Happy Hour Discurso

Today's opining on the public discourse.

Something to celebrate today, my darlings: Congress stood up to the President, the world didn't end, and Bush backed down:

Following up on an item from a couple of weeks ago, much to everyone’s surprise, House Democrats simply wouldn’t budge when the Bush administration demanded that Congress pass a permanent “Protect America Act” — with retroactive immunity for telecommunications companies. The law expired, the president threw a fit, and lawmakers broke for a two-week spring recess.

Despite claims that congressional inaction was responsible for increased threats against Americans, and despite demands that the president would never accept a compromise on surveillance power and telecom immunity, the White House indicated recently that the Bush gang might be willing to chat with Democratic leaders after all.

Earlier this week, The Hill reported that House Republicans, who had been shouting that the sky was falling as a result of the PAA’s expiration, have apparently decided to accept the status quo and turn their attention elsewhere.

The FISA fight is one I'd been watching closely, and it's good to see the Dems finally develop a spine on this. Now, was that so hard? No. Do continue with the spine.

Continuing our feast of delight, Alberto Gonzales is apparently discovering that being a lying shitbag sometimes means your chances for employment are somewhat dimmed:

In general, there’s nothing amusing about someone struggling to find a job. There are exceptions.

Alberto R. Gonzales, like many others recently unemployed, has discovered how difficult it can be to find a new job. Mr. Gonzales, the former attorney general, who was forced to resign last year, has been unable to interest law firms in adding his name to their roster, Washington lawyers and his associates said in recent interviews.

This warms my heart to an amazing degree. You know, despite appearances here, I'm generally a sympathetic and understanding person. I don't generally delight in the misfortune of others.

For former Bush officials, however, exceptions are made. Now, if only John Yoo et al would suffer the same fate, my evil delight will be complete.

And, to add the whipped cream to my pina colada:

A lawsuit against the Federal Election Commission, to be filed Monday in U.S. District Court, questions the agency's ability to enforce the law and review McCain's decision to opt out of the system. The Republican presidential candidate, who had been entitled to $5.8 million in federal funds for the primary campaign, decided earlier this year to give up that money so he
could avoid strict spending limits between now and the GOP's national convention in September.

During a conference call with reporters Sunday, DNC officials said the FEC is unable to act because four of its six seats are vacant. They want a judge to either order the FEC to begin an immediate review, or allow the Democratic Party to file a lawsuit against McCain's campaign
challenging his decision.

My darlings, I am simply soaring. Raise your glasses with me, now, for a toast: "It couldn't have happened to a better bunch of folks. May their woe be our rescue."

Salud!