Sep. 7, 2006
 
Editorial: Byrd Forgets Whose Money It Is
 
Senator Robert Byrd is given a lot of credit for knowing the ins and outs of parliamentary procedure, not to mention a finely-tuned understanding of Senate rules. Becoming accomplished at Senate procedures may not take an exceptionally deep intellect, but yes, knowing how the game is played up in the U.S. Capitol has some advantages.
 
However, when Byrd uses his knowledge to manipulate the legislative process for his own individual purposes rather than to help the American taxpayers have more input into how their own money is being spent, something has gone terribly wrong.
 
Recently, Byrd revealed that yes, it was he who had decided to place what is called a "secret hold" on Senate Bill 2590, the "Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act."
 
This bill, co-sponsored in bipartisan fashion by U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK was seen by many as an important step towards giving federal taxpayers greater access to facts related to the budgeting process in Washington.
 
Don't we deserve to know more about that?
 
Apparently, Byrd doesn't think so, and the day may soon be coming when the people of West Virginia remember that they, too, are federal taxpayers who deserve to know more, not less, about what their Senators and Congressmen and women are doing with their money in Washington.
 
Byrd needs to remember whose money he is playing with up there.
 
If Senator Byrd doesn't like representing modern, better educated taxpayers who demand more accountability from their elected officials, he should not be surprised if West Virginia voters remind him just who is in charge come Election Day, November 7th.
 
Such a rejection of old-style politics as usual would transform the nation's image of West Virginia -- and be a warning to other elected leaders playing games with our tax dollars.