No on Waxman

I am not voting to re-elect my congressman, Henry Waxman (30^th District of CA).  I knew the man when he held no office and was a member of the Beverly Hills Young Democrats.  I never thought his West Los Angeles district would ever include any part of the San Fernando Valley.  Somehow re-districting in the year 2001 moved part of the west end of the Valley into his district. 

There are a few reasons for not giving him my vote.

1. He lacks the will to take an independent position.  The $700 billion Wall Street bailout is an excellent example.  He voted for the bill after posting his objections on his web site.  In part he wrote, “I have serious reservations about the Administration’s bailout proposal. The structure of the plan appears designed to maximize returns for Wall Street and minimize protections for the taxpayer.”
2. He is now holding hearing on the collapse of Lehman Brothers and AIG.  Where was he in previous years?
3. After the biggest passenger train accident in California history he then co-sponsors legislation that requires railroads to install safety equipment.  Where was he before the accident?
4. Ten years ago he passed legislation in Congress outlawing a subway in West Los Angeles that was based upon desire of the wealthy in that area, to the detriment of public transportation.  He had the law canceled this past year when traffic became unbearable and his wealthy supporters relented.
5. He is now holding hearing on the collapse of Lehman Brothers and AIG.  Where was he in previous years?
6. He has been in office so long he has become stale.  He first went to Washington in 1975.  He has lost the vigor to actively represent his district.  It’s a combination of too comfortable and too old.  He is 69 years old this month.

So who will receive my vote?  It will not be the Republican.  His confusing web site says “Vote November 2010” and rants against John McCain but does support Sarah Palin (“Palin si – McCain no”).  My vote will go to any other party that has a clear vision.