Some things never change

My member of Congress continues to embarrass me (h/t Tim Watson, who caught this and slapped it on a comment here):

Congressman Wittman released the following statement regarding the Bush Administration’s moves to restore market confidence and work with Congress to enact a financial rescue plan:

 ”I have deep reservations with the government’s involvement in private financial markets.  However, allowing all of these markets to fail would create an even bigger burden on individuals. It is clear that the actions announced by President Bush and Secretary Paulson are necessary to protect our economy in the face of substantial challenges that threaten the stability of the American financial system,” said Wittman.

. . .

“Also of paramount importance, we must implement targeted regulatory reforms to ensure that this will not happen again and hold accountable those whose negligence has put our economy at risk.  I’m deeply disturbed that the markets have gotten to the point where government has to intervene.  Free markets allow businesses to operate more efficiently and create jobs, wealth and opportunity for all Americans; they are not an invitation for greed and reckless behavior,” said Wittman. 

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: free markets did not do this.  This was a government-caused crisis from start to finish.

I wish I could say this surprises me, but when it comes to Rob Wittman, nothing surprises me anymore.