Democrats Beat The Clock

Following the 'Do-Nothing' 109th Congress, Speaker Pelosi's heralded '100 hours' agenda was completed in only forty-two hours of legislative time. When the Democratic party took charge in the House of Representatives they immediately passed ethics reforms where there was hardly any ethical behavior occuring. From there the 9/11 resolutions were implemented, the minimum wage was boosted, the government was allowed to negotiate with the pharmaceutical companies for fair prices, take subsidies away from the filthy rich oil industry and reduce the cost of student loans.

If they can do all of that in forty-two hours, imagine what the next two years will be like. Even the Republicans were in awe of the strength and resolve of the Democrats implementing the plans we've had that many on the right claimed never existed.

Speaker Pelosi had some words to share and blogged on HuffPost yesterday:

As President Bush called for an escalation of the war, I made my position clear both in a joint letter with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to the President, and in an interview with Bob Schieffer on CBS' "Face the Nation": no escalation. Adding more combat troops will only endanger more Americans and stretch our military to the breaking point for no strategic gain. The American people have spoken on this issue, and so too have President Bush's own generals. In November the American people sent a resounding message that they want a new direction in Iraq, not more of the same. In December, General Abizaid testified before the Senate that in his conversations with General Dempsey and with General Casey, they believe that adding more troops will not improve the situation.

When I addressed my colleagues and the nation after receiving the Speaker's gavel, I talked about the war and the need for a new direction to the applause of many Republicans. When I talked about the responsible redeployment of our troops, a standing ovation pervaded throughout the House, and certainly not just Democrats. This isn't just about Democrats; this is about the American people. They are watching to see what difference this election can make. The President ought to heed their message. We should not be obliged to an open-ended war, and as Speaker, I can assure you that the days of the blank check for President Bush in Iraq are over.

On Iraq and on all of these issues, there is a palpable feeling in the halls of Congress, one that I hope all who read this are sensing as well: Progress is possible again.

Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) had this to say:

"Bully for the Democrats...They did what we didn't have the guts to do when it matters."

Thats right Flake, we are in charge and we are getting things done to reform America for the better. Watch out world here we come!

Republicans Fall Like A House Of Cards

Something that looked so big and powerful when it swept into office twelve years ago is now nothing but an illusion. Last November's 'thumpin' by the Democratic party crushed Bush's failed agenda. Of course the Do-Nothing 109th Congress hardly got anything passed for the President. Bush didn't take that lying down however, he just ruled with his iron-coated fist. The President simply made 'laws' as he went, telling the American people about it on occasion if it seemed necessary to cover his ass. The loser in his trek was the United States, its citizens and the constitution which our great nation was founded on.

Now we enter a new era with the beginning of the Democratic-controlled 110th Congress. The Republicans are fracturing worse than fault lines in East Asia. Democrats are cruising through Speaker Pelosi's 100 hours plan, passing much needed reform that can help our country regain its footing at home. In addition to the necessary reforms, the Congress is renewing its commitment to provide checks and balances on the Executive branch. Oversight and accountability can be seen with the likes of the tenacious Sen. Webb, Rep. Waxman and many others.

Now that the party of the people is in charge, the once formidable Republican caucus is in tatters. Many Republicans crossed party lines to vote for Democratic bills, often providing veto-proof majorities. The long, dark shadows of men like Dennis Hastert and Tom DeLay have been crushed by the powerful light that the Democratic leadership is showing. One hundred hours has not even passed (in legislative time) and so much has been done already, with so much more hope and reform to come.