it?
Speaking of legwork, let's see what Russ was up to earlier this year.
The Wall Street Journal reports on a 10 person Congressional junket on US Airforce planes that took at trip around the world in eleven days over the New Year holiday. Russ brought his lovely wife Debra, but didn't feel the need to explain why to the WSJ. He also didn't mention the junket in his press releases. In fact, there are no words from Carnahan or his staff on why he went, what he learned, or anything regarding the need to travel to tourist spots at the cost of $500,000.
{ed. Carnahans don't explain themselves, they simply do what they wish and let the peasants take care of the details.}
The trip started in New Zealand, then went to the South Pole, then headed back to Australia for some snorkeling and scuba diving.
Wow. $50,000 for two days in Australia. That's $1600 per Congressman per might in hotel costs. What kind of place are they staying, and did they buy a forest to make up for the carbon credits? That's not bad for a government employee. Maybe I should think about getting one of them jobs. Any union members want to kick in a couple million of their forced dues to get me elected? I bet if I moved to Illinois, it would be a whole lot easier with a name like Durbin. Apparently that's all it takes these days.
Back to the trip. So after Australia, they headed to Hawaii. Having braved the penguins, the beaches, the surf and the $1600 a night hotel rooms, these 10 Congressman ended up in Hawaii. Welcome to the Royal Hawaiian Waikiki.
Everything seemed to be peachy for the Congressman and his wife. Perks like international travel and luxury hotels are just expected, don't you see. As for telling his constituents what's he doing or why he went or what he learned?
Not so much. Here are his press releases for 2008, and 2009. Not a word. What did Russ learn in Hawaii?
Hey Russ, how about some pictures? Do they have karaoke in Hawaii?
Thought: With the Appropriations Committee trying to buy three new private jets for members of Congress, maybe Russ and Debra will be able to fly in a bit more style for next year's international tax-payer funded vacation. With a private jet, they won't even have to worry about having to be see around those revolting taxpayers peasants.
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