January 30, 2010
Why not?
We have suggested for years that Congress should establish an American version of the British "question time" and so should the Wisconsin Legislature. You have seen it on public TV: The Prime Minister goes into the well of Parliament to answer questions from MPs of all parties. It is fun, often riveting, full of suspense and it brings people into the debate in a meaningful way. Yesterday Barack Obama went to the Republican caucus (the well). He stood and answered questions. It was civil, instructive, and might lead to action.
At times it was humorous, at times tense, but at all times it beat hell out of a FOX News distortion of what was said. Obama did not use a TelePrompter and I think he won the day. The Republicans will look foolish if they continue to claim that they lack understanding of the health reform package. If they need dialog--invite him back to the well.
Bopped! James Bopp, Justice Gableman's counsel and Wisconsin's Right to Life's counsel, has demanded a litmus or purity test for anyone seeking office as a Republican. It seems extreme because he is, but the idea has some merit. Somewhere between demanding support for a party's platform and the Bopp test makes some sense. Every time I see Joe Lieberman grimace, I flip channels. Shouldn't Harry Reid do something about Mary Landrieu, Mo-Jo, and Ben Nelson? Why they call themselves Democrats is a mystery. To the well perhaps?
Arne Duncan: Secretary of Education Duncan said, "Katrina is the best thing that has happened to public schools in New Orleans." Whoa Arne, whoa. Even if you think it...
Did you feel inspired by the State of the Union speech? Good speech, but an hour too long, and too little passion. But compared to the Republican response--Gettysburg Address from Obama.
Telephone repairs pulled by right-wingers trying to tap Senator Landrieu's phones. Same people who set up ACORN. Prank? I don't think so.
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I know that you "have a thing" about Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Ed, but I think that he's a refreshingly different, and important voice in this critical field, and should be paid attention to. Check out the profile in this week's "The New Yorker." http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/02/01/100201fa_fact_rotella
-John Smart | Park Falls WI | January 30, 2010
What I thought peculiar most about the Republican response to the SOU speech was how lily white the governor's audience was.
There was a black woman and an non-caucasian male strategically placed behind the governor but when the cameras panned the assembled crowd of family and cronies, it was all white, but then white is a color, isn't it?
A contemporary version of get to the back of the bus?
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | January 30, 2010
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