The Failout Package

Since I am in the mood for controversy at the moment, let me add a quick post about something nagging me.

I read over at Cyclelicious about the Bicycle Commuter Benefits Act. It had been sponsored (I am guessing that is what spearheaded means) by Congressman Blumenauer.

I got to listen to Blumenauer speak at the Bike Summit back in March. Neat person, I like his ideas (and his tie). Oregon has a really active cycling advocacy community, and I could tell that this person was a leader there.

So, why am I pissed angry slightly irritated? Maybe it has to do with this Congress going nutso with the pork on the bailout package (or as I wittily stated in the title of this post, the failout package [hah, get it?]).

My thinking is this, can we not get legislation like this passed on its own merit? Is there a reason it doesn't stand well on its own, or part of some, oh I don't know, related bill or resolution? At what point do we say, hey, bicycling is not only a viable mode of transportation, but it can also be recognized as such without contributing to the negative stigma of the largest financial shakeup we have had in at least a generation!

Right now is a politically charged time, where lots of folks are blown away by the surrealism surrounding current events and the immediate future of this country. I personally did not want another weird act of Congress to leave me in a daze. Can we get something clear and distinct and that feels right, please?