
Dana Milbank has a classic up this morning in his Washington Sketch:
"The bill we offer today, the minority bill of rights, is crafted based on the exact text that then-Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi submitted in 2004 to then-Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert," declared McHenry, with 10 Republican colleagues arrayed around him. "We're submitting this minority bill of rights, which will ensure that all sides are protected, that fairness and openness is in fact granted by the new majority."Omitted from McHenry's plea for fairness was the fact that the GOP had ignored Pelosi's 2004 request -- while routinely engaging in the procedural maneuvers that her plan would have corrected. Was the gentleman from North Carolina asking Democrats to do as he says, not as he did?
"Look, I'm a junior member," young McHenry protested. "I'm not beholden to what former congresses did."
Anne Kornblut of the New York Times asked McHenry if his complaint might come across as whining.
"I'm not whining," he whined....
The day began when House Republican Conference Chairman Adam Putnam (Fla.) led fellow House GOP leaders to a news conference in a Capitol basement hall. At 32, he is a year older than McHenry, and several inches taller, but no less outraged by Democrats' refusal to bestow on Republicans the rights that Republicans refused to bestow on Democrats.
"We are disappointed," protested Putnam, whose fair skin was covered with a layer of makeup.
"We're clearly disappointed," seconded Roy Blunt (Mo.).
"I'm disappointed, as are some others," added Kay Granger (Tex.).
"I am very disappointed," concurred David Dreier (Calif.).
It fell to CNN's Dana Bash to point out the awkward truth. "You can play back, almost verbatim, Democrats . . . saying almost exactly what you all just said," she said. "So is there a little bit of hypocrisy in you saying that you want minority rights?"
"This is a missed opportunity to really change the way that the House does business," Putnam offered, citing Democrats' campaign promises for "a new way of doing business."
"What stopped you from taking that opportunity when you were still in the majority?" inquired Rick Klein of the Boston Globe.
"Well, I'll let Chairman Dreier speak to that," Putnam ventured.
Did I miss an announcement for the Great Republican Whine-Off or something? The image of Roy Blunt standing in front of a microphone with a straight face and faking some sort of phony outrage for the cameras about procedures that he, himself, had a hand in putting into writing in the Congress when Newt Gingrich got his oily hands on the power reins? Chutzpah doesn't even come close as a descriptor.
I'll let Howie take it from here. (H/T to Waccamaw.) If anyone was wondering why the GOP lost in November, I'll just submit this as Exhibit A.
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Frist!
Fitz!
Bite me, goopers!
Repeat after me:
Democratic partisan behavior is bad.
Republican partisan behavior is good.
Bipartisanism is only good if it accomplishes Republican goals.
“Schadenfreude hotline? Hello — I need an emergency twelve-pack…”
Funny, I don’t remember anyone promising bipartisanship in their campaigns, except for non-Democrat, party of one, whiney-assed titty baby Joe Lieberman.
And his definition of bipartisanship involves swapping spit with the shrub.
(By John F. Kerry)
EVERYWHERE I traveled throughout the Middle East this winter, the feeling was inescapable that the region could explode at any time.
http://www.boston.com/news/glo.....democracy/
Christy Hardin Smith @ 5
Hell, I need the Schadenfredude defibrulator - I’m on overload.
By the way, I really love how the cowardly GOP leadership decided to throw the young ones to the lions.
Well, looks like maybe it will get taken to the streets. MSNBC keeps playing the Cindy footage and explaining that “Democratic Protesters” are on the move!
Oh dear, they are very, very determined to demonstrate what a bunch of hypocrites they are. Blunt was whining away to Soledad O’Brian this morning. I had to change the channel.
we have to remember that everything the r ticks say is going to be representing their buyers.
we have to remember that everything the d ticks say is going to be representing their buyers.
we best remind the new ticks that we are their only buyer, or we will have institutionalized corruption continue unabated. there is but one cure, have the government pay for the campaigns. problem, the existing politicians won’t be the ones that get elected in most cases, so they will not back reform. with election reform, we would probably get candidates that are qualified for something other than accepting payments from buyers. we could eliminate the sociopath, and perhaps even get people elected that are qualified to represent us. which would mean, what, 90% of the ones we have now have to go?
we have a bad group of criminals on both sides of the aisles, and it is up to us to remind them constantly of what it is we want. and to remind them that we have no concern of what they want.
At some point, I would like to see a minority bill of rights enacted, if only to prevent the kind of tactics the GOP has made famous (and that the Dems needn’t duplicate, minority bill of rights or no). Not today, however. We first need to slap it into the Republicans’ thick heads that whining and stomping their feet on cable news shows is not behavior that will get them what they want. Their place at the table must come at a cost, and that cost is honest and professionally respectful conduct.
John McCain just held up the spindly figure of Lieberman as proof that the elections were not a referendum on drawing down US troops in Iraq.
Thanks Connecticut.
-GSD
Earlier he called it “liberal Connecticut”.
GSD @ 14
Dr. Evil - I think, if Pelosi is as smart a grandma as I suspect, the goopers will have to “earn back” priveleges… if they play very, very nicely, maybe we will let them speak just a little bit for a start…
GSD at 14 — Oh man, it is too early in the day for Jane and I to have to say “we told you so.” Blergh.
My disgust with Joe Lieberman will never subside…
http://p134.news.scd.yahoo.com.....1731/print
OldCoastie @ 16
That’s what I’m hoping for. These people need some rehabilitation into a properly functioning legislature, and if that requires some head-stomping, so be it. Whinging on cable news is one thing that is going to have to stop.
Oklahoma kiddo @ 18
Good GOD, man, warn us about things like that! Some of us are just having our first cup!
sorry, I don’t want this to be missed, it’s at the end of the previous thread;
there it is, the president trying to overstep the rule of congress, the THREE branches of government by using his “signing statements” as some kind of wild card
the democrats BETTER put an END to his bizzare notion that he is above his oath of office, our constitution and our law IMMEDIATELY
How hard is this to understand? The Republicans made their policy about the rights and powers of the minority very clear, and Nancy Pelosi - in a display of bipartisan grace - has decided to let them stand. What could be more bipartisan then that? She’s isn’t changing a thing, out of respect for the R’s. Where’s all this whining coming from?
It fell to CNN’s Dana Bash to point out the awkward truth. “You can play back, almost verbatim, Democrats . . . saying almost exactly what you all just said,” she said. “So is there a little bit of hypocrisy in you saying that you want minority rights?”
A member of the corporate media actually asked this question of rethugs? Sell my clothes the apocalypse is nigh!
GOOD Morning all!! Here we are!!
Thanks to TRex and Rayne, I made my first call of the Pelosi Year to Rep. Louise Slaughter re: the Fairness and Accuracy in Broadcast Media Act.
I will now call my Rep and tell him to sign as a co-sponsor.
And of course, Troops out NOW!!
Love the Waaahmbulance. Don’t cry for me.
If I had a hammer I’d put it down on my new passport. Disabiling a chip does not invalidate. If I had a hammer I’d put it down on Lieberliar’s house of cards. Whoops, some angel has already done that. If I had a hammer I’d put it down on my nephew’s foot hard! He re-enlisted as a Marine Sgt.(2 Iraq tours) and at Xmas dinner I was not able to convince otherrwise. With a newborn babe his wife said ’she just wanted to see him happy.’
FMguru @ 22
I’m definitely on the other side of the fence guys, I think palosi should make it clear that once the damage caused by the republicans is undone there will be minority rules put into place
we won’t always be a majority and we really have to be prepared
BUT
she has to make it CLEAR that will happen AFTER the damage caused by the republicans is undone
Maverick McCain said he is “willing to pay the price” for his support of a troop killing escalation.
Hey John, why not re-enlist?
-GSD
Serving it up, cold and dark.
Schadenfreude Pie.
Mmm-mmm.
Not for the faint of heart. Or Republicans.
Thanks for this post, Christy. It’s about time the MSM started calling the Repugs on their hypocrisy. Will this be the start of a trend? (Be still my heart).
The part I found most hilarious:
“I’m not whining,” he whined.
perris @ 26
I entirely agree…including that all-important BUT. The Dems are inheriting a Congress in a state of severe dysfunction. The Republicans don’t have to like it, but they created that dysfunction virtually single-handed, and their behavior this morning only proves to me that they aren’t yet capable of the kind of professional conduct that will be needed to fix it.
Good morning, pups.
I got epu’ed on this request last thread.
I’d like to contribute to the DC trip to cover Scootard’s trial, but I won’t touch paypal.
Is there a snail-mail addy for contributions?
Thanks.
Rangel boots Cheney out of the Capitol office. YEEES!
http://americablog.blogspot.co.....pitol.html
Liberal-at-large @ 31
I think yesterday it was mentioned that there will be…
MayDaze @ 29
Milbank hasn’t lost his sense of irony, and he’s occasionally poked fun at Republicans in the past. He appeared on Countdown in a hunting vest and hat after the Deadeye Dick episode, for instance. I don’t think you can view this as part of a trend.
the rude one:
bg — congratulations, and thank you so much!!
Refresher on the FAB Act here.
Stuck in committee under the bipartisanship of the Republican 108th and 109th Congresses.
Nevermind that 77 percent of American voters support the premise of the Fairness Doctrine in broadcasting.
Steve @ 32
can you say;
sewwwUIIIIIteeee?
OT - CNN - police in Spain find car packed with explosives (150-200 lbs. of explosives)
perris @ 21
We can argue all day about which of Bush’s many oversteps are the most troubling, but this is a bad precedent. If allowed to stand, it gives the President the power to legislate, which is something the Constitution clearly never intended.
Here’s a summary of an ABA report that was released this summer about signing statements:
http://www.abanet.org/media/re.....72406.html
Cujo359 @ 34
Just had to burst my bubble, didn’t you? ;)
OldCoastie says:
I think yesterday it was mentioned that there will be… [a snail-mail addy.]
*
Thanks. I’ll check back.
I wish Paul Wellstone could have been at the Capitol today.
Rayne @ 36
the fairness doctrine is one of the most important laww we have to put back into place
we also need to rescing the rights to own multiple media venue
CLEAR CHANNEL NEEDS TO BE PUT OUT OF BUSSINESS
Steve at 42 — I like to think that he will be, in some way. He would have been running around with an awfully big grin today, wouldn’t he?
Lets hope Nancy assigns the whiners some basement closet sized room for them to do their whining.
CSPAN-2 replaying the jr. GOP Whine Club lameness form yesterday.
First rule of Whine Club: Don’t talk about Whine Club
twolf1 at 46 — Oh man. My kitchen table is now covered in coffee. Spew warning next time. hehehehehehehe
huh…neither Putnam’s nor McHenry’s Wikipedia entries say anything about their heroic service defending the Constitution and spreading democracy in Iraq. I’m shocked, shocked I say.
perris — there was a government study done on media ownership; believe that it was killed before it could be published, because it said that media ownership after waves of consolidation posed a threat to free speech.
Have to do some digging, but this is the kind of thing that needs to be restored and completed, and then acted upon.
Almost need a wiki to keep track of all the stuff like this that the tyranny of the Republican majority in 2-plus arms of government has foisted on us and needs to be undone.
Anyhow, when ownership rules were changed, there was more than enough outlets — but officials at that time did not think far enough ahead to see that the economic pressure of shareholders and economies of scale would encourage so much consolidation that the multitude of outlets would eventually be owned by 10 or fewer companies. Law of unintended consequences at work, if one was generous.
perris @ 21
At the risk of zigging, this also calls to mind, recent announcements that the admin will (with EU consent) looking into financial and other data of European visiters …a pebble step from U.S. citizen potential enemy combatants here at home (all political opponents?).
CHS notes: You zigged. I’ve undone it to the extent I can.
Can’t reason with morons, and can’t negotiate with a bully until after you have blackened their eye.
Fuckem.
twolf1 - bwa-hahahahahahahahah!!!!
Whine Club. HAH!
Wally @
45
Well.. even if that happens, David Dreier could tell them how to spend years in a closet without it decreasing their standing in the party.
OMG — It’s Dick Armey on my teevee. And Andrea Mitchell is asking him about Democratic strategy.
Although I spewed Dr. Pepper right outta my nose while reading this post (and oh, it does burn), today I have new hope. And it is a good feeling. The repukes better just suck it up, ’cause now, we’ve got the power. And no, I’m NOT in the mood for their brand of the “can’t we all just get along” thing. They put us all through living hell, and Karma has a wonderful way of paying visits. Some good, some not so good.
I’m waiting for the first reporter to use the word Karmageddon.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 54
the vice prsident has been wrong on everything, yet the press defers to his statement as if he is some kind of intellect
time he lost his credibility just as the president has lost it
Is it freaking anyone else out that Dick Armey is speaking in frank terms about how things have sucked under the GOP in the House? He’s been pissed at the GOP squandering the power tools in the House, sure, and he will be lobbying the Dems on behalf of his group, sure — but the disgust was almost palpable in a couple of places.
Brrrrrr…I think hell may have just frozen over this morning. hehehehe
Christy Hardin Smith @ 54
A phallus of one. join the dick armey
Christy Hardin Smith @ 58
wow, I’m at work and didn’t get to watch
someone upload utube please
First, incoming Dems have insisted that Congress now work a full week as posted Here , and now, the horror of it all, the Dems are insisting that Congress play by the same minority stifling rules that the Republicunts insisted on when they were in the majority. And the Party of God, immature hypocrites that they are, don’t like it a bit. Tough shit Fucktards. Bastards had no problem shitting all over the bed while they had the majority. Nuclear Option, anyone?They pulled every dirty, rotten trick they could think of. Now, before the Dems are even sworn in, they are screeching. Eat shit boys and lawyer up. You all gonna be busy fighting subpeonas real soon.
Well, it only took the republicans two and a half years to agree that Pelosi’s bill is a good idea. I think we can meet them halfway and wait a year or eighteen months. Until enough of the old guard have been neutered. Just as every Republican has said for over ten years: if you don’t win the election, you need to STFU. So now, little Republifundies, you can STFU, and kindly step out of the way of the Democratic Mandate which was just voted in by the nation.
Remember the great immortal catch-phrases:
They won, you lost.
It’s done now.
Get over it.
Let’s MOVE ON!!
Fuck ‘em and the lobbyist cash cows that they rode in on. Let them cry.
How disingenuous!
While I’m thinking of it, thank you so much to everyone who chipped in for the DC trip to cover the Libby trial. And huge thanks to everyone who e-mailed me with offers of everything from kitchen supplies to computer equipment to coffee. Have I mentioned lately how wonderful our community of readers are? Jane is finalizing some details, so I can’t quite answer several of the e-mails — but I promise to get answers to everyone as soon as I can. Thanks again, folks — you guys all rock. :)
twolf1 @ 59
OK now, you guys just have to STOP IT!! I just coughed coffee all over myself, my new laptop and the paper I am editing. ENOUGH ALREADY!!!! Also, I am in the middle of a wonderful 4 dimensional experience - Stephanie Miller from the computer speaker (Boston Air America being now fried), virtual TV viewing through you all, blogging (barely) and editing a grant proposal due shortly (the prize for finishing a section is to get coffee and come here to spill it.
I have a very difficult time, considering his political history, and the things he has said and done, with Armey. Of course there was Lee Atwater. Perhaps there is some good in most of us.
Wow, great questions from Dana Bash and Rick Klein. It’s almost like they have an opportunity to be journalists or something.
Wonder how long it will last…
O.T. Raw has up that Bush may send fewer troops than previously announced. Where have we heard this before. Give out a budget number way over the top, then when a huge budget is proposed, but not quite as high, it is O.K. I’m not buying.
Damn, I missed “I’m not whining” twice now. Oh well, that one sounds like a classic that will be replayed repeatedly.
The neocons are whining too, against “incompetent Republicans,” in Vanity Fair of all places:
Christy - re the trip and contributions - many here offered to take whoever is in D.C. residence during the trial out to dinner. Might be a great chance to meet some D.C. pups.
Cannot contribute this month as I am saving for Chicago, but will try to donate some next month. Will be registering sometime next week.
twolf1 @ 46
I had to share that one with the Wonketeers, twolf.
Richmond @ 67
One soldier is too many (unless it’s one of the twins).
This morning’s CNN.com poll:
Would 20,000 to 40,000 additional U.S. troops help stabilize Iraq?
Yes22% 15323 votes
No78% 54389 votes
Total: 69712 votes
Just the usual suspects in support.
twolf1 @ 72
Agree completely, I write, still wiping up the coffee.
Darned special characters; looked good in preview. Those are supposed to be non-breaking spaces.
I would like to reassure the GOP that we would never dream of treating them any worse than they treated us, right?
CHS @ 63..keep us posted on how far to the 12k goal line.
followthrough, gotta love it!
More whining in Vanity Fair:
send the twins
They whined about Dems while they were in power, bravely holding back the destructive liberal agenda. Why should now be any different?
I heard someone speaking on that subject on CSPAN2 (can’t remember his name, sorry) that it’s a great tactic to promote yourself as a victim when you have absolute power. That helps you retain power and make your opposition look bad. So they have a lot of practice at this.
Of course, karma is a bitch when you have also accused your opponents as being the “whiners” which we all know they did consistently as well.
They need to be called on it at every turn.
opening of 110th congress on C-SPAN
GSD @ 14
Question for the CT experts. If Lieberman is McCain’s running mate, do they win CT?
Biodun @ 79
I assume Adelman, Perle and the neo-Con lot are including themselves in this description - truly flawed, dysfunction, AND both ignorant and stupid!
Murtha Plans To Deny Bush Funding For Troop Escalation
http://thinkprogress.org/2007/.....scalation/
twolf1 @ 82
Every time I connect to CSPAN there’s someone praying. What’s on CSPAN2?
Cujo359 @ 86
cspan1 is the house and cspan2 is the senate i think
Charlie Rangel kicks Cheney out! Hee, hee. Let the games begin!
http://www.nypost.com/seven/01.....ndents.htm
Of course, as always, Cheney “took the high road.” smmmrrpphhh!
twolf1 @ 87
More praying, in other words.
Two new members offer a study in contrasts
An Iowa liberal and a conservative Minnesotan to take their oaths
He’s a liberal, a former professor of international relations who backed Howard Dean for president in 2004; he has never served in the state legislature or on a city council.
She’s a conservative tax lawyer who served in the state Senate and led the crusade to outlaw same-sex marriage in her state.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16467353/
switching back and forth from MSNBC and D.C. and Deval Patrick’s being sworn in as Gov. of MA. (a rabbi giving the invocation, that must be a first!)
What a day!
Can’t stand Cheney’s voice on CNN swearing in the lawmakers - he has SO broken the laws he himself was sworn to obey.
Cujo359 @ 89
The major cable news networks seem to be carrying it too…. except Fox News lol… sour grapes!
I feel like today is Baseball Opening Day.
So full of promise and possibilities. A general feeling of rebirth and spring.
Of course, many years it takes about 30 days to start shaking my head and cursing as I watch.
But, almost magically, every once in a while things work out better than I could have ever imagined.
Oh god, let this be one of those years.
hmm. msnbc sayin’ Harriet Myers resigned…
cheney swearing in clinton now
OT, via a diary at Daily Kos
Thank Heavens for C-SPAN and their live coverage of the new congress. Kudos Brian Lamb for sparing us MSM this historic and oh so happy day. woo hoo!
Hah, just turned on msnbc.
Talking head -
“can they rise above bi-partisanship and get things done.”
First honest slip on the meme i’ve seen.
OldCoastie @
95
Bush legal counsel Harriet Miers resigns
…not much there yet but they will add to it…
twolf1 @ 93
Well, that white girl is still missing down in Aruba, right? Someone has to cover the tough stories.
Nancy Pelosi on camera. She looks to be enjoying herself today.
McCain & Leibernuts standing together for Cheney’s swearing of the new Senate - what a surprise. bleh!
My fellow North Carolinians elect some of the dumbest pieces of shit on earth to represent them.
I really wish they would wake up.
twolf1 @ 100
It’s a special Thursday edition of “Take Out The Trash Friday.” I can just hear the White House Chief of Staff: “With Nancy taking over as Speaker, surely no one will notice what’s going on elsewhere in DC . . .”
urban pirate @
99
a caller on CSPAN this am said something on the order of - “it’s nice to talk to a newly arrested congressman… newly elected congressman…”
urban pirate @ 94
Cubs, Mariners, Phillies, or Royals?
Cujo359 @ 106
Yankees. :D
Cujo359 @ 106
Been a cub fan since I was 10.
I know heartbreak.
Ready for that to change.
Donald Trump reminds me of George Bush. Both are stubborn to the point of stupid, both are liars with astronomical egos, and both peddle snake oil. And both are losers in business or politics and yet, continue to survive.
http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnb.....5/&fg=