Return of the Franking Sign Monster
Last month, in a column at Pajamas Media, we talked about the Franking Sign Monster. At that time we discovered that the Franking Commission – usually little more than a glorified group of hall monitors charged with making sure none of the members are stealing stamps – had been censoring the mailings of certain Republican Congressmen because they didn’t care for the characterizations and language used to describe Democratic proposals.
Well, nearly a month has gone by and it seems that the villagers have been unable to drive the monster from the castle, no matter how many pitchforks and torches they brought. Yep… they’re at it again.
House Republicans this week accused Democrats of censoring GOP mailings to constituents on a variety of subjects and of imposing uneven requirements on the minority party’s mail.
Democrats on the franking commission — which must approve all official mail — have blocked Republicans from using politically weighted descriptions of climate change legislation, the stimulus bill and other issues, according to e-mails obtained by Roll Call.
Rep. John Culberson (R-Texas) said he went through seven drafts of his last newsletter, which included language about energy policy.
So what sort of language is being censored now?
First, a reference to the American Clean Energy and Security Act as “cap and tax.” Granted, it’s not the actual name of the bill, but plenty of us have looked this one over and determined that the latter name is far more accurate than the former. When you impose government fees on the energy industry, there is simply no way that they’re just going to eat the losses. They’re going to pass it on to their customers, which results in what effectively acts as a tax on all Americans of every income level.
But let’s say we let that one pass since the name is technically inaccurate. What else is being sent back by the Franking Commission? Representative Trent Franks (R-Ariz) had one rejected insisting that he change the word “Democrats” to “majority.” He also had a second mailing rejected for using the phrase “so called stimulus.” Are you kidding me?
Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas) submitted a newsletter which said, “[O]ur nation will wind up paying the price for the Democrat Congressional majority’s special interest agenda.” It was rejected, while strangely, Nancy Pelosi herself sent out a letter in 2006 saying, “But too many here and across the nation are paying the price for the Republican Congressional majority’s special interest agenda.’”
Funny how that one got approved, eh? When the Commission was notified of this obvious switch-up they said that the approval of Pelosi’s letter had been “in error” but they relented and approved the mailing.
Before we close, let’s take one more sentimental look back at the good old days when the Democrats first took back the Majority in 2006, and the stirring words of Nancy Pelosi:
“The American people voted to restore integrity and honesty in Washington, D.C., and the Democrats intend to lead the most honest, most open and most ethical Congress in history.”
So…. Nancy. How’s that working out for ya?
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22 Responses to “Return of the Franking Sign Monster”
and we wonder why the Republicans are accused of being wimps!
Does anyone know – Are emails uncensor-able?
somebody call the waaaambulance.
The Franking Commission consists of 3 Democrats and 3 Republicans
Here's a quote from Jazz's “Roll Call” link that explains how it works:
It's time for the Republicans to grow up and start acting like adults.
Another example of Democratic Transparency and Open government. Nancy Pelosi is Tom Delay squared.
Somebody call the waaaambulance!
Quote from Jazz's “Roll Call” link:
Isn't it about time for the Republicans grow up and start acting like adults instead of continually making crap up (lying).
Second post, the first one disappeared when I edited it.
Leonidas, for once you're right… the actions of the Franking Commission is “Another example of Democratic Transparency and Open government.”
Somebody call the waaaambulance!
Quote from Jazz's “Roll Call” link:
Isn't it about time for the Republicans grow up and start acting like adults instead of continually making stuff up and lying.
Third post, the first two disappeared.
While I agree with your point, Jazz, your 2006 example seems to be out of place since Republicans held control of Congress until January 3, 2007…
Not really, Michael. That seems to be the point. Pelosi issued the letter in 2006 when the Republicans were in charge and they didn't censor it then.
Perhaps in this time of the internet and TV it's time to just kill franking. Any mail I get from my congressman just goes directly into the recycle bin anyway.
“Another example of Democratic Transparency and Open government.”
Don't forget the address to the few defenders of the Health Care Hijinks to do Commie-style “outing” of the growing mainstream opposition to it.
All that could be done instead and additionally by the Dems is: Bolivarian Circles and a new Alien (Non-Liberal-or-Democratic) and Sedition [sic] Act.
ALL:
For some reason, comments with URLs are being filtered out and treated as SPAM. I've restored some but I'm contacting Disqus about this.
Okay. The way you worded it made it seem like you thought the Democrats were being hypocritical for not censoring Pelosi but now censoring Republicans.
Ah, Michael. Now that I read that again I can see where that could be the interpretation, sorry. No, I was simply trying to expand on the point that it seems like there was a time when the Franking Commission stuck to the whole “hall monitor” thing and made sure nobody stole stamps (regardless of which party was in the majority) but now the game has been stepped up.
T_Steel
Thanks for the heads up, it has been a bit irritating. I did find a workaround for now though, make a post and enter it without any URL links, then go back and edit and place them in, seems to work for me.
Leonidas… is there a reason that you have not replied to the fact that your link to a PNAC response to health care reform is nothing more that PNAC BS?
Every time someone poses an obvious reply to your industry based talking points you simply ignore them.
Are you a paid lobbyist for the Health Care Industry?
@ SteveK
Nope no commenctions with the insurance industry whatsoever, I'm also not a memnber of the Klu Klux Klan, The Nazi Party, the Minutmen, Militant Islam, the Black Panters, and the Religious Right.
Hope that answered your question and possible future questions.
What's a “commenctions”? Again… Are you a paid lobbyist for the Health Care Industry?
1. Nice non sequitur. 2. I never thought you were. 3. It appears that your grouping the Health Care / Insurance Industry in with a lot of unsavory folk.
You've referenced AEI twice and I've asked you twice why you think anything said by the American Enterprise Institute (nee PNAC) should be given a serious seat at any table. I've also asked why you insist on distorting the facts regarding knee replacement wait times in Canada.
It seems like every time anyone calls you on questionable sources and/or conclusions you simply ignore the questions or leave the thread.
Its a typo , should have been connections. And again no. Are you a paid lobbyist for the spelling nazi movement. =P
You've referenced AEI twice and I've asked you twice why you think anything said by the American Enterprise Institute (nee PNAC) should be given a serious seat at any table
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