Silent Auction

The Senate Finance Committee voted out a health care reform package today. It has been a long time coming. I expect many weeks will pass before something substantive, and probably disastrous, becomes the law of the land. Why does it take so long? I have puzzled over this question for weeks and I think I have the answer.

Of all the mistakes the Congress might make, rushing to pass legislation before they know who the high bidders are is not one of them. Imagine the embarrassment if a Senator agreed to support provisions favorable to Lobbyist A only to meet Lobbyist B in the hallway with an even larger sack of campaign contributions, better inside investment advice and a more luxurious travel plan. I mean, the Senator would appear foolish in the presence of all his colleagues. As citizens of the various states, we would not want our representatives to lose face in the Congress, would we? Of course we wouldn’t.

The Executive branch has been active, too. The President’s recent selection as a Nobel Laureate has caused the sound of laughter to ring in the halls of my home. Okay, it was my laughter and it may have been maniacal, but this is a priceless image. Imagine a racecar driver, who after driving 200 feet, pulls over and receives a trophy. Someone throws a spray of roses into the cockpit and a beautiful woman leans in for a big kiss. Several magnums (magnae?) of Champagne spew in celebration. Half the crowd goes wild with glee. The other half gapes in stunned disbelief. The driver sheepishly accepts the prize while wondering if he should rejoin the race or slink home in victory.

Please note: I do not believe the Nobel Prize fiasco is the President’s fault, at least not directly. George Will said it best on “George Stephanopoulos.” He said, “This award would destroy the Nobel Committee’s reputation for seriousness, if only they had a reputation for seriousness.” That is as close to a direct quote as I can create.


With thrills and chills like this in life, Halloween is beginning to look like just another day.