Unemployment has risen by a minimum of 25% since Barry took office. Gas prices, about 140%. Debt: 35%. And that's exactly what he wants to see.
The policies in effect at the Interior Department, now led by Secretary Ken Salazar, are supposed to protect endangered species against certain annihilation. But they’re also turning farmlands into dust bowls and running oil and gas development off the land, out of the water and out of the country.
And in some cases, even eco-friendly energy development is getting the cold shoulder.
“I think they have constructed the most effective job-killing machine in the history of the country,” said Rep. Tom McClintock (R.-Calif.).
“If Salazar’s job is to kill jobs, then he gets an A plus,” added Rep. Devin Nunes (R.-Calif.) “His department has killed more jobs in the U.S. than any other federal agency.”
After his appointment, Salazar pledged in December 2010 to put even more areas in the Outer Continental Shelf off limits to energy development.
The American Petroleum Institute estimates that decision alone will cost 75,000 jobs and $91 billion in government revenue.
This country will never see job growth while folks like Ken are in charge.