Two measures closely associated with Rep. Todd Tiahrt, R-Goddard, soon may be history.
In 1998, Tiahrt pushed through a measure preventing the District of Columbia from funding a needle-exchange program aimed at fighting HIV-AIDS, because he said such programs promoted drug abuse and threatened children. On Tuesday Rep. Jose E. Serrano, D-N.Y., stripped that ban from legislation making its way through the House, earning praise from the Washington Post for taking the "first step toward ending this nuttiness."
And Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., who chairs a Senate Appropriations subcommittee, said Thursday that she would strip the Tiahrt amendment that restricts access to gun-tracing data from a spending bill now in her committee. "It is time to remove this provision to help bring corrupt gun dealers to justice," Mikulski said, drawing praise from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Monday should see work on both issues in Capitol Hill committees. Both rollbacks have a long way to go legislatively, but the seven-term congressman has had better weeks.
Posted by Rhonda Holman
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55 Comments
“Tea-Heart” (what? were his ancestors dyslexic?) has always been a fool for “conservative” dogma.
He is the antithesis of true conservatism; working all his career to impose his personal morality via the power of federal law.
Oh, except for introducing a bill that would ban abortions or engrave the 10 Commandments on every courthouse wall or all sorts of crazed right-wing evangelical issues the Republic Party *says* is their purpose in politics.
Needle-exchange programs don’t “encourage drug abuse.” (Unless you think “Kansas Meadowlark’s” only compunction against becoming a heroin junkie is the risk of sharing syringes. Okay… bad example.)
A program that tracks the sale and ownership of guns, while not perfect, certainly would be another tool for law enforcement agencies to solve crimes.
Tiahrt is a right-wing ideologue. Or, at least, every two years he plays one on TV.
His real agenda is cashing right-wing lobbyists’ checks and promoting his personal power among the Republic Party caucus in the House of Representatives.
“Representative?” Ha!
Tiahrt represents Tiahrt.
It’s time for him to retire. And buy a vowel.
Needle exchange programs encourage drug use just like taxi cab services encourage alcoholism. Tiahrt is a moron.
The Tiahrt Amendment prevented criminals like Michael Bloomberg from using the ATF to gather information to be used in lawsuits to bankrupt gun makers and gun dealers.
And anyone who tells you different is either woefully uninformed or a efffing liar.
The Tiahrt Amendment is supported by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) and the Fraternal Order of Police, both these organizations are strong supporters of the our Representative’s Amendment. Anti-gun Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), Chairwoman of the Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Subcommittee instead chose to do the bidding of anti-gun/political-hack New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. For more than five years anti-2nd. Amendment cities suing the gun industry and anti-gun organizations have sought access to confidential law enforcement data on firearm traces-records that the BATFE compiles when it traces firearms in response to requests from law enforcement agencies. This date is already available to law enforcement. Tiahrt’s amendment simply keeps it in law enforcements hands not lawsuit happy politicians and their lawyers who simply want to harass firearms manufacturer’s and and dealers out of existence.Every year since 2003, the U.S. Congress has passed increasingly strong language to keep this information confidential. The legislation-a series of “riders” to the appropriations bill that funds BATFE-is widely known as the “Tiahrt Amendment,”. This critically important legislation protects the privacy rights of law-abiding gun owners, the safety of law enforcement officers, and the integrity of criminal investigations by preventing inappropriate release of confidential firearm trace data except in the course of a bona fide criminal investigation. Get that, a ‘bona fide, legitimate criminal investigation’, not an end run around legislative action.Rep. Tiahrt’s Amendment is good legislation.
Oh well Todd, your little christian crazy amendments were not very important any way.
So Eagle, how’s that endorsement for the most impotent member of congress working out for ya?
How’s that “he’s been there so long he’s powerful now” attitude of yours working out?
And you didnt see the change of party leadership in the house coming BEFORE you made that endorsement?
Nice work. Perhaps voters will remember that the NEXT time you endorse the incumbent wingnut on the idea that longevity is power.
“Teafart-keeping Kansas in the dark ages.”
Brought to you by your friendly neighborhood fundies.
ksfg – WELL SAID!
Tiahrt has been one of the most partisan members of the Congress. He views members of the other party with disdain and makes that clear every day. That served him will in the days of DeLay, Rove, et.al. However, his methods have now marginalized him.
It is ironic that KS Senator Brownback, hardly a liberal, has at least built bridges for himself across the aisle. Tankerless Todd has never done so.
Gee, where ARE all those tanker jobs anyway?
You know, why the hell should the government pay for a “needle exchange program?” How stupid. I don’t care if it promotes drug abuse or not, it just isn’t the government’s job to pay for needles. Where did we get so off course in this country?
Absolutely. The government has no business slowing or stopping the spread of disease. The government wasted all that money on combating polio, typhus, smallpox, measles and tuberculosis. Now the government thinks it should control the spread of AIDS? The job of the government is not to protect the people but to provide tax cuts for the wealthy, not have a healthy, stable and productive workforce keeping our economy strong and prosperous. That’s why Tiahrt will get the Eagle’s endorsement for 2008.
I WANT TO SEE ONE.
JUST ONE
NEGATIVE POST/ARTICLE HERE IN THE WE BLOG ABOUT A DEMOCRAT.
EVEN THE GD JEFFERSON POST BELOW DOESN’T HAVE ANY NEGATIVE THINGS TO SAY ABOUT THE INDICTMENT.
UNREAL
THE WE BLOG IS A FARCE
BROWNLEE – A HACKHOLMAN – A FEMINIST, DRUG ADDICTED THROWBACK FROM THE 60S
SCOFIELD – SO BUSY TRYING TO MAKE UP FOR GETTING BEAT UP IN HIGH SCHOOL THAT ALL HE DOES IS PICK ON THE EVIL CORPORATIONS AND PEOPLE WITH MONEY
ALL THESE PEOPLE SHOULD BE OUT ON THE STREETS
“THE WE BLOG IS A FARCE”
Then go away……………………….
Guess he told em! And, it was heard across the city, far and wide.
They get loud when they’re desperate, don’t they?
Who’s John Poindexter?A retired Navy Admiral, John Poindexter lost his job as National Security Adviser under Ronald Reagan, and was convicted of conspiracy, lying to Congress, defrauding the government, and destroying evidence in the Iran Contra scandal.
Interesting name you choose …
well gee, lets help poindexter feel better… it doesnt matter what side of the aisle the corruption is on, when it is found, get rid of it… even with 200 year prisin terms!!
thart is a thug and a jerk
I will celebrate when someone upsets his seat
I always wanted to mainline drugs, but the fear of using a dirty needle stopped me.
Thank you, Mr. Tiahrt, for saving me from the life of a drug fiend . . .
(Heavy sarcasm/off)
I was able to use intravenous drugs, Capn’, because I robbed a pharmacy with a forty five and got my own needles.
I only had to shoot one person – not sure if he lived or not.
Sarcasm off…….
Guess T’s philosophy is, if they are addicted, they deserve to get aids.
Actually, the blog has caused some change at the Eagle. For instance Holman used to write editorials and blog items promoting voting for a woman strictly because their female. After getting blasted for it on the blog, she doesn’t write those anymore. Either the board decided that those articles didn’t sell papers or she came to her senses on it.
cya and have a pleasant weekend.
You should – you know. I won’t be here on the blogs. :D
Posted by: Republican | June 08, 2007 at 07:22 PM
Right Angle . . . calling Right Angle . . .
i nede the govmint to giv me neediles, i two dmb to figuer out four mi selv! theis is extly like ivry oother fgtit agin diesese.
Speaking clearly on the political issue alone, regardless of how ANY of us feel about Tiahrt’s legislative victories of the past:
THIS ALL HELPS TIAHRT!
His base will be reminded of what he has done for them. The fundraising letters will tell everyone that that “Tiahrt Amendment” is under attack.
Tiahrt looks great to his base — and I know you HATE this libs, but Tiahrt is closer to the “middle” on EVERY issue, than ANY of you lefties that post on this Blog!
The majority of citizens dont want guy manufacturers sued out of business.
The majority of citizens think that States, not unelected judges, should have the right to pass abortion restrictions.
The majority of citizens are behind Tiahrt on nearly every issue.
Dont agree? Well then live in LA LA land a little longer and keep dreaming your hearts away.
Most people do NOT go to the polls to vote on abortion, gay marriage, or “seperation of church and state” or gun issues.
People who DO vote on those “single issues” vote for Tiahrt!
An opinion poll that says even 90% of a survey agrees with Ben or Cosmos or Farmgirl or any flavor of liberal Weblogger out there means NOTHING!
WILL YOU TAKE YOUR VIEWS TO THE POLLS?
Probably not!
Liberalism will win some elections every now and then.
Liberals will win the White House again.
So what?
You libs run Congress now, but Bush WONT be impeached, Tiahrt will STAY in Congress, and Bush will Fight the War on Terror on HIS terms!
Impotent?
Lets see you override the filibusters in the Senate!
Democrats took control of Congress with CONSERVATVE, pro-life, pro NRA Democrats.
The Democrat Party is in crack up mode. They cant get anything done without imploding on themselves.
sorrygun manufacturers
dont know what a “guy manufacturer” is, but I bet we can get a law against it! lol
As usual, you are full of crap, Paul.
The polls say that only 21% of the public feel that the country is headed in the right direction.
Spin it all you want – the public is sick of the Rossells, Tiahrts and Bushes of the world.
YOU said that the Republicans would maintain control of the House and Senate in 2006.
YOU were wrong.
As usual.
Every slam you take at the liberals and Democrats just motivate us that much more.
YOU and yours are toast. Burnt toast.
Get over it.
The Dems hold Congress WS
The Republicans hold the White House.
How many can you count who LIKE that?
You dont know how to read polls.
The approval of this DEMOCRAT Congress is low.
Pelosi has scandal brewing, just wait!
Same with Senator Feinstein!
Cold Cash Jefferson, out of New Orleans, kind of ruins one of your bogus issues “Katrina” lol, Jefferson had the National Guard and Law enforcement divert attention from their disaster help so Democrat Jefferson could retrive his illegal cash!
The House and the Senate still have STRONG Pro-life, Pro NRA, Anti-tax voices, with large numbers of support.
Many of those Conservatives are Democrats.
Be careful what you wish for!
You have a majority that CAN NOT LEAD!
“The Republicans hold the White House.”
The president with the lowest approval rating since Nixon holds the White House. Even the most die-hard Republican wannabe nominees are running from him. The Republicans are turning on your “little boy” and there isn’t a god damned thing you can do about it.
The Democrats now hold a bare majority, despite running a damned poor campaign. This will change and the Republicans will become even more marginalized.
The public is sick of the Republicans. The stronger Democrats will emerge and that will spell the end for the Party of Bush.
Your boy is dead. He can veto all he wants and the Republican sheep will help uphold the vetoes, but your time is coming.
Spin away, Rossell, your party is over.
Econ,
Approval of Congress is low _specifically_ because we’re still in Iraq. It’s the pro-war congressmen and women who will lose their seats next year.
Nice try at spin, though.
Paul – Congress overall is low – 38% I think. Bush lower. BUT! The Democrats are at 44%.
Still low but nowhere near as low as you guys. In fact, the thing that brought the Democrats down has been the fact that the Democrats caved in to your BushDaBum.
“Lets see you override the filibusters in the Senate!”
Good point Paul. THAT is what has brought Congress down in the polls.
Needle exchanges attract drug dealers, who prey on the addicts. Taxpayer funds can go for rehab and prison for addict and dealers, not needles. Junkies can clean up, get locked up, or die.Tough love works, folks.
Parkay wants to save every just-fertilized egg ever produced, but born, live American citizens in need of help? Forget it.
Interesting . . . you know how you never see Republican and Right Angle in the room at the same time?
*****
I get the feeling that Parkay doesn’t know the first thing about what “works” to lower drug addiction.
*****
Just saw the widow whose husband’s killer couldn’t be tracked because of the Tiahrt Amendment during the news. That’s some hit you between the eyes ad.
Whoa, dude, does he have some explaining to do.
Looks like he’s representing his wealthy NRA lobbyists just great. Now how about the people, Todd?
Tiahrt claims needle exchange programs hurt children. How does he figure this? Is it because used needles are properly disposed of keeping them from being litter on the ground? Or is it that whenever Tiahrt can’t justify a stupid idea he says it’s for the children like some brainless mantra?
OMG Paulie Rossellie’s little miss hissy fit is just TOO funny.
What a great way to start the day, with rossell’s daily comedy routine.
Heheheheheh. Sounds like he is whistling past the graveyard at full volume.
Oh, and paulie?
“Impotent?
Lets see you override the filibusters in the Senate!”
Here’s a little tip for a political expert like you. The last I checked, and I know these are “lib” facts….
…the toddly one has NOTHING to do with senate filibusters.
He serves in the house.
But, nice try. We are amused, and we DO encourage you to try again.
2008 is going to be so.much.fun.
I hope paulie has extra spittle available by then.
Hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehe!
Oh yeah Doug. And I am SURE all the gun totin’ legislation is for the children too. Maybe he and sam the sham are gonna arm all those snowflake fetuses.
THAT oughta show tiller, by god. Like concealed carry, he wont know WHICH fetus is packing heat.
I’m sure all those gun totin’ fathers to be could just arm their little sperm so they could have the fetuses come out with bullets blazing.
Yep. Concealed carry for clumps of cells. I wonder why todd didnt think of that….
Hee hee hee hee. Still laughing at paulie the shillie….
Ya know, all those things he was ranting about, like how folks DONT want gun manufacturere sued, conservative republicans are what the public really wants, etc. etc.
Remember, this is the guy who thought bon bon huey was gonna WIN BY A LANDSLIDE….
heheheheheh. Hey paulie, would you go ahead and endorse toddly and pat and sam? I mean, since your endorsement means so much, and your predictions have been so accurate….
Oh, and btw…
How’s that term limit thing working out for ol todd? I mean, after FOURTEEN years, and given how little he or his district have to show for those fourteen years…
…doesnt he just about know his way around the hill now? I mean, after FOURTEEN years, shouldnt he just give up his seat?
In the interests of those term limits he supported when he ran the first time? I know, he and his REPUBLICAN MAJORITY couldnt pass term limits like they promised, but…
That shouldnt stop toddly from observing term limits on his own, should it? I mean, if he really meant what he said in his campaign? If he really has the courage of his convictions and didnt just say it becasue the POLLS said he should?
Of course, the possibility exists that todd the tiahrt LIED when he said he believed in term limits? Or maybe he didnt lie, but just didnt tell the whole truth? Is he just like all the other republicans?
Their beliefs should apply to everyone but them?
Reminds me of the three exceptions conservative kansas republicans support for abortion.
Rape. Incest. And.. MY DAUGHTER!
Tiarht now knows what it is like playing on the opposite side of the fence and he doesn’t like it. Well too bad, so sad. I like to see Tiarht have to take some of the same bullshit that he was cramming down the Democrats’ throats. Karma – isn’t it great?
ksfarmgrrl,
Here’s Tiahrt’s campaign promises when he first ran with the Contract With America:
1# The Fiscal Responsibility Act: Balanced budget amendment & line item veto2# The Taking Back Our Streets Act: More prisons, more enforcement, more death penalty3# The Personal Responsibility Act: Limit welfare to 2 years & cut welfare spending4# The Families Reinforcement Act: Use tax code to foster families5# The American Dream Restoration Act: Repeal marriage tax; cut middle class taxes6# The National Security Restoration Act: No US troops under UN command; more defense spending7# The Senior Citizens Fairness Act: Reduce taxes on Social Security earnings8# The Job Creation and Wage Enhancement Act: Incentives to small businesses9# The Common Sense Legal Reforms Act: Limit punitive damages10# The Citizen Legislature Act: Term limits on Congress
You’d think after 6 years of Republican dominance they’d have better results. No term limits, no cutting of corporate welfare, no decrease on the middle class tax burden, no balanced budget, but they did build a larger police state and spent more on excessive military contracts. Perhaps the only thing Tiahrt had a term limit was his honesty.
A couple elections ago He was so proud of all the Tanker jobs he brought to Wichita too. Besides I’ve always found him creepy ever since the OKC bombing rather than condemn it has a horrible terrorist attack he was more worried about it “making the Militia groups look bad”
Sad that because of liberals, the public has to foot the bill for the ‘needle exchange programs’. It is bad for the drug addict cause he still remains a drug addict. It is bad for society because it money could be put to better use. It is good tiarht did not support this stupidity
Cost of a year’s supply of clean needles: $100, maybe.
Cost of a year’s supply of protease inhibitors: $7000
Sorry John, your failed attempt at cost analysis…failed.
I’m sure millions of Diabetics would love to have free needles as well.
Yeah, the analysis by john_s is just awful due to large part to its profound short-sightedness.
For example. Take a look at Africa now. What’s going on there?
Two diseases that were thought to be all but extinct have made a comeback: tuberculosis and malaria.
Make that a comeback with a bullet.
Scientists think it’s because AIDS-infected people contracted either or both, the bottom line being that new strains of each have been introduced to man. And now many Africans who’ve never had AIDS now have either TB or malaria. Or both.
So the analysis should read:
Cost of a year’s supply of clean needles: $100, maybe.
Cost of a year’s supply of protease inhibitors: $7000
Allocated cost of medicine to kill off new “old” pernicious diseases: ??? (where ??? is certainly > $0)
The cost is not just to buy a box of needles. What about the manpower and overheads. And that doesn’t help the addict kick his habit.
What about a recognition on your part that your overall health is related far more directly than you apparently know to your own?
woops.
Should read:What about a recognition on your part that your overall health is related far more directly than you apparently know to your neighbor’s?
Drug addiction is a problem that cannot be solved with needle distribution. Countries have tried it and every year it just costs more money. This also brings down the overall health of society because it is not just AIDS that is the problem.
This: “Drug addiction is a problem that cannot be solved with needle distribution.”
That’s not what we’re trying to solve. What we’re trying to do through needle distribution is raise EVERYBODY’s health EXCEPT the addict.
Are you familiar with the economic term “externality?”
“This also brings down the overall health of society because it is not just AIDS that is the problem.”
No sure what you mean.
Are you arguing that free needles will create new addicts? (”hey free needles, think I’ll take up heroin!” ??)
FarmgirlYou need to go back to grade school civics or government class.
The “Tiahrt Amendment” can’t be changed without:
A majority vote in the HOUSE
A majority vote in the Senate, and perhaps a super majority vote to end a filibuster
A signature by the President or a veto override, once again, by the House and Senate, requiring a “super majority.”
It WONT happen Farmgirl.
And you look rather stupid for telling me that Tiahrt has nothing to do with filibusters.
Yes, EVERY member of Congress must get ALL bills past BOTH the House and the Senate and the President, if you actually want your bill to become LAW!
Paulie, that is about as lame as I have seen here. Toddly might help with a “filibuster” in the house, where he serves, but not in the senate.
And a MAJORITY of the House can be had WITHOUT toddly. He is a nobody who will get NOTHING for his district.
Karma’s just a bitch, isnt it?
He’s been marginalized, neutered, and nearly forgotten. And after 08, the burning question will be…
“Todd WHO?”
Gee, and wasnt it the REPUBLICAN majorities in BOTH houses that wanted to “go nuclear” and get rid of filibusters?
What happened to that paulie?
Hypocrisy, thy name is…
Hehehehe. I guess I shouldnt complain about paulie’s posts.
Keep endorsing toddly, paul. Keep endorsing him. Maybe it will work out as well as your big words about bon bon.
Who happens to be gone gone…