The recent letter to the editor by Jane Whitesides (Feb. 27) attacking Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-Mo., a former bank regulator, for his vote on the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act conveniently left out some pertinent facts. Among other things, this awful bill: makes permanent the taxpayer-funded bailout policies used to prop up the likes of AIG, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; allows bureaucrats to determine types and terms of credit products offered to consumers, making it harder to get loans; and empowers federal regulators to impose wage controls on private sector employees.
It’s also interesting that Ms. Whitesides singled out Republicans even though there was some Democratic opposition to it, including Missouri Democratic Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo. In addition, she conveniently leaves out the fact that a bipartisan group of legislators including Congressman Luetkemeyer voted for an alternative proposal that would protect consumers and ensure the safety and soundness of financial institutions. As for her false claims regarding the quality of job that Congressman Luetkemeyer is doing for his constituents, perhaps Ms. Whitesides — an employee of the left-wing group, Missouri Progressive Vote Coalition, that counts the discredited ACORN as a member of its board of directors — should live in the 9th District before making such claims.
Paul Sloca is the communications director for Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer.