Harold Volkmer: “Will Rogers always had a down home way of making light of politics and particularly Members of Congress. Mr. Rogers held…”

“Will Rogers always had a down home way of making light of politics and particularly Members of Congress. Mr. Rogers held no punches for either party saying of the Democratic party, ``you've got to be an optimist to be a Democrat, and you've got to be a humorist to stay one.'' He also had this to say of the Republican party, ``Republicans take care of the big money, and big money takes care of them. It takes nerve to be a Democrat, but it takes money to be a Republican.'' This quote rings so clearly today. Mr. Speaker, who was invited to the Republican gala for the Contract With America? Was it ma and pa citizen? No, it was Mr. and Mrs. special interest. Mr. Speaker, who was invited to the gentleman from Georgia's closed door telecommunications dinner? Was it ma and pa citizen? No, it again was Mr. and Mrs. special interest. So as we debate legislation here in the people's House, it is time to look who has the special interest of ma and pa citizen at heart and who just has special interests.”