I was reading a recent article in the Economist about the efforts of Gov. Bobby Jindal. Gov. Jindal is the first governor of Indian-American decent. One of the first things he did was to call a special legislative session to address ethics standards in the state. Louisiana is well known for corrupt politicians who love a free meal. The session failed to pass laws that would strip pensions from lawmakers convicted of crimes and prevent cash contributions to political campaigns. They did however pass laws that prevent public officials from bidding for state contracts. Also lawmakers, except judges, who represent more than 5,000 people, must disclose all sources of income and legislators can’t accept meals from lobbyists that exceed $50. The article highlights the debate on limiting meal tabs, because a New Orleans legislator complained that limiting meal tabs to $50 would mean that they would only be able to eat at Taco Bell with lobbyists. Somehow I don’t believe for a second that you can’t find a place to eat for under $50 in New Orleans other than Taco Bell. According to the New York Times, it was the practice of the legislators to go look for lobbyists at the end of the day with the sole purpose of getting a free meal. All I could think when I read this, is who actually speaks up and argues this out loud before their peers and I would like to know what their constituents must think? So I went searching and discovered that the individual was Representative Charmaine L. Marchand. It turns out her constituents are those that live in the lower 9th Ward. I think Representative Marchand has a lot on her hands, so if you know of any great places to eat for under $50 a meal in the New Orleans area, please send her your recommendation. Her email address is: larep099@legis.state.la.us
What’s Wrong With Taco Bell?
March 24th, 2008 · 10 Comments · Current Events
Tags: Taco Bell
YEah, she’s crazy. And plus the Enchiritos at Taco Bell are pretty good.
This is just too funny…Just think how many people you could feed if you had a $50/day meal allowance! I like meximelts myself…
Well there are no Taco Bells this side of the pond, so I have no idea whether its a good or bad place to eat
Thank you for getting the Truffle Shuffle thing, thats at least one other person than me that gets it
Taco Bell is a fast food chain. You can basically feed a family of 5, meals and drinks , for $50. If you are really thrifty, you can order water and bean burritos for 40 people for $50.
Hmmm… I love taco bell!! Sorry I don’t have a more substantial comment to offer but I don’t much care for politics… and I especially try not to be affected by american politics - it just makes my head hurt. lol great, now I just sound dumb. Oh well!
Well now it might be just where they are but I can go to any restaurant down here and get a meal for 2 under $50.00 without ordering alcohol so I don’t see the problem in it.
Mmmm, taco bell! And she is insane if she really thinks she can’t find somewhere decent to eat for under $50. And even if she can’t, Taco Bell is delish!
And oh, I think you could probably swing burritos for 45 people with the right coupon.
My favorite part about Taco Bell is the choice of 10 combo. You can get 10 soft or crunchy tacos or bean burritos or any combination. All for the low price of $8.90, but (at least down in here in GA) the soft and crunchy tacos are only 79cents and the bean burrito is 89 cents. And you do not even get a drink with that combo. So even if you get 10 bean burritos there is no extra savings. Sounds like a goverment contractor priced the menu.
And is that $50 total or per person? That is, if the lobbyist takes the politician and his wife out, is that for both or individually (ie $100 total)?
fragile: Politics really hurt my head, especially during election years.
blueeyes: exactly!
Monique: I am going to be on the lookout for Taco Bell coupons. I can only imagine how far $50 will go with coupons.
pilot: I have sent an email to find out if it is just $50 total or per person. I will let you know.
hehe Beekers, glad I’m not the only one
And glad to see you’ll be taking part in Earth Hour too! Yay you!