Levin Livid?

This was in the Detroit Free Press:

Levin livid over reported Citigroup jet purchase

WASHINGTON – Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan is beside himself over a report that Citigroup is buying a $50-million corporate jet considering that when the heads of Detroit’s automakers came to Washington in private jets to ask for aid they got blasted for it.

. . . . Said Levin: “To permit Citigroup to purchase a plush plane — foreign-built no less — while domestic auto companies are being required to sell off their jets is a ridiculous double standard.”

And the Michigan Democrat is planning to take it even further, just as soon as President Barack Obama’s pick for treasury secretary — Tim Geithner — is confirmed. Levin says he’s urging Geithner “to do what he can to stop this absurdity from occurring.”

I can’t get around Levin being “beside himself,” what with the obvious problem of which of him gets to stand further to the left. I’m also puzzled over what constiutional powers Levin thinks the Treasury Department has over decisions like these. But clearly he views the sovereign federal power as able to “permit,” “require,” and “stop,” corporate purchasing decisions. Even if fat-cat CEOs piss you off, this has to trouble you.

At DU we’re doing our part and VOLUNTARILY cancelling our order for a (previously owned) corporate jet (above) instead of waiting for orders from Carl Levin. I know these two Battle of Britain vets will find new jobs in the environmental industry.