Rand Paul airs grievances for Festivus

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) got into the spirit of the parody holiday Festivus on Monday, airing a list of grievances on Twitter that ranged from the national debt to the Senate cafeteria.

{mosads}Celebrating Festivus on Dec. 23 was made popular by a 1997 episode of the television show “Seinfeld,” and the day traditionally includes an airing of grievances.

Paul began with a quotation from the show.

“I’ve got a lot of problems with you people, and now you’re going to hear about it!” (Frank Costanza, 1997).

— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 23, 2013

A staunch libertarian, Paul blamed both parties for not standing up for all rights.

One party seems to like some of the Bill of Rights. The other party, some more. Few willing to stand up for the whole thing.

— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 23, 2013

In a reference to Democrats’ recent move to eliminate the filibuster on most nominees, he called instead for more debate in the Senate.

Let’s move on to the Senate. If you want more bipartisan cooperation, talk more not less.

— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 23, 2013

He criticized the recent budget deal, which he voted against, as too much spending.

In Washington, “bipartisan deal” is a synonym for “increasing our debt”

— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 23, 2013

One of Paul’s signature issues has been calling for more transparency from the Federal Reserve and attacking its stimulus programs.

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

Other grievances were more personal. He bemoaned the fact that he cannot find classic Kentucky soup at the Capitol.

The Senate cafeteria never has burgoo.

— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 23, 2013

As for the turtlenecks he often wears, he says he does not want to hear fashion criticism.

Grievance with my otherwise wonderful staff: leave the turtleneck alone. I like it and so do viewers.

— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 23, 2013

The perils of D.C. parking were also an issue.

Minor grievance: I can never remember when to move my car for DC street cleaning.

— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 23, 2013

When he complained that Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) does not retweet him enough, Booker responded with a reference to another Festivus tradition, “feats of strength.”

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

He says more grievances will be aired later.