"This is a moment of great testing. At such moments, there are those on both sides of this debate who will act on principle. Of course, there are always some who think first of their own interests, who calculate their own advantage instead of rushing to the aid of their country. But in the case of this bill, I am confident there are enough people of good will in both parties to help see America through this crisis."Notice that Sen. McCain lumps his principled colleagues in with those who would exploit the crisis. Only those who join him in voting for the misbegotten corporate-bailout legislation are "people of good will."
Sen. Barack Obama, at his own event in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, said,
"To the Democrats and Republicans who have opposed this plan, I say this -- step up to the plate and do what's right for the country, even if it's not popular, because the time to act is now."You read that right -- the Democratic nominee is imploring his fellow legislators, elected by The People to represent The People, to ignore the will of The People.
Senators, the United States Constitution is an expression of principle. Free speech and the right to keep and bear arms are sacred principles. The free-market economy is a principle worth keeping.Senators, privatizing profits and socializing losses are not principles -- at least not of the country I love. Railroading bastard legislation, against the will of The People, is not a principle to which I subscribe.
Senators, you cast men and women of principle as unfortunate impediments to your short-sighted political advantage. You recklessly render mute the voices of The People.Senators, you've forgotten that you derive your power from the governed. Today you've made it abundantly clear why The People must, for the sake of our nation, withdraw our consent.
