CA-10: Tauscher and Tort deform

by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics: Soapblox California - Front Page]

Lest anybody think that we have forgotten about Ellen Tauscher, how about this little tidbit.  In 2005, Congress passed the "Class Action Fairness Act of 2005", or as I like to call it "Thank you Big Business for our Awesome 04 Elections, Love the Republicans" Act. Or perhaps Edward Markey (D-MA) put it better:

Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) called the bill "the final payback to the tobacco industry, to the asbestos industry, to the oil industry, to the chemical industry at the expense of ordinary families who need to be able go to court to protect their loved ones when their health has been compromised." (WaPo 1/17/05)

So, the best part of this story? Well, of course, you guessed it, Ms. Tauscher (D-Wall StreetCA) voted for this horrendous GOP giveaway to Big Business that hurts the consumer. But, wait, I'm not kidding, it gets better. John Doolittle voted against the bill.  Yes, the very same John Doolittle that had his house raided by the FBI voted for legislation that was described by then Minority Leader Pelosi as:

"When Americans are injured or even killed by Vioxx or Celebrex or discriminated against by Wal-Mart, they may never get their day in court," Pelosi said. (WaPo 1/17/05)

So, does Ellen Tauscher care less about the American consumer than John Doolittle does? Ouch!  But, Thank you very much Ellen Tauscher.  Corporations over People, how very Not New Democrat of you. Oh, and for more on tort reform, check out tortdeform.com from the Drum Major Institute.