Three days ago, I received, via email, a reply to an email letter I sent to both of my Senators. Max Baucus, the senior Senator, has gotten back to me at least. You would think the guy running for re-election, Mr. Jon Tester (I have relatives that have known him for years and have neighboring farms), would have been quick to respond. But at the same time, I suppose he is busy. And no doubt an obvious member of a minority extremist fringe movement is not likely to vote for him anyways. Its simply not politically expedient for him to reply, even if he had the time or inclination. But lucky for him I won’t be voting for turncoat Congressman Dennis Rehberg either. I’ll take my six more years of the Marxist with a flat top over the Republican who voted for the Patriot Act, the National Security and Federal Lands Protection Act, and the National Defense Authorization Act. His opposition to the Troubled Assets Relief Program and his vote to Audit the Federal Reserve were nice, though. But no. I will be writing in the man who lost to Rehberg in the primary, Dennis Teske, if for no other reason than to be a bitter contrarian spoil sport. Well, enough griping, here is Senator Baucus’ reply, take it for what its worth:
August 9, 2012
Mr. Henry Moore [Address Withheld]
Dear Henry:
Thank you for contacting me regarding oversight and transparency of the Federal Reserve. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.
During the Senate’s consideration of S. 3217, The Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010, Senator Bernie Sanders offered an amendment creating greater oversight and transparency of the Federal Reserve. I supported this amendment, and it passed the Senate by a vote of 96-0 on May 11, 2010. The Sanders amendment requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct an audit of all emergency actions taken by the Federal Reserve since December 1, 2007. Additionally, the amendment requires the Federal Reserve to make public the names of banks and other financial institutions that have received loans and financial assistance from the Federal Reserve. You can find additional information and resources on the Federal Reserve website athttp://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/reform_audit.htm.
Ensuring that our government operates in an open and transparent manner is essential. Our democracy works best when citizens are informed and active in the political process. I have always been a strong advocate for legislation that strengthens open government.
I recognize your support for S. 202, The Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2011. This bill has been introduced by Senator Rand Paul and referred to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Please rest assured that I will keep your thoughts and concerns on this issue firmly in mind as I continue my work in the Senate.
Thanks again for getting in touch, and please contact me in the future at http://www.baucus.senate.gov regarding this or any other issue of importance to you.
Sincerely,
The Libertarian Liquidationist 