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Congressman Watt Guts Bill to Audit the Fed

George Washington's picture




Washington's Blog.

Ron Paul tells Bloomberg that Congressman Watt has just more or less killed the bill to audit the fed:

Representative
Ron Paul, the Texas Republican who has called for an end to the Federal
Reserve, said legislation he introduced to audit monetary policy has
been “gutted” while moving toward a possible vote in the
Democratic-controlled House.

 

The bill, with 308 co-sponsors,
has been stripped of provisions that would remove Fed exemptions from
audits of transactions with foreign central banks, monetary policy
deliberations, transactions made under the direction of the Federal
Open Market Committee and communications between the Board, the reserve
banks and staff, Paul said today.

 

“There’s nothing
left, it’s been gutted,” he said in a telephone interview. “This is not
a partisan issue. People all over the country want to know what the Fed
is up to, and this legislation was supposed to help them do that.”..

 

Paul,
a member of the House Financial Services Committee, said Mel Watt, a
Democrat from North Carolina, has eliminated “just about everything”
while preparing the legislation for formal consideration. Watt is
chairman of the panel’s domestic monetary policy and technology
subcommittee.

Contact Congressman Watt and tell him what you think.




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Mon, 11/02/2009 - 04:01 | Link to Comment Bear
Bear's picture

The cumulative angst and pervasive helplessness issued forth in these posts represents a mindset that has taken America by storm.  There may be black helicopters (or Bernanke copters) but the truth of this corruption will be exposed.

In this country unlike others we have a prescription ... get involved ... run for office ... encourage others to do the same ... and support those who you know as honest and forthright ... support them with your wealth.

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 23:03 | Link to Comment Anonymous
Mon, 11/02/2009 - 02:34 | Link to Comment MsCreant
MsCreant's picture

Maybe I am insane, but if I was one of these congress people, I might just take my whip out on these bankers and crack it hard to remind them of who has the power. "In line bitch! Stop your shit or you are going to spoil our good thing." If enough of them did it, I don't think the lobbists would necessarily contribute less to their campaigns. They may even contribute more and "heel" better.

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 20:50 | Link to Comment goldfreak
goldfreak's picture

http://truthingold.blogspot.com/2009/11/ron-pauls-audit-fed-bill-has-been.html

 

Sunday, November 1, 2009
Ron Paul's Audit The Fed Bill Has "Been Gutted" By Bank of America's Monkey in Congress Remember in September when Barney Frank got in front of t.v. cameras and told the world that his House Finance Committee would vote on Ron Paul's Bill in October? It's November 1 and no vote. Now we know why.

The Federal Reserve has spent millions, employing Alan Grayson's "K Street hooker,"  lobbying to get this Bill destroyed (the woman about whom Grayson calls "a K Street Hooker is the former Enron chief lobbyist hired by the Fed to fight an audit bill - K Street is the street in DC where many lobbying firms are headquartered).

Mel Watt, the corrupt monkey from North Carolina, undoubtedly with Barney Frank's corrupt blessing, has accomplished the castration of Ron Paul's Bill, which has over 75% support from the U.S. population.

 

 

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 18:51 | Link to Comment colonial
colonial's picture

okay...there are a lot of comments and I may have missed one or two on point, but...

This is a Ron Paul problem.  He didn't see this coming?  No one inside the beltway thought this bill was going to the floor in its original form.  Paul should have expected this.  What was he thinking?  The Fed is not going to take this assault and do nothing.  This is bad bill management. 

Second, even if this had made its way to the floor without substantial changes, what would have happened in the Senate?  The only way this audit had/has a chance is if there is a serious public relations campaign put in-play to attack the fed for being as bad at regulating as the SEC.  This should not be hard, but again, people must understand that the fed hired a PR heavyweight to work with Bernanke.  As one of the great opaque agencies in the federal system the Fed has enormous power; power that it can easily focus.  The House of Representatives is certainly powerful but only if the Speaker and key committee chairmen are "on board."  Do readers at Zero Hedge really think Ron had the votes in the House? Do we think he has the votes for cloture in the Senate? 

Nice idea Ron.  If you want to make this happen you'll need the full resources of Zero Hedge...drop a note to Tyler and Marla, they know how to find me. 

 

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 17:42 | Link to Comment Anonymous
Sun, 11/01/2009 - 15:34 | Link to Comment Big Al
Big Al's picture

Our politicians are corrupt whores and contacting them is a waste of time.  They won't listen to you and probably won't even respond to your contact.  Even if they do respond, it will be a patronizing form letter that doesn't address your concerns.

Mel sure doesn't care, he's get a safe seat that he can't lose unless he gets caught screwing a young boy.  Getting caught on the "down low" is about the only thing that will get a black ghetto politician voted out of office. 

Short of armed revolution, the only semi effective actions you can take are:

(1) Vote against every incumbent - no exceptions.

(2) Don't contribute any money to either the Democratic or Republican party.  If their solicitations for money include a postage paid response envelope, mail it back with an obscene suggustion.  

(3) If somebody starts a credible third party, support it.

(4) Boycott Citibank, JP Morgan, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, State Street, and Bank of New York.  If you have an investment account with them, transfer it to a smaller investment manager/broker.  If you have a cd or savings or checking account with them, close it and transfer your money to a credit union or community bank.  If you have a credit card with them, close it and transfer to a smaller provider.

Unfortunately, probably none of these actions will work.  But at least you'll know you tried.

 

 

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 14:18 | Link to Comment Hammer59
Hammer59's picture

I agree that people power is the answer, but am in agreement that most of the American citizenry dont have a clue. Meanwhile, if you didnt e-mail traitor Watt on his website, you are part of the problem. And get your ass out there with the protesters. You know that commenting here is merely venting. Outside, people see groups with legible signs as they drive by, and some begin to actually think. 

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 13:51 | Link to Comment Anonymous
Sun, 11/01/2009 - 13:50 | Link to Comment Anonymous
Sun, 11/01/2009 - 12:47 | Link to Comment Anonymous
Sun, 11/01/2009 - 12:22 | Link to Comment Miles Kendig
Miles Kendig's picture

Folks, it is time we all sent Mr. Watt a fresh set of knee pads.  His must be worn thin by now.  POSMF.  I am so sick of complecence.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYqwb7klQK8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lzb-jYZrLE

Hey, Watt staffer...and secret squirrel What's it like?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ra-CFL7BkA

- Layne

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 12:26 | Link to Comment ChickenTeriyakiBoy
ChickenTeriyakiBoy's picture

damn miles thanks for the time warp to the early 90s. youve inspired me to dig up pretty hate machine

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 12:31 | Link to Comment Miles Kendig
Miles Kendig's picture

Just as long as you're inspired and engaged.

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 11:34 | Link to Comment Zombie Investor
Zombie Investor's picture


I was pretty impressed that the bill had 300+ signers, but now I'm beginning to wonder if some them signed on with the assurance from their leaders that the bill would be gutted.  That way they could say to their constituents that they voted against big finance, all the time knowing no meaningful actions would be taken against their true masters.

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 11:33 | Link to Comment Harbourcity
Harbourcity's picture

I'm shocked.  SHOCKED!! 

 

It's a two party system - what do you expect.  Things won't change until the electorate gets violent.

 

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 11:06 | Link to Comment Anonymous
Sun, 11/01/2009 - 10:53 | Link to Comment Anonymous
Sun, 11/01/2009 - 10:29 | Link to Comment ChickenTeriyakiBoy
ChickenTeriyakiBoy's picture

too bad charlotte is going the way of the crapper. mel watt i bet you have had so many steak dinners paid for by the kind folks at wachovia and bac. you are a traitorous goon who has no business being on this committee, save for your district's absolute reliance on cheap money blowing over north carolina from up north. 

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 10:02 | Link to Comment I need more cowbell
I need more cowbell's picture

One third of our population is functionally illiterate. Some god awful high percentage of the remainder doesn't have clue one about basic government, who their representatives are or what they do; don't look at their paychecks and truly notice the deductions ( withholding;SS; Medicare ); have no idea of how the money is (mis-)spent; most think  the deficit is the national debt, but don't get either concept anyway; any focus they have is on the sleight of hand issues: health care;  abortion; gay rights; and of course now we have college and pro football, world series, NBA, NHL, etc. I'd add here CNBS but no one left to watch that.

I do believe their is a palpable sense of unease though, that make shake the citizenry out of their focus on shiny objects, but it will take a leader. Some completely non-partisen fellow/gal to say STOP:

- Their must be a multi-decade plan put in place, NOW, to balance the budget. Their will be many painful cuts across the board.

- Throw out the idiotic tax code, and institute a KISS system that promotes fairness, and promotes business competitiveness relative to other countries ( and inovation ). We will need real charity going forward, it must be fully tax deductible. Real sustainable job creation has to be the one true goal.

- The Fed must be audited today. We must now where every cent has gone; its current status; plan to re-coup the funds, with timeline, etc. WE WANT OUR MONEY BACK, AND PROSECUTIONS OF CRIMINALS AND TRAITORS.

- Where exactly has the stimulus gone, dollar by dollar, thank you? Again, where, current status, jobs created, really, please identify specifics and quantify.

- no more bailouts of any kind. Plans to reverse government ownersghip of bailed out compnanies, with timeline, action items., etc.

- All major legislation ( health care; cap and tax: etc ) on hold until we have our fiduciary house plans in order. STOP.

- all future bills will be short, concise, and published on a taxpayer accessible website minimum 30 days prior to any vote.

- an easy to use website, map of US, where a voter can click his/her state,  and contact thier reps, regarding thoughts on upcoming legislation, etc. Once per voter per month, so as to not be abused

- All members of Congress, Ex. Branch, and Judicial will be IRS audited every year; its part of the job

- All members of Congress shall post monthly expense reports, same website as before ( junkets, etc )

- Congress will never pass any bill they themselves are not affected by ( health care; pensions; etc )

 

Voters need to forget labels like Democrat, Republicam, Libertarian, whatever.  The only label is Representative, and voters need access to their actions, we have had enough of their promises and words.

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 11:03 | Link to Comment MsCreant
MsCreant's picture

Not a bad start.

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 08:51 | Link to Comment Gussiefink-nottle
Gussiefink-nottle's picture

Many of the posts here touch on what I consider to be one of the great mysteries: Where has people power gone?

May 1968 saw the French Republic virtually brought to its knees as students and workers united in a general uprising.

The late 1960's and early 1970's were dominated by the anti Vietnam War movement.

In the UK in the 1970's we had miners' strikes, "The Three Day Week" when power was rationed and in 1979, the "Winter of Discontent" when pretty much the entire country was on strike. And in 1990 we had the "Poll Tax Riots" which forced even as stalwart a character as Margaret Thatcher to perform a sharp U turn.

In 1989 we saw the fall of the Berlin Wall as the peoples of Eastern Europe united against their tormentors and threw them to the wolves.

The anti apartheid movement of the 1970's and 1980's eventually succeeded in allowing Nelson Mandela to assume the mantle of South Africa's first black president, following 25 years incarceration in the prison on Robin Island for "political" offences.

Since then, at least in the western world, people power seems to have virtually evaporated. Students, if they have any political interest, tend to be seduced into the "climate change" and environmental lobby.

Meanwhile fundamental freedoms that our forefathers fought so long and hard to achieve, appear to be under threat as never before. In the UK we have a DNA database which holds the details of 1 in 10 of the population, and a new database is being established under the guise of child protection, where it is estimated that the personal details of some 20% of the population will be compiled, and this not just factual data, but any rumour or hint of suspicion that a person could be suspect. CCTV cameras abound, and it is estimated that people are on average photographed some 300 times per day.

The interesting thing is that almost all these systems of surveillance and control have been introduced by that same generation who were themselves out on the streets protesting against the Vietnam War etc. Which I think probably goes to give credence to my father's old adage; "If you want a 50 year old fascist, start with a 20 year old socialist." His reasoning being that there was little to choose between the two; fundamentally they both felt that they knew better than anybody else, and were blind to democratic niceties if you disagreed with them.

If you consider the course of human history, the window during which the ordinary Joe has been free to say and think what he pleases has been minute, and it may well be that that window is now closing. Imagine what the Nazis could have done with today's technology.

I would say this to the young people of the west: Because you have been born into a free society, don't automatically assume that you will die in one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 08:27 | Link to Comment Anonymous
Sun, 11/01/2009 - 10:55 | Link to Comment MsCreant
MsCreant's picture

"He is unbeatable."

Baseball bat dude...

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 08:04 | Link to Comment zulu
zulu's picture

This is zulu's first post.  Thank you Tyler & co for granting me inclusion on your site.  So glad the Interpol backcheck came back favorably.  (I was able to buy 3 guns in the time it took to get approval to post here - I love this country!)

Rep. Watt is a financial services hack to the nth degree.  Over 45% of his re-election warchest comes from FIRE.

http://blog.sunlightfoundation.com/2009/10/09/top-financial-services-com...

What conflict of interest?

 

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 09:48 | Link to Comment Jim B
Jim B's picture

Shocked, completely shocked, NOT.  Another WS Tool

+1000

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 07:50 | Link to Comment Anonymous
Sun, 11/01/2009 - 10:27 | Link to Comment arnoldsimage
arnoldsimage's picture

we need zh firearms.

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 11:00 | Link to Comment tj3
tj3's picture

I need to get off my ass and get a ZH hat. A towel would be nice too but probably wouldn't work.

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 07:28 | Link to Comment Anonymous
Sun, 11/01/2009 - 07:20 | Link to Comment Anonymous
Sun, 11/01/2009 - 10:51 | Link to Comment MsCreant
MsCreant's picture

Just like voting without paper ballots (which happens in my state, I can't describe my outrage) I do not trust the powers that be (or other interests for that matter) to not rig/hack the system.

Though it surely is rigged to the teeth now, I will give you that. Those with $ get their legislation through and candidates in. Those without can go to hell.

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 07:13 | Link to Comment Anonymous
Sun, 11/01/2009 - 05:09 | Link to Comment Anonymous
Sun, 11/01/2009 - 10:57 | Link to Comment tj3
tj3's picture

Actually, I think the Corporate party, (of which most of our rapeusentives belong too) is doing quite well.

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 08:31 | Link to Comment Fibozachi
Fibozachi's picture

An extremely noteworthy and important item.  Thank you for your note George Washington.

 

Based on what would occur across global markets if this bill passed (and we believe will occur in approximately 16-19 months, where the 17 months of Primary wave 1 multiplied by 1.618 equals 27.5 and where 0.618 of 27.5 implies that in 17 months from now or so when the full brunt of devastating price action, unlike anything that has been seen since the Dutch Tulip bubble imploded in 1637, takes hold during wave iii of (iii) of iii (circle) of (3) of 3 (circle) of c), it simply seems too devastating at this point across the structure of global financial markets.  Tick tock .. tick tock

 

We at Fibozachi do believe that the full intent of this bill will eventually see the light of day but not for approximately 16-19 months at the very, very least; which is where the 17 months of Primary wave 1 multiplied by 1.618 equals 27.5 and where 0.618 of 27.5 equals 17.  This very simple measure of harmonic cyclicality implies that in c. 17 months from now we should bear witness to the full brunt of devastating price action, unlike anything that has been seen since the Dutch Tulip bubble imploded in 1637, when wave iii of (iii) of iii (circle) of Intermediate wave (3) of Primary wave 3 (circle) of cycle wave c rears its Robert Wadlow-sized head and an air of pervasively pernicious bearishness permeates itself throughout the collective social mood. 

 

As an aside: collective social mood is the only "leading" indicator that exists the world over in the very truest sense of the word.  The basic tenet of "Socionomics" is that social mood is endogenous, meaning that is a self-regulated mechanism of collective opinion which is impervious to exogenous influence.  The encompassing theory of Socionomics helps shed immense light on why both the prospects of economic success as well as global unity appear brightest at extreme peaks in the single greatest barometer of collective social mood: financial markets.  Similarly, Socionomics also helps us understand just why and how the most extremely bearish pieces of "news" appear at both extreme inflection points of acceleration as well as marked bottoms of various degree.  If this last point does not immediately resonate, please check to see which day the Madoff scandal "broke" and just how many percentage points lower the US markets opened that morning. 

 

As the great R.N. Elliott once said:

"At best, news is the tardy recognition of forces that have already been at work for some time and is startling only to those unaware of the trend."♦

 

♦ The Value of News,” R.N. Elliott’s Masterworks: The Definitive Collection, ed. Robert R. Prechter, Jr., p 277

 

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 11:56 | Link to Comment ratava
ratava's picture

Awesome. In paragraph 1, you multiply 17 by 1.618 then multiply it by 0.618. This (fucking naturally) comes out as 17 so you become a prophet who just KNOWS what will will happen next. Then mention a completely irrelevant bubble everyone who's been to Wikipedia knows about to further extend your heroic credibility. Repeat it in paragraph 2, probably just a mispaste. In paragraph 3, copy Wiki some more and talk about an useless pseudoscience with a trendy name which has to resort to assumptions and buzzwords because the standard model of hypothesis -> experiment -> result is too rigorous for its visionary might. There is no freakin' spoon, you do not quit being a sheep by believing someone elses lies, you just switch shepherds.

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 10:48 | Link to Comment MsCreant
MsCreant's picture

I don't mean to be rude. This is an outsider's impression. When I read the rest of your post, I see merit in it. When I read the stuff about waves and counts and so forth, it seems like zodiac, taro cards, or reading tea leaves. There could be merit there, but it is too touchy feelly to be useful. Maybe you have heard this before. It just seems to work best in retrospect, and predicts little.

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 01:49 | Link to Comment digalert
digalert's picture

One more reason the likes of CNBS needs to be trashed, under their god like worship idol Oblame, Bernanke and Geithner are praised by these morons as saviors. Bubble Ben and shifty Paulson are not saviors but creators of this mess and as mad Max said need to be brought to the Hague and tried.

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 01:06 | Link to Comment Stuart
Stuart's picture

This is infuriating.  300+ co-sponsors and these two douchebags, deluded with a God complex, take it upon themselves to re-write it and water it down to become basically meaningless.   Freakin' bastards that need to be found face down in a ditch.  

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 01:50 | Link to Comment LiquidBrick
LiquidBrick's picture

Maybe we should go visit them and straighten them out? Whose come with me besides flipper here?

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 07:22 | Link to Comment Anonymous
Sun, 11/01/2009 - 01:00 | Link to Comment What_Me_Worry
What_Me_Worry's picture

435 reps in this country and only one truly stands up for the American public with no special interests.  I may be willing to accept Kucinich and call it two.

Yet, Dr. Paul is considered part of the fringe in congress.

 

It seems once something becomes so broken, it is beyond repair.

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 00:56 | Link to Comment LiquidBrick
LiquidBrick's picture

Prepare for the ultimate boycott.  If the FED, Congress, or Senate don't permit an audit of where the money  went prepare for massive walkouts on mortgage, credit and auto debt obligations.

Between interest, taxes, inflation, oil and the erotion of home equity/retirement accts it is much cheaper to stay home and do absolutely nothing except squat in your own home until 5 years later the bank regrettfully takes it back.

Let them print all the money they want. The ultimate protest is in not buying ANYTHING.

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 03:02 | Link to Comment MsCreant
MsCreant's picture

Massive walkouts on everything. I like it. We just need a way to have folks fed (not Fed). There are so many now on food stamps, unemployment benefits, who go to the food pantries because they don't have enough. We can agree to help our neighbors but I'd sure like to see a little more than just depending on Mana from heaven ala Moses.

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 00:47 | Link to Comment Ned Zeppelin
Ned Zeppelin's picture

The lack of awareness and understanding of this issue, and its importance, by J6P is a big problem.  Ben doesn't look very scary in these televised propaganda sessions, and what they say not very threatening in and of itself.

But I'll keep writing my own congressman and senators.  Not much else I can do, but if we all did it, and our friends did it . . .  don't give up.

Sun, 11/01/2009 - 00:04 | Link to Comment Anonymous
Sat, 10/31/2009 - 23:46 | Link to Comment Anonymous
Sat, 10/31/2009 - 23:44 | Link to Comment Anonymous
Sun, 11/01/2009 - 10:47 | Link to Comment tj3
tj3's picture

After you'v lost your job, house and family...you start caring.

Physical gold is only one small part of the survivalist manifesto.

 

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