Balls and Walnuts
more than you ever wanted to know
The Republican War on Christmas Trees
Why does Senator Mitch McConnell hate Christmas?
“A Christmas tree of legislative goodies that might not even get signed” by the president was how the stimulus bill was described by Sen. Mitch McConnell (R)
Yes, friends, the obstructionist Republicans have struck again, blocking passage of a $158 billion economic stimulus package. The package would have provided aid to senior citizens, veterans, and the unemployed — all bright shiny baubles the Republicans apparently want off their tree. (Or, to switch metaphors, the Republicans are yet again playing Mr. Wilson to the Democrats’ Dennis the Menace. Get off my lawn, kid!)
Senator Reid shares some of the blame, though, because he insisted on the 60-vote “supermajority” necessary to avoid a Republican filibuster.
If a Republican threatens filibuster, Reid cowers. If a Democrat threatens filibuster (as with Sen. Dodd and the FISA amnesty dispute), Reid makes the Senator go through with it. We might as well let Cheney run the Senate, since Reid’s leadership is nonexistent.
But I think it’s worth asking (metaphorically, if not literally): why do the Republicans hate Christmas Trees? You’ll hear Sen. McCain rail against ear marks and out-of-control spending — this is a Republican staple — but no tears are shed for the hemorrhage of young lives and wasted billions overseas. Apparently, we need a new austerity at home to fund our largesse abroad.
No post last night . . . I was home only two hours before the ER called me back. Not a good night.
D.
