Comments on: Dingell Wanes as Waxman Takes Over Energy and Commerce

By: Komanoff

Komanoff — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:01:45 +0000

Yes, Dingell has been a much too-good friend to the auto industry, at huge expense to the rest of us. But he also had the vision in 2007 to write, and push, a carbon tax bill that would not only have slapped a stiff levy on gasoline but would have helped beat back suburban sprawl by repealing the federal income-tax deduction for interest on mortgages for McMansions. All too predictably, however, none of the "smart growth" groups backed his bill, and the Big Green groups ran fast in the opposite direction. For the full sad story with another perspective on "Big John," click on my year-ago Grist article.

By: Miguel Marcos

Miguel Marcos — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:49:49 +0000

Yipee, finally!

By: Mark Walker

Mark Walker — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:06:20 +0000

Good riddance to Dingell, at least as far as the Energy and Commerce Committee is concerned. I was confused by the "Eisenhower-era" reference until I looked it up -- sure enough, Dingell has been in the House since 1955, is currently the longest-serving member, and is the second all-time longest-serving member. That's a long time to be an obstacle to progress. GM should give him a gold-plated Cadillac.

By: Gary Reilly

Gary Reilly — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:51:04 +0000

This is excellent news. What will US policy look like when the auto industry is no longer calling the shots? We'll soon find out.