Henry Waxman: "Where Have All the Adults Gone?"

I did not learn about Congressman Waxman's plan to visit Hermosa Beach last night (1 -- 30 -- 2013)

It took me nearly half an hour to get any information about this meeting, the news of which was announced practically the same day. What gives?

Not once but now twice, when Waxman sets up a forum in the South Bay, I have found out about it at the last minute. The Beach Reporter has been more than willing to inform readers, but why does it often happen that I do not learn about these things until the last minute?

Does the Congressman have something to hide, or what?

One of many phrases which stood out at the Hermosa Beach townhall meeting included the point when Congressman Waxman said that the "adults need to show up" in Washington.

Not a matter of fear or frustration, but I did have to hold my tongue when I heard him play the "adult" card in condescension, as if Congressman Waxman has any business making such comments.

Was it "adult", or mature, for Waxman to say in open committee "We're not broke!" in the face of trillions of dollars of debt?

Is it mature to spend taxpayer dollars on wasteful green-tech companies? Or to run oversight hearings on baseball or announce sympathy with religious minorities halfway around the world, while this country faces fiscal crises?

Is it mature to ignore homeless veterans, to condemn Republicans for taking away entitlements, when they actually want to ensure them for the future?

Of course, we can also talk about his obstreperous behavior as Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, when he grilled Richard Fuld about the fallout of Lehman Brothers "Is that fair?" Or perhaps he would like to explain why he justified slamming his gavel repeatedly while then ranking member Congressman Darryl Issa of Vista demanded that Waxman play fair and share time among the members of the committee.

Maybe he would like to explain his rude and uncouth exchanges with Energy sub-committee chairman Ed Whitfield of Kentucky, from his baseless accusations against the Koch brothers (whom he mentioned at the townhall meeting, too).

Waxman wonders where all the adults have gone in Washington. When will he start to act like one himself?

Waxman in Hermosa Beach IV

After the townhall meeting, I spoke with two residents from El Segundo.

They really believe that climate change is a serious issue, one which government must step in to do something about it. When I shared with them what I had been reading, they did not have much to counter with. I talked about the data that I had read, which demonstrated that Cap and Trade was an abysmal failure, causing fuel prices to rise, while the price of the carbon credits varied wildly, and more pollution resulted, not less. This information I learned about from a committed environmentalist, by the way.

The two I spoke with, a married couple, argued that they had seen the data and came to a different conclusion. I told them my views on climate change: it's real, but so what?

A couple of Democratic club leaders approached me to talk to me. I was really impressed by their willingness to speak with me. The first person who approached me was from Los Angeles. I asked for specifics, but he told me nothing particular. Then another club leader approached me, a Democrat from West Hollywood, a New Jersey native. I "gushed" about Chris Christie. He told me about his specific opposition to Republican policies on social issues. When I asked him if he favor abortion at the third trimester, he was not so sure. There is more debate than one is willing to admit on these issues.

Then came Congressman Waxman up the middle aisle.

"See, that wasn't so bad."

I told him very simply that I was going to keep him accountable. I suggested that he set up Occupy Brentwood outside of the VA and tell the federal government to get moving. I even pressed him on the pension funds in Indiana.

I can see that I am having an impact. Who knows what will happen from here on.

When I returned to the lobby, I spoke with other Democratic leaders. Like the woman from Pacific Palisades, the people I spoke with did not have a sturdy command of economics, or even a more subtly discussion about identity and sexuality. I was willing to discuss anything, I was willing to admit my ignorance on issues, yet more often than not the explanations that I received from one person were contradicted as soon as communicated. Homosexuality as behavior vs. identity. The role of government in regulating the free market or in creating jobs: it appeared to me more often than not that the person I was talking too had not really thought through his values.

Waxman Visits Hermosa Beach Part III

I saw Congressman Waxman congregating with some voters in the Playhouse lobby. I moved aside for the moment, then found a seat in the theater.

I must admit that I do not have the fondest memories about the Hermosa Beach Playhouse. The last time I was there,  I bought a ticket to see "The Nerd", and boy was it bad. Five years ago, Hermosa Beach staged their own production. The theater manager addressed the audience before the start of the show, told everyone, in politic terms, that the actors were not going to be very strong that evening. The actors' "performances" confirmed his fim appraisal. They did a bad job the whole time, and I walked out after one hour. I told the usher on the way out that I did not like the show. I expected to get my money back, but nothing.

As I settled in, I spoke with other people. Some were visiting from El Segundo, Torrance, the Beach Cities, and even Los Angeles. The 33rd Congressional District is one of the most widespread in the state, thanks in part to the "ribbon of shame" along Dockweiler Beach.

Congressman Waxman walked down the aisle. He glanced at  me.

"Hello, Congressman Waxman." I said. He was not too thrilled to see me, but he gently waved to the side, then joined other visitors in the front row.

Before the Congressman took the podium, former Hermosa Beach mayor Jeff Duclos shared his "gushing" admiration for Waxman. As Duclos delineated Waxman's record of fighting and winning for everyone. he  reminded of the Pacific Palisades woman who had shared her enthusiasm for the Congressman.  One of hte most revealing elements of visiting a Democratic Club was to understand the values and mindset of these voters. The esteem Waxman the man, not just the policies of the party, necessarily.

After Duclos, it was Waxman's turn. He seemed uncomfortable, somewhat shaky while standing and addressing the group. Then he outlined the issues which were facing the country and the district. After discussing the fiscal cliff deal, he reminded the audience about three more major deadlines which Congress would have to deal with: the sequester, the debt ceiling, and funding the government.

The biggest issue of the evening was not the financial issues pressing against this country, nor was it the social issues (gun control, gay marriage), but "climate change". The environmentalists leapt out of  their seats, so it seems, over "climate change". The alarm which some people shared in that playhouse exposed to me how crucial this issue, and all other environmental issues, has become for the Democratic Party. Strange, indeed

Unlike his demeanor during the 2012 campaign, Waxman struck a slightly more conciliatory note, telling members of the audience that he wanted to work with Independents and Republicans. He has to, because now he represents a district for the first time in his career which is not majority Democratic. Still, no one should assume the best from any politician, but rather bank on his or her greatest incentive for anything: to get reelected. At this point, Congressman Waxman does not have a choice, since the Republicans in Washington still run the House of Representatives. Still, his comments about the need for "adults" and "leadership" where grating, not great, to say the least.

Aftere his brief speech, Congressman Waxman took questions from the audience. Most of the issues touched on the environment. The moderator of the townhall meeting allowed me to ask questions, too. I was impressed with the reception that I received. A Republican got to ask questions at a Democratic forum. There is hope for bipartisanship after all.

I avowed to all that I believe in climate change (although I do not believe that man can do anything about it, nor do we have to do anything about it). I then pressed about the business climate of this country, in part because of the taxes in ObamaCare which we had to learn about after Congress passed the bill (per Nancy Pelosi). I then shared about the poor climate which homeless veterans are forced to endure, and how he is accountable and responsible for giving them shelter. I also asked about the pension funds of retired the retired teachers and police officer in Indiana.

He shrugged off the question about the Indiana pension fund, then praised the GM bailouts. He talked about the movements he was making on the Brentwood VA, blaming the Republicans, including Eric Cantor, who allegedly wanted to sell the land for debt reduction. Of course, he made no mention of what he did for the previous 38 years of his tenure, which was next to nothing.

Waxman Visits Hermosa Beach Part II

I am grateful to the city of Hermosa Beach. The ample parking along Valley Drive provided me easy access to settle in and get ready for the evening.

I arrived about twenty minutes early. The Democratic leaders had sent up name-tags and a counter of goodies. It was very welcoming, much like the Hesse Park debate in Rancho Palos Verdes.

I spoke with one lady right away, a resident of Pacific Palisades, although her other home is in Santa Barbara.

I was impressed with a number of things that she had shared with me. She was a major fan of Congressman Waxman. She recounted to me the discomfort of boarding a plane, when people were still allowed to smoke. She was grateful to the Congressman.

The heroic aura which surrounds Congressman Waxman is still too much for me to take in, but more on that later.

The lady from Pacific Palisades was open enough to share with me her views. She admitted that she had very little knowledge about economic issues, which I find to be very common among Democrats. A greater awareness of economics, based on cold, hard facts and numbers, has led many liberals to see the light and free their minds.

She and I shared a great disgust for many of the decisions made by George W. Bush. I also asked her about the 2012 election, including the contest between Bloomfield and Waxman. Surprisingly enough, she did not know very much about Bloomfield at all. After all that money that the Independent from Manhattan Beach had spent, one would have believed that almost everyone would have known something about the man who grew up in Pacific Palisades. I was astounded. At that point, I felt at ease telling her that I supported Bloomfield, that I even made phone calls for the guy to get him elected instead of Waxman. She was conciliatory, even funny:

"Oh, that's OK!" she said, at ease talking with me all the same.

I have often shared with other Republican candidates: "Democrats are people, too! GOP candidates should not fear talking to Democratic voters, even if they cannot change their minds, they can get them to think about issues from a different, and better perspective.

She later told me that she was on the fence about the Presidential election, unsure whether to support Romney or Obama. In the past, long ago, she had even voted for a Republican candidate for President.

I have often believed that Democrats are more conservative than media outlets or party leaders are willing to admit. Her lack of knowledge about economic issues might be one tack for Republicans to take in the future in order to turn out the vote for free market, limited government candidates.

While we were talking, another gentleman approached us. At that moment, I was talking about the need of the state of California to advance school choice. She then shared with me her concerns about her granddaughter attending kindergarten with thirty-four other students. Appalling. The man who joined us shared his concerns, about the environment, but also about education.

While I was talking, another woman approached me, a leader of one of the Democratic Clubs. While we starting talking, another woman approached her to draw her aside.

I knew what was going on. One was telling the other that I have been the one writing about the Congressman at length, spreading the word to end "the 38 year tenure of Congressman Henry Waxman."

The leader wanted me to sign in as a member of the press,  but I refused, since I do what I do unaffiliated with any media conglomerate. At this time, I am moved to share what I believe, to hold Congressman Waxman accountable, and perhaps if it all possible, to get some Democrats to pay attention to more widespread and pressing issues.

Waxman Visits Hermosa Beach

Congressman Henry Waxman made one of his first "post-election" visits to the South Bay.

The South Bay Democratic Clubs connected together and sponsored an open forum for the Congressman at the Hermosa Beach Playhouse.

I only learned about the meeting the same day, that very afternoon. I called the Hermosa Beach Playhouse, and I got a disconnected number.

I called the Hermosa Beach City Hall to get some information.

They could only tell me that the city leaders had booked the room for the Congressman.

Then they gave me the bright idea, which I should have thought of right from the start:

Call Henry Waxman's office.

He just set up shop in Manhattan Beach, although the office will not be open to the public until the end of the month, or very soon, at any rate. The staff were very polite, although the first person I spoke had no knowledge about the event.

She turned me over to another staffer, who answered my questions.

My first concern was if I had to pay to visit. I had wanted to go to the Santa Monica Democratic club in summer of last year, but they were charging people to come. I did not want to contribute any money to the Democratic Club.

Fortunately, there was no charge.

I then asked -- I could not help but wonder -- were men and women from other political parties welcome to attend? He gave me an enthusiastic "Yes!" He personally invited me to come to the Hermosa Beach Playhouse and see Congressman Waxman and mingle with Democratic Club leaders.

Still, I was hesitant. I spoke with a colleague of mine to bounce around some ideas. How to approach this new forum. I had already been "forced" to leave from the Jewish Community Center because I was  "hostile". Was I prepared for more rejection should it happen again.

The reporter I spoke to shared that  more often than not he covered more liberal venues. He had even worked in Maryland for a few months before relocating to the West Coast. He suggested that observing rather than participating might be the better approach.

I have since learned that I can make the decisions, for better or for worse from within, and everything else breaks forth without let up.

I decided to attend.

"No Budget, No Pay" Passes the House

The Republicans have been the reformers all along.

Bill Bloomfield must be dancing a merry jig.

The House of Representatives has agreed to raise the debt ceiling tentatively, for another three months, but an added provision may force the Senate to offer something more than continuing resolutions.

In the even that Congress does not pass a budget, a "No Budget, No Pay" provision will kick in, stripping every member of Congress of their pay until the Congress outlines a budget for the nation.

Some say that this move is grossly unfair to the minority party, since they often have no real say in the final budget, or whether a budget even passes.

Other people claim that this amendment would violate the Twenty-Seventh Amendment, which stipulates that a Congressman's pay must be paid out in a timely manner.

Either way, Bloomfield's "No Budget, No Pay" provisions are working their way into Congress, putting an end to the gridlock and forcing our legislators to get busy.

Henry Waxman -- do you expect to get paid? Then we expect you to get your work done!

Henry Waxman: Union Stooge?

June First, 2012: Congressman Henry Waxman was running for reelection in the new 33rd Congressional District, facing real competition for the first time in 38 years. CNN re-released a House Budget Committee hearing, with a tense exchange between Congressmen Henry Waxman and Mick Mulvaney of South Carolina. Congressman Henry Waxman made a fool of himself. Is Congressman Waxman a union supporter, a union stooge, or an opportunist who will take the side of whoever has the upper hand?

The exchange between them was both revealing and revolting (at least on Waxman's part):

Mulvaney: MR. WAXMAN, I'VE HEARD THE AUTO BAILOUTS MENTIONED SEVERAL TIMES. THEY WERE DESIGNED TO SOMEHOW STAVE AUTO INDUSTRY FROM BANKRUPTCY. OF COURSE YOU KNEW THAT CHRYSLER WENT BANKRUPT ANYWAY, RIGHT?

Waxman: I KNEW THAT --

Mulvaney: DID CHRYSLER GO BANKRUPT IN APRIL OF 2009?

Waxman: YES, THEY DID.

Mulvaney: DID GM GO BANKRUPT IN JUNE OF 2009?

Waxman: WELL, I DON'T KNOW. I'LL REFER THAT TO MR. RYAN.

"I don't know" -- one of Mr. Waxman's famous phrases.

Mulvaney: DID GM GO BANKRUPT AFTER THE AUTO BAILOUT?

Waxman: I DON'T KNOW.

Once again, Congressman Henry "I Don't Know -- I'm Sorry -- We're Not Broke" Waxman shows his true colors, an out-of-touch politician who supported massive subsidies to union-backed industries, yet does not acquaint himself with the basic facts of the bailouts.
 
Mulvaney: THEY DID. I CAN ASSURE YOU THEY DID. IT WAS THE SECOND LARGEST BANKRUPTCY IN THE HISTORY OF THE COUNTRY. I'M SURPRISED YOU DIDN'T HEAR ABOUT IT. ONLY ONE QUESTION.

Waxman attempts to defend himself, but the damage is done.

Mulvaney: I'LL ASK THE QUESTION, AND I APPRECIATE YOUR ANSWERS. WHEN -- WHEN CHRYSLER WENT BANKRUPT, IT DID SO IN AN EXTRAORDINARY
BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING THAT DENIED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME, IF NOT EVER, SECURED BONDHOLDERS OF THE RIGHTS TO WHICH THEY WERE ENTITLED. ONE OF THOSE SECURED BONDHOLDERS WAS THE INDIANA STATE TEACHERS RETIREMENT FUND. ANOTHER WAS THE INDIANA STATE POLICE PENSION FUND. TOGETHER THOSE TWO PENSION FUNDS OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES -- TEACHERS AND POLICEMEN -- LOST SEVERAL MILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF THEIR RETIREMENT MONEY. AND MY QUESTION TO YOU, IN SUPPORT OF THE AUTO BAILOUT, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO TELL THEM?

Secured bondholders cannot lose their investment, no matter what happens to the market or the economy. A legal statute from the early annals of common law, secured bondholders are supposed to get their funds, no matter what. Or do they?

Waxman: WELL, I'M NOT AN EXPERT IN THIS AREA, BUT I KNOW WHEN THE AIRLINE INDUSTRY GOES INTO BANKRUPTCY THEY TELL THEIR WORKERS YOU CAN'T CONTINUE THE PAY THAT YOU'VE ALREADY NEGOTIATED FROM US. THIS IS A WAY TO BREAK THE UNIONS AND TO TAKE AWAY BENEFITS FROM THEM. PEOPLE GET HURT. AND WHEN BUSINESSES GO BANKRUPT, THE STOCKHOLDERS GET HURT, THE BONDHOLDERS GET HURT, BUT IN THIS COUNTRY, THE CEOs ALL COME OUT ON TOP.

Congressman Waxman plays the "99%" card to justify his decision, yet one segment of "The 99%", public sector union employees in Indiana, lost millions of dollars to protect autoworkers in Michigan, an interest which supported President Obama. One theme of union power is "An injury one is an injury to all". Except of Obama supporters are in danger.

Mulvaney: MR. WAXMAN, DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SECURED BONDHOLDER AND A STOCK HOLDER?

Waxman: I DO.

Mulvaney: SO WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO TELL THE SECURED BOND HOLDERS, WHO WERE ENTITLED TO CERTAIN PROTECTIONS UNDER ORDINARY BANKRUPTCY LAW, WHO DIDN'T GET THEM IN THIS PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCE, AND SPECIFICALLY I'M SPEAKING OF THE RETIRED TEACHERS AND RETIRED POLICEMEN IN THE STATE OF INDIANA.

Waxman: TELL ME WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO TELL THE UNEMPLOYED AUTOWORKERS AND THE OIL INDUSTRIES IN THE MIDWEST THAT ARE DEPENDENT ON THEM IF WE LET THE AUTO INDUSTRY GO DOWN THE TUBES?

All of a sudden, Waxman champions the Oil industries. Five months prior, he wanted to subpoena the Koch Brothers because of their suspected interest in the XL Keystone Pipeline. For a legislator who cares more about the enviroment than about drilling for oil, why did Waxman suddenly stick up for Big Oil?

Mulvaney: I WILL ASK YOU AGAIN, MR. WAXMAN, DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE LEGAL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SECURED BONDHOLDER, AN EMPLOYEE, A SECURED BONDHOLDER AND A SUPPLIER, OR A SECURED BONDHOLDER AND AN ORDINARY STOCK HOLDER?

Waxman: I DON'T WANT ANYBODY TO GET HURT. BUT THE FACT IS THAT PEOPLE DO GET HURT WHEN WE HAVE A MISMANAGEMENT OF THE ECONOMY SO THAT WE HAVE BANKS TAKING HUGE RISKS WITH OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY ON SECURITIES THAT DON'T MAKE SENSE AND THEN SLICE THEM AND DICE THEM AND SELL THEM ABROAD. AND THE WHOLE BUBBLE FELL. AND GOVERNMENT SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE TO STOP THAT FROM HAPPENING, AND GOVERNMENT WASN'T THERE.

President Obama has continued these same ruinous policies as President Bush, even hiring the former CEO of General Electric, who demanded a life line from Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner.
 
Mulvaney: AND INSTEAD WHAT GOVERNMENT WAS THERE TO DO, MR. CHAIRMAN, WAS TO STEAL MONEY FROM RETIRED TEACHERS AND POLICEMEN IN ORDER TO GIVE IT TO UNIONS. WITH THAT, I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. THANK YOU.

Congressman Waxman opposed Prop 32 because he supports union interests, yet from his own testimony, clearly some unions are "more equal" than others.

Henry Waxman: Union support, Union stooge, or just a stooge for the Obama Administration, and the joke is on the rest of us?