Hmmmmm
Dean
If this story is true, then suddenly I feel suckered.
I mean, it's nice to see the Senate responsive and all--which is as it should be--but if it's true that this procedural move could only have caused a few days of delay, then this was a big stink made over nothing, wasn't it?
*Update*: Ed has posted an update, and says:
Dean Esmay says he feels suckered with all of the Secret Holder publicity, saying that all we would have lost without the Porkbusting effort was six days. However, this means six legislative days, and there are only 15 of them before the election, according to Frist. The hold would make the calendar very tight, especially considering all of the appropriations bills awaiting action in the Senate. And don't forget that the House still has to take up S. 2590 after the Senate passes it.Also, one should consider the message that our effort sent. The national attention should convice politicians that a new era of openness in government has come, even if we have to thrust it upon them.
I disagree. Even if this is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing, I think it's important. The Senate as learned that their voters are watching and can swamp them in a heartbeat.
I think it'll make them more cautious in future.
They are only giving in because of the massive stink. If they were able to hold without accountibility, it would be held until jsut before a recess, then killed or put-off indefinitely.
The sunlight, spotlight, what have on this start chamber hold business was perhaps starting to be felt.
Then we must be more vigilant. It's our government, but it will only remain so if we do what is necessary to protect it.
(I used to write as good as he does. Then along with old age came verbosity.)
Arnold Harris
Mount Horeb WI