Army Assistant Secretary Parker Is Fired

Newsday ^ | March 6, 2002 | JOHN HEILPRIN -- Associated Press Writer

[Willie Green]

WASHINGTON -- The assistant secretary of the Army, former Mississippi Rep. Mike Parker, was fired Wednesday after he criticized the Bush administration's proposed spending cuts for Army Corps of Engineers' water projects, members of Congress said.

The Defense Department issued a brief statement saying Parker had resigned.

"The department appreciates Mr. Parker's contributions and wishes him the best in his future endeavors," it said. The statement made no mention of the reason for Parker's departure.

[Swanks]

At times such as this, there are these losers want to move on anyway. Rather than just leave, they want their 15 minutes of fame and get it by criticising W. They know the PressWhores will fawn all over anyone who critisises Bush, gining Nat'l coverage.

So that's fine. At least: a) we know where some of the enemy is, and b) may as well oblige them on their desire to leave - and throw their ass out-the-door. One less "Public Servant" sucking off the Gov't teat for an entire career.

[eureka!]

I don't think the Hitler analogy is in good taste. Though good is done, the Corp is porkville too. Further, IMHO, W would do nothing knowingly to hurt this country. I trust his judgment over that of whiners. Lastly, this is coming from the lamestream pressholes....

[Willie Green]

This is one of the oldest scams in the books. The contractors still get paid but the work doesn't get done. Then they will be contracted for the work again and get paid again.

I am more familiar with Corp projects that ARE worthwhile and beneficial to commerce:

A 22 million-pound dam component to sail on the Ohio and Monongahela rivers today

The river journey of a new dam provides a summer spectacle

The dam, Part 2

[Uglywhiteguy]

He is an Alabama Rep, not Miss......

[Torie]

The guy is there it state the administration's position, and defend it. His personal opinion is irrelevant. He should of course provide in response to questions factual data in an honest fashion. He could have just stated what the budget cut impact would be.

In any event, the guy deserved to be fired, and I am pleased that the administration acted so quickly and decisively. That sends out the right message - "Don't tread on me."

[TC Rider]

My understanding is that political appointees sign their undated resignation letter the day they report to work.

It was good to see this joker cut loose, a good start at least. Too bad he couldn't be a man about it.

[Torie]

Parker was never a lib; maybe dumb, but never a lib. LOL.

[#3Fan]

OTOH, it is also responsible for construction, operation and maintenance of much of the infrastructure that makes our inland waterways navigable. A crucial role that is vital to our nation's commerce.

Trucks are faster anyway.

[Willie Green]

Though good is done, the Corp is porkville too.

Yes, which is why I'm concerned regarding the precise nature of this disagreement.

Infrastructure projects benefit EVERYBODY in the long run.

I'd prefer seeing a shifting of funding to more worthwhile projects rather than an outright budget cut.

[eno_]

If he fired Colin Powell, Colin Powel would become the instant naysaying star of every Sunday screaming face show. Plus, Powell's son is doing a good job at FCC. And Secretaries of State are allowed to be handwringing ninnies.

[thinktwice]

Now fire the entire Department of Education

Come to think of it, disloyalty to G.W. Bush is probably rampant inside the DOE.

[pt17]

The Corps of Engineers has certainly overstepped its bounds in recent years

And in some not so recent years. They totally ruined the river in the small town I grew up in by straightening it out. They said it would reduce flooding. You know the rest (i.e., didn't, silted up, destroyed fish and habitat, etc. etc.)

[anniegetyourgun]

Oh, sorry - I've just never known a DEM who was a real conservative. (Some may be right on a few issues, but most are just libs.)

[RushLake]

Right you are, they should rename it the Federal Department of Environmentalist Quantity. In Michigan we have the department of environmental quality which is nothing but environmental nazis. If you have a low spot in your yard and you are within 500 feet of a lake and you level the low spot off, God help you. MDEQ works very closely with the corps of engineers to keep us from using our property.

[Rockiesrider]

He's irritated because a 10% budget reduction probably cut into his kickback funds and the new swimming pool payments at the Ol' Parker homested.

[Willie Green]

Trucks are faster anyway.

Can't say that I ever saw a truck that could haul 1500 tons of coal down the highway.

[eureka!]

"I'd prefer seeing a shifting of funding to more worthwhile projects rather than an outright budget cut."

Understood. I don't think the infrastructure is threatened under W. As to preferences, how about abolishing/slashing the Dept of Education, the NEA, the Commerce Department and a host of other bloated cr*p agencies/departments? Then we would have lots more $$$ to spend. Oh, to dream....

[jackbill]

OTOH, it is also responsible for construction, operation and maintenance of much of the infrastructure that makes our inland waterways navigable. A crucial role that is vital to our nation's commerce.

And the Corps of Engineers has become a major purveyor of PORK. And that, we don't need.

[nunya bidness]

Maybe he knew something about the manatees.

[Willie Green]

As to preferences, how about abolishing/slashing the Dept of Education, the NEA,...

Well, he kind of chickened out of those battles.
Heck, even Corps of Engineers' "pork" projects provide tangible infrastructure that provide at least marginal benefit for taxpayers for decades. If nothing else, you might get a breakwater or pier where people can go fishing.