As Pelosi Tries to 'Save the Planet,' Republicans Criticize Offshore Drilling Ban

Fox News ^ | 7/29/08

[DallasBiff]

WASHINGTON — Congressional Republicans are stepping up attacks on Democrats who are blocking votes on oil drilling legislation, homing in on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was quoted saying that she wants "to save the planet."

Pelosi, in an interview published Tuesday in Politico.com, defended her efforts to stall spending bills, saying as speaker she decides which bills will make it to the House floor.

"I'm trying to save the planet. ... I will not have this debate trivialized by their excuse for their failed policy," Pelosi said. “When you win the election, you win the majority, and what is the power of the speaker? To set the agenda, the power of recognition, and I am not giving the gavel away to anyone.”

Ahead of a Republican press conference Tuesday focusing on stalled energy priorities, House Minority Leader John Boehner responded by attacking Pelosi, who has been making talk-show rounds this week with a new book, titled "Know Your Power: A Message to America's Daughters."

"She's got time to go out and promote her new book tour and her new book, but she doesn't have time to schedule a vote on the floor of the House and let the American people have their will expressed?" Boehner told FOX News.

Boehner blamed Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama for preventing relief.

"For 25 years, Democrats have blocked more American-made oil and gas. That's why we're in the predicament we're in," said Boehner, R-Ohio. Voters want Congress "to vote on more American made oil and gas. We want to do that. She, Harry Reid, Barack Obama are standing in the way."

[DallasBiff]

As Nancy tries to save the planet, thousands of American jobs were lost today as Bennigan's/Steak and Ale declared bankruptcy, because of Nancy's policies to keep gas prices high.

National restaurant chains Bennigan's and Steak & Ale have closed their doors and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection, shuttering more than 300 locations and letting go of thousands of employees. It is one of the country's largest restaurant bankruptcies and eliminates two sit-down chains that have been part of the casual-dining landscape for decades. The chains will liquidate and aren't likely to re-open. Late Monday, managers at Bennigan's and Steak & Ale were told not to open restaurants the next day, according to two people familiar with the matter. Employees were told there wouldn't be enough money to pay them for the rest of the week, these people said. Leah Templeton, a spokeswoman for the company, said in an email that the companies that filed bankruptcy cases are popularly known as Steak & Ale, Bennigan's and Tavern restaurants. She said that not all stores using these trade names have filed bankruptcy, and that stores operated by franchisees aren't named as debtors in these filings

[Steely Tom]

I wonder if Ruth’s Christ Steak House’s low-price deal (advertised on Rush’s show) is related to high gas prices?

[al_c]

Hmmm ... I heard that low price deal. Dinner for two for $85? I can find a better steak dinner than that for half the price.

[Paul8148]

And you do not even get the Fixings for the 85 dollar at Ruth’s

[goldstategop]

Nancy cares more about a frozen tundra and polar bears than she does about Americans losing their jobs! If the country was sane, she and her colleagues would be shown the door in November!

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[MrB]

Does Nancy even have a clue as to how arrogant stating

“I am going to save the PLANET” is?

Most of her constituency wouldn’t, I know, because they all think they are smarter than the Almighty and anyone who ever lived before them.

[econjack]

Pelosi said. “When you win the election, you win the majority, and what is the power of the speaker? To set the agenda, the power of recognition, and I am not giving the gavel away to anyone.”

Is this one F-ing power hungry bitch or what? Never mind what the country and its people want and need, I've got the gavel so screw you. Thanks, CA, thanks a lot.

[bamahead]

Most of her constituency doesn't even realize they're on a planet.

[bamahead]

Is this one F-ing power hungry bitch or what? Never mind what the country and its people want and need, I've got the gavel so screw you

Not only power hungry, but immature and vindictive. Dangerous behavior for a politician.

What happens when she becomes really vindictive against the people? (which is starting to happen now)

[RightWhale]

Nothing is happening now. The 09 Budget is in the red nearly half a trillion but Congress is not acting on the budget now. It is possible to make news, but SSDD until the Budget itself is under debate after vacation.

[Red_Devil 232]

You are so right. I took a date to a Ruth’s many many years ago. I was amazed that the vegs. and potato were charged seperatly. The meal was fine but I never went back.

[TexasRepublic]

Pelosi would do more benefit for the planet by not breathing.

[JoanneSD]

I do not want the leader of the democrat congress, who has a 9% approval rating saving any thing, other than helping out my wallet by allowing drilling every where possible..

[mikey_hates_everything]

Disposable income is going straight into people’s gas tanks because of Nancy but she wants to save the planet. Didn’t think of this, did you, Nancy?

If you want to save the planet, why don’t you try banning drilling in the North Sea? Or the South China Sea?

[Robe]

You know there once was a time in this country, that someone spouting off “I am going to save the PLANET”, would land them in a straitjacket..
maybe we should reexamine that....

[ctpaul]

I went to my fav restaurant last Friday night. It was empty. Asked the owner. He looked sad and just said...gas.

[ctpaul]

Pelosi’s botoxinated mask slips and reveals the authoritarian instinct of the left.

Pelosi = Il Duce (heel click)

[avacado]

"I am trying to save the planet!!!
The apes are coming!!!
They've come for me BOTOX!!!"

[Dr. Sivana]

I can find a better steak dinner than that for half the price.

I'm sure you can, as you are in Texas. Not all of us have that advantage steak-wise. So many areas have to contend with Outback, mediocre ma and pa's, "casual dining" places (Chili's, TGIF) and even Ponderosa/Bonanza/Great American Steakhouse.

[Proud_USA_Republican]

Pelosi’s big move to help save the planet this week was to get on a private jet and fly to Montana to attend Gavin “Any Twosome” Newsom’s wedding.