Congressman McHenry offers weak critique of Energy Bill
Posted on August 9, 2007
Filed Under bikes, politics
 This slide accompanied McHenry’s speech |
Because of a provision for bicycle commuters in the most recent Energy bill, Representative Patrick McHenry (NC) took the floor to belittle the bill’s Democratic authors and supporters. According to Congressman Earl Blumenaur (Oregon), the provision’s author, “the Commuter Benefit for bikers amends section 132(f) of the IRS
 McHenry |
code to include “bicycles” in the definition of transportation covered by fringe benefits. Included in the Ways and Means energy bill is a benefit of $20/month for those employees who bike to work, which is a clean, healthy and efficient mode of transportation.”
McHenry is so proud of his performance that he’s posted a video clip of it on his website: Congressman McHenry Slams Democrats’ Antiquated Energy Plan 08/04/2007 McHenry: Returning To The 19th Century Won’t Solve Our 21st Century Energy Crisis.
When I type my zip-code into the Send a Message to Congressman McHenry webpage so that I can give him some feedback on his speech in opposition to the Energy Bill, the automatic response generated by the website is Sorry, that zip-code is for another district. I’m not allowed to send him my comments, because he doesn’t represent me directly. And that’s how open, transparent government works in the digital age.
I can call (and I will). I can write a letter (I might). But I can’t send an email, because opening up electronic communications to members of Congress would flood their inboxes with feedback from citizens. Imagine that. In a democracy no less.
Representative McHenry,
I am writing to express my disappointment with your August 4th speech made in opposition to the most recent Energy Bill. I didn’t hear any substance in your critique; only ridicule and a continuation of the kind of partisan politics that prevents finding real solutions to pressing problems.
It is disappointing that such childish rhetoric passes muster as governance and representation. I expect more from an elected member of government in one of the most sophisticated countries on earth.
As a citizen of North Carolina and a frequent visitor of the areas you represent, I hope that you will find a way to rise above party politics and represent the interests of North Carolinians without relying on juvenile tactics.
The good news is that the energy bill passed anyway. Thank you Congressman Price for endorsing it.
Now, how do I go about getting my $20/month?
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