Washington Political News Goes From the Inside Out

Reading news of the recent rules change in the Senate creating more control over filibusters, I felt a bit as though I were reading a scientific article from the English academy. The terms "two-thirds", "simple majority", and "nuclear option" kept coming up in a most confusing manner. Because of a prior background on the subject I was able to interpret the report and come up with a reasonable understanding in my mind. The upshot of this news is a defeat for the New Right, the Radical Right. When there are children in the Senate, or adults acting like children, the rules must fit the situation. I look forward to a Senate where the majority rules, with the rights of the minority protected -- but not the right to forever delay action.

Changing Times

As events develop in the world and in my own life, I find myself amidst changed circumstances. Readers here will notice my frequency of posting is down this month. With new work obligations I have considerably less free time. Unfortunately, this web log has suffered as a result. However, it is also true that national and world events have been moving at an even faster pace. Often, important events have occurred which have been reported with sketchy details. Some stories I would not have even reported on due to insufficient information. An example of this wwas the report the Obama administration had been warned about impending problems with the national health care web site months before its launch. I am considering issuing a call for help on The Musical Patriot. I have not made a final decision. When this decision is made I will let everyone know. For now, it is clear that the importance of the issues facing us deserves careful treatment. I enjoy opining, but it has always been important to me to do so only with the backing of at least some facts. More later. Stay with me.

A Happening Life

Dear Reader, Between out-of-state travel by train, and the recovery period, I have been away from this blog for a couple of weeks. It is a pleasure to return to writing about current events with whatever skill and inspiration I can muster. Admist all the turmoil of these days, I continue to see hope. The biggest difficulty in one way, is trying to stay connected to people, especially people of hope. I feel it is possible to strengthen our connections with one another. However, not always do our leaders help us, to say the least. However, one of the most hopeful developments was the success of non-tea party Republicans in last week's elections. We continue to be frustrated by this errant, irresponsible wing of an already rightist so-called major party in the U.S. House. However, their power is declining after the debacle of the partial government shut-down last month. Let us hope their power continues to decline.