A Stitch in Haste

Not in their committees, apparently:

Schlozman didn't get any relief from the grilling from Senate Republicans during the first part of the hearing, as none showed up.

That's one way to learn who your friends are — or are not.

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When it comes to the moral defectiveness of Congress, let it not be said that I am all criticism all the time:

Ms. Pelosi allowed the Iraq war spending bill to clear the House with predominantly Republican votes while most Democrats — including her — opposed it. It was a marked departure from the principle that guided Mr. Hastert during his years as speaker.

Mr. Hastert was an advocate of governing the House by a "majority of the majority" — a standard he thought best served the interests of his Republican members and, by extension, the nation. Just months into her tenure, Ms. Pelosi has shown she will deviate from that approach, balancing the potential of significant rewards against big risks.

Entirely as it should be. "Majority of the majority" — it is painful for me just to type it — is a despicable hyper-partisan practice that has no place in any legislature. A democratically elected body should have the integrity to act democratically. Indeed it must if it is to lay any claim to legitimacy — a daunting challenge for Congress under the best of circumstances.

I am still spitting nails over the unconscionable inclusion of an increase in the minimum wage in that very same Iraq War emergency spending bill. In a sane world with sane legislators, two entirely separate issues would mean two entirely separate votes. So Madam Speaker may have a leg up on her predecessor, but her leadership is hardly cum laude.

But in this one very narrow context, I tip my hat to her.