The elephants must not be allowed to run wild

[babylonsister]

The organ-grinder Congress
With the Capitol transformed into a big top, Democrats can't afford to be spectators
posted on January 7, 2011, at 6:40 AM
Robert Shrum


The circus that opened this week in Washington is no mere spectacle; it ought to be taken seriously. For as we learned in the summer of death panels, the most far-fetched leaps of fantasy can become a powerful political force when they dominate otherwise sparse news cycles. Indeed they attract attention—and shape perception—precisely because of their outlandish and instantly memorable nature.

Here's how the show will unfold this time—and why Barack Obama and the Democrats have to make sure they rewrite the script.

Until the State of the Union message, the Senate is going home and the Republicans in the House are going to the mattresses—The Godfather’s term for starting a gangland war. (In some cases, they're literally going to the mattresses, since a number of tea-soaked members are enjoying fully subsidized public housing by sleeping in their government offices.) As December was the session of lame ducks, this is the season of elephants performing stunts.

The show kicked off with a droning, center-ring recitation of the entire Constitution as members who felt forced to be present fidgeted on the House floor. (I wonder if those who have defended torture and racial profiling were discomforted hearing the Bill of Rights.)

more...

http://theweek.com/bullpen/column/210851/the-organ-grinder-congress

[RBInMaine]

1. Hey purists, how are the Dems looking now? Or are you happy with the new TeaScum?

[geckosfeet]

2. Hey - at least we know they can read.