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Eating Out of House and Home: Republican Opposes New Taxes By Noting That He Needs $200,000 a Year for Food

There may be need for an intervention in Congress after Rep. John Fleming, a Louisiana Republican, admitted to what appears an eating disorder. Fleming went on television to denounce Obama’s plans to tax the wealthy and explained how he really does not have a lot of income left over from earning $6.3 million a year from his string of Subway and UPS businesses. He insists that after paying taxes, salaries, and support for his businesses, he only takes home $600,000 — of which $200,000 goes to food for his family. Fleming is the father of four adult children and lives alone with his wife.

That is a lot of food. $547.95 a day. That would allow $182.65 for breakfast, $182.65 for lunch, and $182.65 for dinner. A shrimp po-boy at Copelands of New Orleans is $9.99. That would mean that Fleming could consume over 18 po-boys every night. At 414 calories a po-boy, that comes to 7452 calories just for dinner. No wonder he is the chair of the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs. His rate of consumption alone threatens the sea and forest stock of available consumable creatures.

In fairness to Fleming, he could have meant all of his expenses in “feeding his family” given his svelte image on the House website.

Source: Business Insider

124 thoughts on “Eating Out of House and Home: Republican Opposes New Taxes By Noting That He Needs $200,000 a Year for Food”

  1. Gene,

    Damn … tonight is one of my fasting nights … we have an excellent Mexican restaurant in our little town … willpower, willpower …

  4. There is only one reason I’m not eating sushi right now.

    I don’t have any.

    But fresh is the key. And a sushi chef with a really, really good relationship with his fish monger. I won’t eat sushi just anywhere. I suspect that in a previous life I may have been a Japanese fisherman. Maybe some form of shark.

    I guess Texican will have to do tonight. I’m going to make beef tacos and bean tostadas with homemade pico de gallo (from home grown tomatoes). The only pre-made stuff will be the Old El Paso Stand n’ Stuff taco shells (which are not my favorite for taste, but the design is hard to beat), the La Victoria red and green taco sauces (which I think may have crack in it) with some Cholula Hot Sauce for zip (it’s very nice), and the queso blanco (cheese making is a lonely business – largely because of the smell). I even make my own seasoning mix for the beef and my own low fat refried beans (although I haven’t decided if I’m going to use pintos or black beans yet). It will taste great, be mostly good for me and cost far less than $100 per plate. So if I don’t post tonight, it’s because I’m passed out on the couch, post-feast, dreaming of Ms. Jones’ gentle touch . . . and for some odd reason, bobcats.

  5. SwM,

    I remember Cafe Milano in the mid 90’s but my favorite place was just down from the Hill … a steak house … can’t remember the name … saw everybody in there and visiting between tables was a big no-no … some of the best food I ever ate.

    My second favorite was a seafood place by the wharf … we used to sit at the bar and play pig … fantastic food.

    I haven’t been back since all the cows came to town (Bush’s first inauguration) … honest to god, there was a herd of cows in Union Station and absolutely no one in the stands along the parade route. It was a hoot.

  6. blouise 1, September 20, 2011 at 5:29 pm

    This is shaping up nicely … a blow gun, bobcats, and a belly rubber in restraints … we should fit right in with the regular D.C. crowd.

    Hey… don’t forget the blowfish… plenty in DC… easy to confuse… blowfish, blowhards… no matter… DC has both…

    Cafe Milano sounds very good, Swarthmore mom…

  9. Roco1, September 20, 2011 at 4:24 pm

    Woosty:

    I was thinking a large amount of entertaining. 5 people at a good steakhouse is easily 500 bucks including tip. I just figured if he is spending that kind of money, he must be spending a good deal on taking people out to eat. Which was why I commented about waiters, cooks and busboys and how they would be effected.
    ———————————————
    yes, I know….365 days a year.

    again I ask….are you single?

  10. Blouise, By the time the sopranos started eating sushi on the show it had become a cliche.

  12. This is shaping up nicely … a blow gun, bobcats, and a belly rubber in restraints … we should fit right in with the regular D.C. crowd.

  14. SwM,

    First time I ate sushi was in D.C at the Georgetown Park Mall … second level, I think, right off the stairs … long, narrow place that was all counter … back in the early 90’s or late 80’s. My brother was a big fan of the stuff.

  15. Roco 1, September 20, 2011 at 5:06 pm

    anon nurse:

    thank you for the catch. I will affect change.

    Roco,

    Keep trying… You’ll get it right eventually… 😉

  16. I have to sympathize with the poor fellow. I, too, enjoy my nightly snack of a delicious bowl of crunchy honey roasted diamonds. But, unlike the Congressman, I don’t wash mine down with a crystal goblet of constituent tears.

  17. anon nurse,

    I eat sushi but all the fish is cooked … “twin brothers” (not the restaurant) is my favorite

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