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Another Gibbons tirade
Governor shows ignorance by renewing criticism of the Obama administration
Friday, July 24, 2009 | 2:07 a.m.
Gov. Jim Gibbons let Nevadans know Wednesday that he is “outraged.” No, it is not the anger that his constituents are feeling about state budget cuts in education and social services or their frustration over his inability to display even a hint of leadership.
Gibbons has his own brand of outrage. In a continuation of his demagoguery, which wrongfully blames President Barack Obama for wrecking the state’s tourist-based economy, the governor quoted from a Wall Street Journal story about federal agencies that are avoiding Las Vegas and Reno as places to hold meetings.
“I am working hard to get more jobs and more tourists for Nevada to help our economy recover and the Obama administration seems to be completely unaware of the damage they are causing to Nevada’s economy and the people here,” Gibbons said. “The policies of the Obama administration have sentenced Nevada’s economy to the gallows.”
Now for the facts.
Las Vegas Sun columnist Jon Ralston obtained memos showing that restrictive policies regarding Justice Department meetings in Las Vegas and Reno actually originated under the administration of President George W. Bush, for whom Gibbons served as a loyal Republican foot soldier while a member of Congress. The memos, which appeared Thursday in the RalstonFlash e-mail newsletter, were issued by Justice Department finance staff director Melinda Morgan in April 2006 and April 2008 during Bush’s second term.
The memos stated that department meetings in nongovernmental facilities that required special approval by managers included locations known for gambling (with Las Vegas, Reno and Atlantic City specifically listed), resorts, tourist attractions and sites outside the continental United States. Lake Tahoe also was listed.
The governor, who is running for reelection, should stop releasing statements that waste taxpayer money in a lame attempt to show that he is “working hard” to bring more jobs and tourists to the state. Rather, there is plenty of evidence that Gibbons, not Obama, is harming Nevada’s economy.
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"...wrongfully blames President Barack Obama for wrecking the state's tourist-based economy, the governor quoted from a Wall Street Journal story about federal agencies that are avoiding Las Vegas and Reno as places to hold meetings."
Why does the LV Sun not get Obama to recind the restrictive policies regarding Justice Department meetings in Las Vegas and Reno.
Why are they not supporting Gibbsons call to recind these rules.
I don't think anyone pays attention to Gibbons.
Next Move: Maybe he'll go on Fox, Hannity or talk radio to get attention.
Why doesn't Gibbons go an David Letterman to promote the State?
Governor Gibbons is correct. This is happening every where no doubt due to President Obama leadership of going after CEO's that plan conventions for their employees. Remember this is now looked down on by the Pelosi/Harry Reid Democratic lead Congress. Big brother is watching! If you voted for "Change" and you got it! I voted for "Freedom" and lost.
And I bet he wasn't even born in America? dittos
mred-
Heh. And notice how they completely ignore the part about Bush starting this policy? And how if Obama rescinds this policy, that all their GOP buddies in other parts of the country will accuse him of "endorsing the sinful lifestyle"? (I can hear Rush Limbaugh or Michelle Bachmann saying it already.)
Still, I hope Obama considers it so that the feds can come here and give us a little more economic boost.
A Wall Street Journal article published Wednesday cited e-mails from the FBI and Department of Agriculture encouraging conference locations that aren't resort destinations and don't appear to be "lavish."
"Reid inquired about the issue last month, claiming agencies including the FBI, General Services Agency and Bureau of Indian Affairs had canceled Las Vegas meetings.
He received a letter from Obama's chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, that says value, not location, should be the basis for booking a trip."
"I am working hard to get more jobs and more tourists for Nevada to help our economy recover and the Obama administration seems to be completely unaware of the damage they are causing to Nevada's economy and the people here," Gibbons said.
++++++
Gibbons is working "hard," is he? At what -- honing his texting skills, attacking cocktail waitresses, airing his dirty marital laundry in public ...... what? I can't believe he is running for reelection -- the Nevada Rebulican Party doesn't even like him. Gibbons was an incompetent congressman and now he is a very bad governor who would rather falsly blame others for the state's problems when he doesn't even show up.
"The Sun's buddy Obama told the world to stay away from Las Vegas. That statement trickled down to policy set by numerous federal agencies (see Wall Street Journal Article)."
You mean the policy that was established by the Bush Administration 2 years before Obama took office, and then reaffirmed just 9 months before he took office? That policy?
Selective amnesia strikes again.
While Gibbons as yet could turn out to be better than the alternatives, as hard as that may be to believe, I'm hoping the Nevada GOP will find someone who will not only support the party's platform but also have ay least a modicum of leadership and managerial skills. Gibbons, Reid, and Ensign all need to go.
Before all the hand wringing and finger pointing, does anyone know how many meetings have been canceled as a result of this policy? How many meetings were being held here prior to this policy? What has the real economic impact been?
If it was a little known internal policy prior to Gibbon's statements, then who is really responsible for any further fallout?
NLV-Indy, if Gov'ner Gym is the best the GOP can do, I shall laugh uproariously.
Thank God there's only one of him.
Gibbons is the worst Governor I have ever seen. Who in the heck voted for him?
I can't stand Jim Gibbons - the man is a moron - hes like an older more senile version of George W. His approval ratings are down the toilet. Why don't you just go away, Gibbons. Go sexual harass cocktail waitresses you old lecher.