Tag Archives: Rand Paul
Senator Rand Paul, Only You Can Prevent Pipeline Fires
Senator Blocks Pipeline Safety Bill on Principle
Last year, I was driving home when the natural gas pipeline in San Bruno exploded. San Bruno is about 30 miles from where I live. People were calling it in to the news radio stations, but no one had any idea what it was. People thought a plane crashed. San Bruno is very close to the San Francisco International Airport. Eyewitnesses said it looked like a fireball. It took almost an hour to figure out that it was the gas pipeline. It was so hard to fight because of the constant stream of fuel. Shutting off the gas took almost an hour and a half. That nightmare explosion and fire killed 8 people.
A bill was introduced to strengthen the rules for oil and gas pipelines. Regulation. It got all kinds of opposition from the industry, companies, and Conservatives, right?
Wrong.
Industry trade associations like the Association of Oil Pipelines and gas companies like Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc. (of Kentucky, interestingly) support the legislation. The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee voted unanimously on it.
What would it do?
Under the bill, federal regulators could order that automatic shutoff valves be installed on new pipelines so leaks can be halted sooner. And it directs regulators to determine whether mandatory inspections of aging pipelines in densely populated areas should be expanded to include lines in rural areas.
Would this cost tax payers a pretty penny? Nope. Industry fees would pay for it.
So why is Senator Rand Paul, Super Libertarian, the lone holdout?
Officials familiar with Paul’s objections said he has told lobbyists and company officials that he’s not opposed to any specific part of the bill, just to the notion of additional federal regulation.
Seriously? He won’t support an automatic shut off valve that can kill the literal fuel to the fire because he hates big government? Sorry, but that is insane. It gets even crazier. Last week, a natural gas pipeline ruptured in his home state, Kentucky. He still opposes it.
I embrace some things Libertarian – the live and let live philosophy, non-intervention, legalization of drugs. Regulation is one of the issues where we part ways. I believe it’s very important for the safety and economic protection of consumers.
The regulations here in CA are a lot stricter. This bill would bring more safety and oversight of oil and natural gas pipelines to the 49 other states. The industry supports it and is willing to pay for it. This should be a no-brainer for a Libertarian.
Message to Rand: Dude, we know you’re a Libertarian – the son of an OG Libertarian. And we know you hate the size and scope of the government. This is the thing – industry leaders and CEOs are telling you this regulation is cool. Relax. Your Libertarian card won’t be revoked if you vote for it.
Ron Paul for President. Again.
Ron Paul Launches Uphill Bid for 2012 White House
Ron Paul has thrown his hat in the ring. It doesn’t surprise me. This will be his 3rd run at the presidency. Even though he doesn’t have a Slurpee’s chance in hell, I take this guy a lot more seriously than the Donald.
He has solid positions, not a possible run based on one central issue: the birth certificate. I don’t know if the Donald will run, but the fact that he’s announcing either way on the final episode of The Apprentice is telling. He’s a fame whore looking for ratings.
Ron Paul does have a small group of supporters. I find him interesting. He leans Libertarian, which made sense that he ran on the ticket in ’88. The legalization of drugs and prostitution plus a more isolationist foreign policy does give him that Libertarian flavor.
I wonder if his running will influence others’ campaigns. Will we hear more about the other candidates’ positions on foreign policy because of him? The fact that his son Rand Paul got elected Senator for Kentucky shows me that maybe his influence is growing. People are tired of the wars and spending money to help other countries that can be used here at home.
His run is adding some more seasoning to the mix. And I am excited about his debate. He’s the interesting candidate that you know won’t win, but his perspective on issues will make you think.
Ron Paul for President! Just kidding. I have fun typing that.
Toilets, and Lightbulbs, and the EPA, Oh My!
Toilets Join Light Bulbs on Sen. Rand Paul’s List of Necessities Burdened by ‘Busybody’ Rules
“The point is that most members of your administration probably would be frank and would be up front to characterize themselves as being pro-choice for abortion,” Paul said. “But you’re really anti-choice on every other consumer item that you’ve listed here.”
I had to wipe tea off my monitor. From the Aqua Buddha allegations to this soundbyte, I don’t think the guy is playing with a full deck.
Comparing the reproductive freedom of women with the freedom to buy whatever toilet or light bulb you want? When is the incandescent light bulb going to go on in his head? These two aren’t even in the same universe.
dcmartin couldn’t have described it better in her post:
Here’s my proposition to Rand Paul. I’ll keep the ability to decide what happens to my body, and you can pick whatever light bulb turns you on. Deal?
Spin the Globe
