Letter: Split Congress no help to people

Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2001 | 8:56 a.m.

It has only been 30 days since the tragic events of Sept 11. That evening we saw President Bush embrace Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle.

Oh, the promises we heard in those days immediately following the attacks. The government would assist the American people in whatever ways possible and quickly.

After viewing the news on a recent afternoon, I feel a sense of shame. It only took 30 days, but it is now old pork belly politics as usual. Who cares whether baggage inspectors are federal or contract employees? How does that help Americans?

Every politician who has had some bill on the burner for the past few years will now try to tack in onto the anti-terrorism bill. Everything from drilling in Alaska to high-speed trains. What will this do to help the American people? The Republican speaker of the House already stated that they will sit on the aviation bill that the Senate passed last week.

Meantime the Republicans voted against helping airline employees because that package was too expensive, but it's important that we pass tax cuts, especially capital gains and business deductions for corporations. How does this help Americans?

I am now a registered Republican. I will not be when the next election comes along.

They ask the American people to unite. I think it is high time they, the members of the Congress of the United States, unite and do what is in the best interest of the American people.

DOUGLAS P. ABEL