July 16, 2009
Mind your manners, Al
You can always spot a rookie. Al Franken is a Senate rookie. Too straight-forward, shall we say? When Senators go before the cameras in an attempt to demonstrate just how smart they are--smarter than the Judge catching their softballs--the game quickly becomes tiresome. A great staff-written question, asked by a brilliant Senator, like a slow curve ball, drops below the witness table. The Judge has no intention of answering the question so she takes a half-hearted swing and misses the ball. The Senator, all buffed by the Senate barber and make-up staff, appears frustrated, shrugs, tight smile appears--his moment is over. He plays the game. New inning.
What did Franken do in his first week? He did what you might have done. He bluntly asked Judge Sotomayor: "So that means you're not going to tell us?" He was asking about voting rights--a rather important topic. But C'mon Al, not so blunt! If Sotomayor gives real answers, the next thing you know the senators might engage in meaningful discussion with her!
Contrast Franken's outburst with Lindsey Graham's showboating. "She's doing good." Oh, thank you professor Lindsey Graham for your evaluation. Thank you.
How good is she doing? Lindsey just might vote for her, but his "decision could hinge on follow-up questions he plans to ask." You know, I know, Lindsey knows--she won't answer any questions. Whoa Nelly! So what is your point Lindsey? Oh, you don't have one, but you may get more time on the evening news? I like the rookie's question.
Tell me again why appointing judges is better than electing them? (Did you know that Governor Doyle appointed two new judges in Dane County? Who are they? Why did he appoint them? "So, you aren't going to tell us?")
I told you yesterday I'd comment on the new kid on the block, the Wisconsin Business Council, but there isn't much to say. Another Jim Wood creation to provide yet another pro-business anti-worker agenda, headed by, hold your seat, the guy who stuck a knife in community television for AT&T. Watch your wallet, folks.
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