Rand Paul, who seems to think of himself as a relatively hip politician (a rather low bar to clear, but whatever), decided on Monday to celebrate the fake "Seinfeld" holiday, Festivus, by using Twitter to engage in one of Festivus' most hallowed traditions, the airing of grievances.
Paul's complaints varied, but as any observer of the Kentucky senator might guess, the Federal Reserve held a prominent role among them. Coming under fire as well? Bipartisanship, the Senate cafeteria, the nuclear option, and the fact that Paul has to move his car for street cleaning. And late into Paul's rant, his new Senate colleague — and prolific tweeter — Cory Booker joined in on the fun.
Here's how the whole thing started, with Paul critiquing D.C.'s version of bipartisanship:
Airing of Grievances begins...
— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 23, 2013
In Washington, "bipartisan deal" is a synonym for "increasing our debt"
— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 23, 2013
The recent "bipartisan deal" will add 7 trillion more debt. And was hailed as an example of Washington "getting something done."
— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 23, 2013
Then he turned his focus onto the Senate, most specifically its recent rule change:
Let's move on to the Senate. If you want more bipartisan cooperation, talk more not less.
— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 23, 2013
Allow more debate and amendments. Don't change the rules to run it with an iron fist.
— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 23, 2013
A quick aside about parking:
Minor grievance: I can never remember when to move my car for DC street cleaning.
— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 23, 2013
And, of course, a lengthy complaint about the Fed:
Today has another significance besides a Festivus: It is the 100th anniversary of the Federal Reserve.
— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 23, 2013
So now some Fed Grievances.
— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 23, 2013
Over 300 House members helped pass Audit the Fed with real bipartisanship. Still no vote in the Senate.
— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 23, 2013
Fed policies make you poorer, and hurt the poor and middle class the most. Ridiculous monetary policies increase the costs of goods.
— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 23, 2013
So you can thank the Fed for your grocery and gas bills getting out or control.
— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 23, 2013
Back to the Fed: Congress has the power to coin money and regulate it. An Audit is the least we can do to conduct some oversight.
— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 23, 2013
And here's where Cory Booker comes in:
One more Festivus grievance about bipartisanship. @CoryBooker doesn't RT me enough.
— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 23, 2013
U, me & "feats of strength:" Senate floor, name the time MT @SenRandPaul A Festivus grievance re bipartisanship. Booker doesn't RT me enough
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) December 23, 2013
@CoryBooker how about mandatory minimum sentencing reform instead?
— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 23, 2013
Yes, If u throw in reforming Fed Hemp & Marijuana laws u've got a deal! RT @SenRandPaul: How about mandatory min sentencing reform instead?
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) December 23, 2013
@CoryBooker I am the Senate author of Hemp bill!
— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 23, 2013
Yet despite Paul's airing of grievances ending with this rather unFestivus-y display of fellow-feeling, be forewarned — Paul promises there's more to come.
I still have a lot more problems with you people (Washington). I will be back later with more.
— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 23, 2013
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