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Early Birds
I suspected that for many of the more moderate-friendly Democratic proposals (e.g., ethics reform, corruption, fair procedures in Congress), it was now or never to get them passed. The longer they get dragged out, the more time Democrats get to settle in to the majority and realize that now they’re the ones who benefit from unethical practices, corruption, and unfair debate rules. So I’m pleased to report that the big D has passed several excellent anti-corruption and pro-transparency measures to start its tenure in Congress.
They’ve still got time to disappoint. But for now, they’re on the right track. Kudos.
3 Responses to “Early Birds”
I hadn’t thought of it in those terms, but it makes sense, kind of like putting the money from a new pay raise into your 401k. If you never had it you never miss it.
And though the ethics legislation doesn’t really go as far as I’d like (an outright ban on earmarks) still it’s a more than merely symbolic step in the right direction.
I think there is another important aspect of the “100 hours” strategy. Typically, Congress is not in session between swearing in and the State of the Union Speech. By the time Bush makes his speech, the 110th Congress will already have done more than the “do-nothing” 109th Congress. This also demonstrates the Democrats’ determination to act on the voters’ desire for change.
Good point, GD. They’ve done more before the SOTU to fight corruption than the GOP did in 12 years.