Our Republican legislators seem to go out of their way to support policies that any reasonable person can see are wrong for the state and nation. There were two more mind-boggling examples of this Republican obtuseness today.
The kennel law
Pennsylvania long had a reputation for permitting puppy mills. They were all over the state; one was operating in my own Towamensing Township and another in neighboring Franklin Township. Many of these kennels mistreated dogs, keeping them in inhumane conditions. In 2008 the state legislature and the Rendell administration managed to enact legislation insuring that kennels provide certain size cages, exercise for the dogs, and reasonable temperatures.
The reforms had an impact. Over 1/3 of the commercial kennels in the state shut down.
Now Rep. Gordon Denlinger, a Republican from Lancaster, wants to reopen the kennel law. He and five other Republican co-sponsors note that the state has lost millions in sales tax. Well, yeah, and saved a thousands of dogs from a miserable life. Here’s a suggestion to make up the revenue--a severance tax on natural gas. Torturing dogs is not worth the money.
The trade agreement
Republicans in Congress are opposing an Obama trade package. If they don’t get their way, they will note renew a program called Trade Adjustment Assistance that dates back to 1962 and helps workers who lose jobs because of free trade.
At this point I would say “unbelievable” but unfortunately, it isn’t. It’s far too typical of Republican legislators. Who elected these people?
Info on the kennel law can be found in the Morning Call, Mar. 1, p. 17. For info on the trade agreement check the New York Times, Mar. 1, p. B-1.
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