Ogden Gnashing

Share with Friends | February 3, 2009

Ogden Gnashing

President Obama is on his 15th day in office and his fourth nomination controversy. While the nation is distracted by a trio of tax scandals, other high-profile candidates are squeaking by unnoticed. One nominee at the Justice Department, David Ogden, nominee for Deputy Attorney General, stands out. Our research uncovered a lot of troubling details about Ogden–not the least of which is his long history of extreme anti-family views. On the issue of life, he has fought for taxpayer funding of abortion, for jailing peaceful protestors, against notifying parents whose minor children are seeking abortions, and against informing women of the emotional risks of abortion. He’s been an outspoken proponent of specials rights for homosexuals, the repeal of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell," and unfettered access to pornography–even in public libraries. President Obama is considering Ogden for a top post in an agency created to enforce the same laws that he built a profitable career opposing. Join us in sounding the alarm over his appointment. Ogden’s committee hearing is Thursday, so please contact your senators today to oppose his confirmation. To read more on Mr. Ogden’s dangerous positions, visit Change Watch at www.frcblog.com.

Additional Resources
FRC Blog: Change Watch Backgrounder: David Ogden

A Day Late and a Trillion Dollars Short

According to Gallup, the only thing growing faster than America’s debt is popular displeasure with Obama’s stimulus plan. Although a slim majority of voters approved of the idea last week (52%), confidence in the package is plunging–and fast. Today, according to the Gallup poll, only 38 percent of respondents said they support the pork and payoff bill, and most are doubtful that creating 32 new government programs will help the economy this year–if ever. Perhaps they, like us, are concerned by President Obama’s statement yesterday. "Once it’s passed, you will be able to see how every penny in this plan is being spent." By then, Mr. President, it will be too late!

For an idea of just how much this boondoggle basket will cost compared to past government expenses, Bianco Research did some number crunching. Not one of the following projects came remotely close to topping Obama’s $1.1 trillion stimulus plan.

        Marshall Plan: Cost: $12.7 billion (adjustment for inflation $115.3 billion)

        Louisiana Purchase: Cost: $15 million (adjustment for inflation $217 billion)

        Race to the Moon: Cost: $36.4 billion (adjustment for inflation $237 billion)

        Korean War: Cost: $54 billion (adjustment for inflation $454 billion)

        The New Deal: Cost: $32 billion (estimated), (adjustment for inflation $500 billion, approximately)

        Invasion of Iraq: Cost: $551 billion (adjustment for inflation $597 billion)

        Vietnam War: Cost: $111 billion (adjustment for inflation $698 billion)

A new post on the FRC Blog itemizes what a trillion dollars could buy, with help from the book What We Could Have Done with the Money. Instead of giving tax breaks to Hollywood or sponsoring transgender beauty pageants, Congress could give every man, woman, and child in the U.S. a check for $3,400. Now that’s real economic stimulus!

Additional Resources
FRC Blog: What Would You Buy with a Trillion Dollars?

Obama’s Mandate: Use It or Lose It

The U.S. may be divided on the subject of abortion but not on funding it. Despite President Obama’s incredible popularity, the honeymoon is already over on social issues. Gallup has found widespread opposition to the President’s decision to repeal the Mexico City policy. Only 35 percent of those surveyed said they agreed with the decision to allow taxpayer funding for overseas groups who promote abortion.