Congressman Gohmert not happy about bailout passing

TYLER - U.S. Congressman Louie Gohmert was just one of the 171 members of the House who weren't cheering after the announcement was made that the bailout had passed Friday. But he wants all East Texans to know it's all going to be okay.

Even after four years of serving as a member of the House and casting his vote thousands of times, this bailout plan being passed has been one of his biggest defeats yet, Gohmert said.

He listed a number of reasons why he voted against the legislation not just once, but twice. "The problem is we cannot allow this move toward socialization of our American economy go any further," he said. "We got to back away from this huge cliff were walking up to." For one, by passing this $700 billion bill will allow for the first time in history, one man, U.S. Secretary Henry Paulson, the sole power to pay out hundreds of billions however he pleases, he said.

"There were all kinds of great proposals that Paulson just didn't want to hear," Gohmert said. "He just wanted the checkbook and I think in the end history will be very unkind to him as it should be."

Gohmert believes Paulson was able to manipulate the situation by using what he called "scare tactics" on the public, the market and even legislators. This panic is what he said led to the market freeze up.

"I would have voted for this if this had been a loan with the proper restrictions on it, but this wasn't a loan this was a give away and this is what is so offensive," Gohmert said.

But what he said makes him the most upset, is the panic East Texans have when he's talking to them. "The key is not in Henry Paulson, its not arriving on Air Force One, the key is us and that's whats made America strong."

And like a true politician, before Gohmert left Washington Friday, he shared his final thoughts with the House.

"I leave you with the hope and prayer that this does inspire the confidence that was looked for so the economy does free up. I had hoped leadership would do it but apparently it take $700 billion and may god help us all."

Until this relief plan kicks in, all East Texans can do is wait and see whether Washington did the right thing.