Posted on 01/05/2008 4:44:15 AM PST by Man50D
A constitutional crisis is developing between Congress and the Department of Transportation over the federal government's decision to continue its project allowing Mexican trucks on U.S. roads, in defiance of new legislation. "The DOT response is both arrogant and wrong!" Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., wrote in a letter yesterday to Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration officials told the San Diego Union Tribune the cross-border Mexican truck demonstration project would continue because the program was established in September and the amendment allows programs that have already begun to continue.
But Dorgan insisted a provision in the 2008 omnibus spending bill was "clearly written and designed to put the brakes on the current pilot program."
"Failure to end the pilot program, I believe, will put the Department of Transportation in direct violation of federal law," the senator charged.
As WND reported in September, the amendment championed by Dorgan to remove funding for the project from the 2008 DOT appropriations bill passed the Senate by a bipartisan majority of 74-24.
(Excerpt) Read more at worldnetdaily.com ...
"The Bush administration is showing itself to be a rogue administration," Spencer said. "I understand the need to reduce the size of government, but I didn't realize it could involve doing away with the entire legislative branch. "It's outrageous and hypocritical for the Bush administration to be preaching democracy around the world, while blowing off democracy at home," he added.BDS hysteria and hyperbole aside, I think congress is correct to demand that the DOT obey the law. And in this case, I agree with the law.
I am sure all the terrorists, illegals, and drug dealers support the NAFTA/NAU/Mexico trucks deal.
The program should be stopped, now. The arrogance of the Bush Admin to value the rights of illegals, drug dealers, etc over the rights of American citizens
“BDS hysteria and hyperbole aside, “
While there is a certain amount of hyperbole there it is wrong for him to do that. A lot of what Congress does is also wrong.
Before the Mexicans trucks were allowed to come into USA so freely, 19 wheelers rarely crashed. Now there are several every day in Houston where we live and in L A where we used to live. I keep wondering if there is a connection. They caught an 18 wheeler this week that had illegals hidden behind the merchandise in the truck.
So the Dems get their illegal aliens and the APPEARANCE
of trying to stop it, too.
Strategery? I think not.
I agree.
I am a free trader - so does this agreement allow U.S. trucks freedom in Mexico?
I'll see your "A lot" and raise you a "most"....
500 trucks operating since September and you’re seeing a rash of truck accidents in Houston? Yet with all the opposition to this program, no reports of Mexican trucks being involved?
Of course, you would avoid the entire point of the article. Against the will of Congress and the people of the U.S. this administration is allowing foreign trucks into the U.S.
I am a free trader - so does this agreement allow U.S. trucks freedom in Mexico?
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Officially , on paper , yes , however in reality as Mexico is a giant mafia town our truckers are unable to operate as they would be robbed blind... Cars and Trucks stolen in the US and taken into Mexico are not returned ,, in fact most of the Mexican police cars in border towns were stolen from US. There is a reason why your insurance policy doesn’t cover you if you drive into Mexico. In Mexico regular citizens are not allowed to own guns ,, our truckers are prohibited from carrying any weapon by the USDOT regs and would be unarmed against the criminal police forces of Mexico. In Laredo TX over 70 Americans have been kidnapped and brought into Mexico in recent times ,, many as sex toys for the drug lords who like blonds.
Maybe because I was responding to an individual comment? Just a thought.
Someone's political, ergo financial, ox is getting gored and it's such a precious animal that they're not giving it up without a fight.
Follow the money.
Not trying to be picky but the title seems to be misleading. The article states a conflict with the DOT and the Congress — not the Mexican truckers.
Of course, I realize that it’s a fantasy to state that a government department is not a commercial entity. It’s the most profitable business to be in. No overhead, great benefits and the perqs are for others to die for.
Most of the problems I’ve had lately with truckers consist of the “I don’t give a shit how your load got damaged” attitude by teamster drivers.
The poster is not avoiding the point of the article.
They are simply arguing the point of the other poster.
“Yet with all the opposition to this program, no reports of Mexican trucks being involved?”
There have been accidents, some have been reported. I for one do not trust the MSM to cover these types of things with full disclosure.
A couple of questions for you:
Do you propose that vehicles in Mexico are maintained to the same standard as those in the US?
Do you think its a good idea for large trucks to be allowed entry to any part of the US from Mexico with virtually no inspections or limitations?
Are you aware of the massive drug problem that exists within the US caused by drugs smuggled in/from/thru Mexico?
What is the problem the DOT and Bush are trying to solve with this program?
1. yes
2. no
3. yes
4. having to trans-ship goods from one carrier to another
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