Armenia or America? Part Two

We all know of Joe Knollenberg's love of Armenia. But how much does he love America? The country that did after all elect him to his $165,200/yr gig. Well look and see.

Congressman Knollenberg stepped before his peers to discuss the need to help our men and women in uniform on January 11th of this year. He said, "Madam Speaker, today I am introducing an important piece of legislation that speaks to our commitment to our Nation's veterans...My legislation would simply make the COLA for veterans with disability benefits automatic each year. Furthermore, this important legislation also has no budgetary impact. In fact, both Congress and the President assume the increase in their budgets. Madam Speaker, Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries receive an automatic COLA and our disabled veterans deserve the same. Thank you."

ZzzzzzzzzZzZZzzzzzzzzZzzzzzzz...

Sorry about that. Congressman Knollenberg seemed to go through the motions but where was the passion? That lightning in a bottle had when it was Armenia not America on the table? On December 6th, Congressman Knollenberg had that passion, he let everyone know his thoughts loud and clear and Armenia was listening...

"Mr. Speaker, I encourage Turkey to honor their commitments and implement important economic, regional, and political advancements in order to gain membership in the European Union (EU)... It is a well-known fact the regional policies of Turkey cause strain in the South Caucasus region and unfairly harms the welfare of their neighbor country, Armenia. The European Union has
repeatedly called for the cessation of the Turkish Blockade of Armenia as well as normalization of relations between the countries. However, these two pre-conditions to entering the EU have been blatantly ignored by Turkey. The blockade, now in its thirteenth year, is the only blockade of a fellow Council of Europe state. This is simply unacceptable, and I implore the EU to stand firm in their recommendations to Turkey in order to ensure these iniquitous economic practices are eliminated. Mr. Speaker, Armenia is a friend of the United States; and too many countries throughout the world. Yet, Turkey refuses to see the benefits Armenia brings to the South Caucasus region. This refusal has led to fierce tension within the region, as well as unfair economic outcomes that only harm Armenia. Before Turkey can become a member of the European Union, they must first acknowledge their mistakes, foster cooperation in the South Caucasus region, and respect their neighbor, Armenia...Turkey, with a history of bullying their neighbor, does not deserve membership until they change their ways."

Sounds a lot more impassioned than helping out our troops now doesn't it?

It seems Congressman Knollenberg feels a duty to Armenia following his being honored by their President. Why doesn't he feel this duty to us here in Michigan? Joe it is me, not the poor shlub in Yerevan (Armenia's capital and largest city!) who has "Knollenberg" on their ballot.

Since he is so responsive to Armenia since his receiving the "Order of Mkhitar Gosh" maybe we Michiganders need to honor him with some Order of something? An order of fries and a Coney and maybe he'll care about us??