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The Other Branch
Author: BobR    Date: 05/20/2009 12:28:26

For most of the Bush Administration, it seemed like there was only one branch of government: the Executive. Especially post 9/11, the Legislative branch seemed to be just an extension of the Executive, always giving Bush what he wanted, and Bush never vetoing any legislation. Even when the Democrats took over after the 2006 election, Congress seemed reluctant to challenge Bush in any way. There's a new sheriff in town, however, and they finally seem to have found their oats.

First off, they've figured out they can disagree with the President, even one as popular as Obama. It's not a good thing, but they removed the funding Obama wanted for closing Gitmo. Why?
Obama has yet to announce a plan on what to do with the detainees once the prison on Cuba closes, and many Democrats oppose having prisoners housed in their states. They did not want to vote for funds to close the prison without knowing where those prisoners would end up.

This is such a wussy I-need-to-get-re-elected excuse. We house prisoners MUCH more dangerous than these detainees all the time. In fact, it will be tough finding a place for them where they won't get killed by other inmates. If it weren't for the abuse they undergo at Gitmo, that might be the safest place for them. C'mon Congress - campaign season is next year. THIS is the year you're supposed to make the brave decisions.

The Senate passed a credit card bill that makes many (good) changes to the system. Obama, the Senate, and the House need to make some reconciliations, but the bill has some good stuff, including:
Millions of credit card users will avoid retroactive interest rate increases on existing card balances and have more time to pay their monthly bills, greater advance notice of changes in credit card terms and fewer penalty fees, late charges and interest payments. Once in effect, the law will also fundamentally change the way credit card issuers market, bill and advertise credit cards.

This is VERY good news for consumers (despite the apocalyptic warnings from the credit card companies). Here's hoping the parties can keep it mostly intact during reconciliation.

Finally, it seems that the Republicans in the House are doing what they do best: obstructing progress. There's a bill in committee for addressing climate change, and the Republicans are trying to scuttle it by carpet-bombing it with 400 - count 'em - 400 amendments! It's apparent they are trying to keep it from ever getting out of committee for a vote, but they may lose that battle:
But Republicans were intent on debating — for hours — all of the amendments, including proposals they agreed to, such as a “cash for clunkers” provision allowing Americans to receive a tax rebate for trading in older, less fuel-efficient cars.

Waxman said Tuesday he anticipates the amendment process to “speed up” and stuck by his prediction that the committee will hold a vote to approve the bill and report it out of committee by Thursday.

“We’re just going to keep going,” Waxman said, without specifying how long into the night they will work or how often they intend to break.

The ranking Republican on the panel, Rep. Joe Barton (Texas), laughed off a Thursday finish.

“He’s dreaming,” Barton said. “It ain’t going to happen.”

And he challenged Waxman’s assertion that the amendment process will “speed up.”

“If he means it’ll get more intense, then I’d agree,” Barton said.

“The Senate’s not going to move their energy bill until August or September,” Barton added, noting that Waxman is pushing the markup because he wants to finish the bill on his timeframe.

Republicans were still bracing for Waxman to use a procedural tool to halt the amendment process early and force a vote on the entire bill.

So look for cries of "partisanship" from the Republicans (and John Boehner just plain crying). What you won't hear from them are calls for an "up or down vote" like they did a few years ago. They seem to have lost their passion for that one.

They've got 6-8 months before they start really focusing on their re-election campaigns. Let's see how much legislation they can get passed in that time.

Congress - your move.


 

97 comments (Latest Comment: 05/20/2009 23:11:48 by trojanrabbit)
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Comments:

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Comment by TriSec on 05/20/2009 12:51:42
This is a test; this is only a test!

Comment by Raine on 05/20/2009 12:57:07
Good Morning! ::: rubs eyes ::: I need more coffee, I think - Tri, is that you?

Comment by TriSec on 05/20/2009 13:03:56
Yes, I'm here for a while. Probably can't lurk *all* day. (don't want to get caught.)



But back doors are a good thing. I have hacked into the WOPR. :wargames:





Comment by Scoopster on 05/20/2009 13:13:23
A wild TriSec appears! :o



Good morning good sir!

Comment by TriSec on 05/20/2009 13:14:28
Birdwatching list for today:



Grey Catbird on the path from the garage to the office.

Robins on the lawn.

Northern Oriole flitting in the tree across the way.

Tree Swallows orbiting and eating bugs.

A mating pair of Canada Geese and their babies walking by my window.



Interesting place, this office is.







Comment by TriSec on 05/20/2009 13:17:13
I don't dare attempt to stream anything yet.....but I do get WWZN (1510am) for prog radio in this city now.



Alas, they don't carry Momma for the full three; 10-12 only. Although I do get Thom in my afternoon drive time!



Comment by Raine on 05/20/2009 13:17:36
As Bob Pointed out -- we have some really nasty MoFo's already in American Jail. Does Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman ring a bell? He bombed the WTC in 1993...

Comment by BobR on 05/20/2009 13:17:49
Comment by Raine on 05/20/2009 13:20:42
Comment by Raine on 05/20/2009 13:31:58


Oh that sucks.

Comment by BobR on 05/20/2009 13:33:11


dogs everywhere are weeping

Comment by velveeta jones on 05/20/2009 13:39:49
Morning all!



So, question: Now that I'm a member of the "Democrat Socialist Party" can I feign a Boris/Natasha accent? What fun!!





Comment by Raine on 05/20/2009 13:40:51
Did that Gun Ammendment get removed from the Credit Card Bill?

Comment by TriSec on 05/20/2009 13:41:17
Alright, I'm going to go behave now. Nice to know I can still get here!



TTFN! :tigger:





Comment by Raine on 05/20/2009 13:42:55
Regarding the Colburn Ammendment. The house can vote on it separately- hopefully vote it down.

Comment by Raine on 05/20/2009 13:47:45
Not real Fond of the title to this article, but I like the decision.



Judge rejects Obama view on detaining Al Qaeda supporters

A federal judge has rejected aspects of the Obama administration's definition of who can legally be held as a prisoner in the war on terror.



In a 22-page decision issued Tuesday evening, U.S. District Court Judge John Bates ruled that members in Al Qaeda or the Taliban could be detained, but that mere support for Al Qaeda activities is not a sufficient basis for the government to hold prisoners at Guantanamo Bay or elsewhere.



Bates said he pressed the Justice Department to explain why rendering assistance to Al Qaeda was enough to lock someone up without criminal charges.



---

for those that recall, this was the same court battle from a few weeks ago-- This was brought up during a previous administration. and the attorney presenting that brief was a B*sh appointeee.



Comment by starling310 on 05/20/2009 13:54:29
James, we're listening. We disagree.



Comment by starling310 on 05/20/2009 13:55:16
Stop interrupting me....I am going to forget my TALKING POINTS!!!

Comment by Raine on 05/20/2009 13:56:24
JAmes is using FAX ---



A talking point Fax, that is.

Comment by starling310 on 05/20/2009 13:57:11
Rachel Maddow nailed Nancy Pelosi?

Comment by Random on 05/20/2009 13:58:13
Hello everyone.

Comment by velveeta jones on 05/20/2009 14:02:18
This caller is giving me indigestion. :wacko:

Comment by velveeta jones on 05/20/2009 14:03:33
Quote by starling310:

Rachel Maddow nailed Nancy Pelosi?




Yeah I got that one too! :lol:



Comment by Raine on 05/20/2009 14:17:10
Quote by starling310:

Rachel Maddow nailed Nancy Pelosi?


:spit:

Comment by Raine on 05/20/2009 14:17:37
Quote by Random:

Hello everyone.


Hola Random!

Comment by Random on 05/20/2009 14:19:00
Thank you.

*bows*

Missed ya'll...but Random's been...ill.

Comment by Raine on 05/20/2009 14:21:41
Sorry I just Don't believe the president gave that much of a flying F*ck about Katrina.

Comment by Random on 05/20/2009 14:25:14
In fact, it will be tough finding a place for them where they won't get killed by other inmates


One of the strangest things i've ever learned about Prisoners, they have their own moral codes. Like a some, while willing to kill indiscriminatingly, will of course show distain to another prisoner that killed a woman, or child. or worse, raped a child.

Strange.

I would almost say that these people would still be hugely patriotic, and more than willing to beat up a suspected Terrorist.

Comment by Random on 05/20/2009 14:29:30
Quote by Raine:

Sorry I just Don't believe the president gave that much of a flying F*ck about Katrina.


Now, was it the fact that he didn't take off his vacation, except the last day, of course. Or was it the thoughtful photoshoot of him looking through the window. OR was it that he never really went to New Orleans.

Comment by Scoopster on 05/20/2009 14:31:48
Quote by Random:

Thank you.

*bows*

Missed ya'll...but Random's been...ill.




:hug: ~~~~~~Healin vibes for Random!~~~~~~~ :hug:


Comment by wickedpam on 05/20/2009 14:44:18
Morning :hug:





Swears-a-lot bear in the house

Comment by livingonli on 05/20/2009 14:44:30
Good morning everyone.



Hope I am not as out of it as I was yesterday.

Comment by wickedpam on 05/20/2009 14:51:54
Quote by velveeta jones:

Morning all!



So, question: Now that I'm a member of the "Democrat Socialist Party" can I feign a Boris/Natasha accent? What fun!!









ohhhh that means I can start saying "da-link"



seriously though - my grandfather would be happy, he was an actual socialist.

Comment by starling310 on 05/20/2009 14:52:01
He's a citizen, BUT he wasn't in Uniform.



:star: is confused.



Comment by wickedpam on 05/20/2009 14:56:03
Quote by Random:

Thank you.

*bows*

Missed ya'll...but Random's been...ill.






I wondered where you'd been off too

Comment by Raine on 05/20/2009 14:57:56
So how many loonies have I missed (I was away or a few moments)

Comment by livingonli on 05/20/2009 15:03:47
The freepers must be giving out their marching orders.

Comment by wickedpam on 05/20/2009 15:10:37
didn't some guys escape from Alcatraz?

Comment by Raine on 05/20/2009 15:10:37
Quote by livingonli:

The freepers must be giving out their marching orders.


I know on Randi they have been REALLY of the hook. Randi made a good point about it, she now follows Glenn Beck on XM now.



I think the new call screener has her work cut out for her. (that Said I heard that she came over from the Rachel Maddow show-- I have to find a confirm on that. )

Comment by Raine on 05/20/2009 15:11:31
Way to twist the Story HArry Reid <_<

Comment by Scoopster on 05/20/2009 15:12:27
Comment by Scoopster on 05/20/2009 15:13:24
Quote by Raine:

Way to twist the Story HArry Reid <_<


I REALLLLLLY hope Durbin challenges him for the Majority Leader post. Reid is a fucking spineless prick.

Comment by Raine on 05/20/2009 15:14:11
Shawshank was not a federal Prison--



And I regarding Alcatraz:

In its 29 years of operation, there were 14 attempts to escape from Alcatraz prison involving 34 inmates. Officially, every escape attempt failed, and most participants were either killed or quickly re-captured. However, the participants in the 1937 and 1962 attempts, though presumed dead, disappeared without trace, giving rise to popular theories that they were successful.



The story DOES, however say that more citations are needed. :shrug:

Comment by starling310 on 05/20/2009 15:14:47
YAY!!! jim's paris hilton!! I LOVE IT!



Comment by Raine on 05/20/2009 15:16:48
Quote by Scoopster:

Quote by Raine:

Way to twist the Story HArry Reid <_<


I REALLLLLLY hope Durbin challenges him for the Majority Leader post. Reid is a fucking spineless prick.
We have to wait a few more years for that, Sadly.



As pissed as I am about this Gitmo thing-- When Harry Reid starts picking up the samew f*cking talking points as the GOP, I REALLY get disgusted.







Comment by Random on 05/20/2009 15:21:41
Quote by wickedpam:

didn't some guys escape from Alcatraz?


Never Proven.

They disappeared from Alcatraz, but they were never found. Theoretically they could have escaped, but no proof has been given that they did.

Comment by wickedpam on 05/20/2009 15:25:35
Good to know :)

Comment by Random on 05/20/2009 15:29:13
Random has all sorts of random bits of knowledge.

Another reason why he likes his name.

Comment by wickedpam on 05/20/2009 15:36:30
I somehow don't think there was a safe word at Gitmo...