A Little Politics

Nothing in politics is ever simple or face value. However, there was a motion in December to re-appropriate $13 million in tax breaks to oil companies to alternative energy research. The voting seemed to split parties, although there were some exceptions on both sides. The most notable item from this particular vote is the fact that John McCain did not vote. There were 60 votes needed to pass the bill, and only 59 "Yea" votes. If McCain votes "Yea," the bill passes. If he votes "Nay," he draws a line in the sand and leaves bullets for the Democrats to load into their marketing gun.

It's the sad state of politics today, and I'd guess throughout time. On the surface, I'm interested in the argument against spending money to find alternatives to oil. The other alternative for that money is to give it to the oil companies (and we get nothing, presumably). But, there may have been earmarks that the "Nay" voters objected to, and that's part of it as well.

To not vote - especially when a big part of the Republican campaign is harping on Obama's lack of experience or missing votes - is rendered hypocritical unless there was a death in McCain's family or he was hospitalized. Any other excuse is suspect.

Here's the breakdown of that vote. Draw your own conclusion.