This past spring, Congress just had to pass health care. It was so important that they couldn't even take time to read the bill or discuss it - they just had to pass it.
That debate about what Congress wanted to see in a health care package persisted all summer.
Nancy Pelosi promised it would be a done deal before Thanksgiving.
So, today Congress suddenly changes gears and tackles the monumental task of censuring Joe Wilson just because he exercised his first amendment right. Sure, he chose to do it on live TV in front of a national audience - not real good timing, Joe. Still, he was entitled to say what he did - until today.
The normal legislative business of the House came to a screeching halt. Everything stopped while they tackled this issue of national importance. They had to debate and then vote to tell one its members "shame on you."
So nice to know that Congress has its priorities in order.
Actually, I'm tickled. Congress should not pass anything meaningful the rest of its term. Then, the next Congress will have less to undue.
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Steve - ole Joe could have avoided the whole dust up by either apologizing on the floor or simply keeping his mouth shut during the POTUS' speech. I agree with you though, much ado about nothing. How many repubs voted in favor?
Steve,
I hope Waxman goes back to investigating steroids in MLB that could keep them busy for awhile.
As I commented once before today, I think what Joe Wilson did was wrong and disrespectful. However, I can't believe we can't just moved on. Bush II was heckled twice, during the State of the Union address on national TV. in 2004 and in 2005. I don't recall an apology being offered, I don't recall an apology being demanded and I don't recall a single Democrat being sanctioned or otherwise punished. Why is congress so worried about President Obama being called out, but didn't give a hoot about it when it happened to Bush?
John,
The remark wasn't necessary but hardly worthy of a couple of days of House time to deal with it. The vote was 240-179 and 5 "present." :)
Steve
Hugh,
That's a great idea - anything to keep them from legislation. :)
Steve
Suesan,
Their feelings were hurt. The President accepted Joe's apology. Congress just couldn't let it go. :)
Steve
Congress believes they have to attack anyone who speaks badly about the administration unless the President is Republican...
The way I see it,
Paul
Paul,
That seems to sum it rather well. Thanks for the comments. :)
Steve
I'm sure they won't find it necessary to investigate the criminal actions of Acorn though, since they contribute heavily to the Democrat party, after our tax dollars are sent to them.
Steve, I agree with, at least they were not making a mess of other things while they dealt with such an important matter. And I also bet they won't investigate Acorn. Every time is tart to think that our government (on all levels) is so disgusting that it shouldn't be possible to get worse --- it gets worse.
Folks, It all comes down to who is in power in the Congress. The Democrats now have the Presidency and both Houses of Congress. When Bush II pulled his 'stuff' (like WMD's) he had both Houses. It is not one party or the other, it is how politics works in all democracies. Perhaps that is good, perhaps it is not? I appreciate that Barack Obama is not turning back much of anything that happened in the last 8 years and is trying to move forward, by and large. He appears to be a LEADER and has all of his Cabinets (and their 8000-some employees) actually working on important issues. Perhaps too much is on the table at once, but I applaud the effort.
Let us not forget, too, that it usually takes time for any major shift in Government Leadership to become 'normal'. The first Catholic President, the first African-American President, the first Woman President (yet to come, right?) and many other Presidential "First's" in history have taken, or will take, time to become 'normal' in our lives. In the meantime, uprisings of all sorts are to be expected. President Obama is smart and cool to say that the "parties" are not about racism. He sure seems like he wants to pull the Country together. It will take time. Let us give it to him!
Thanks for your Post and Comments.
Jon,
Right now, Congress has moved to cutoff funding for Acorn. However, it has to pass as part of another bill and Pelosi says she want to keep the funding. :)
Steve
Gary,
As long as Congress doesn't pass anymore regulations or vote for one dime more of funding they will be OK. :)
Steve
James,
Thanks for adding your comments. I still go back to Jefferson's idea "that government is best which governs the least, because its people discipline themselves." :)
Steve