FLASHBACK: Rep. Cantor Did Not Mention Offsetting Cuts In 2004 Requests For Federal Disaster Relief

[deminks]

http://politicalcorrection.org/blog/201108290005

Today, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) affirmed his opposition to federal disaster relief for victims of Hurricane Irene without offsetting budget cuts. "Just like any family would operate when it's struck with disaster," Cantor said on Fox News, "it finds the money to take care of a sick loved one or what have you, and then goes without trying to buy a new car or put an addition onto the house."

That's a badly flawed analogy: Cantor's desired cuts aren't analogous to not buying a new car, but rather selling the family station wagon for parts. Nonetheless, it's worth pointing out that Cantor didn't always prioritize fiscal "discipline" over helping his constituents recover from disasters. After Tropical Storm Gaston hit the Richmond, VA area in 2004, Cantor appealed to President Bush and DHS Director Tom Ridge for disaster assistance and took credit for securing federal funds when they became available:

(snip)

I respectfully request immediate action be undertaken by your Department to determine if Richmond and the Central Virginia region affected by yesterday's storm meets the criteria for a federal presidential disaster declaration. Time is of the essence, and it is important to start working on this matter so my constituents can receive help in this time of need.

(snip)

Note that Cantor did not call for offsetting budget cuts in any of those statements. It's not clear exactly when Cantor decided that federal disaster relief is too costly to support without strings attached, but his austere approach today is consistent with the Republican Party's demonstrated commitment for using unfortunate circumstances to advance their ideological agenda.

(end snip)

Eric Cantor is a political opportunist. He is a flim flam man. He extorts money and fame from taking Americans hostage. He is a terrorist - living off the fear he creates that Americans will not receive the help they need unless his (is it really his?) agenda is met.

[lunatica]

1. Cantor is a sadistic psychopath

I'm not exaggerating. I truly believe this.

[MarianJack]

2. But you forget,...

...When a republican does it, it's OK. :sarcasm:

I'm sure that faux called him on his hypocracy! :sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm:

Thank you for finding this. :patriot:

PEACE!

[nykym]

3. Back then

Budgets didn't matter - remember!

[Frustratedlady]

4. Why is he so vocal, but you never hear much from Orangeman?

Is he running for the Speaker's gavel?

[KamaAina]

6. Now you've done it. You've pissed off all the Syracuse grads here.

[deminks]

5. kick for the afternoon.