All Quiet On Capitol Hill

JUST THE OTHER DAY Congress passed a bill funding Obamacare. This is a scoop, for two reasons: these days Congress hardly ever passes anything, let alone something the republicans hate as much as they hate obamacare. And yet, the bill slid smoothly through the legislative progress, without acrimony, histrionics, or even the semblance of a good debate. The republican legislators finally figured out that blocking appropiations bills and shutting down the government is bad politics, particularly in an election year. In a non election year, like last year, we had all the usual spear throwing and government down shutting. When the elections are finally over, in November, all the hostility will begin anew, and all will be normal in America. In the autumn of odd numbered years, such as 2011 and 2009, we have all the drama and righteous anger. During the autumn of even numbered years, we the American people have mature, dignified, pleasant cooperation in our government and political parties, almost as if some astrological force were at work. Smooth sailing in odd numbered years, acrimony in even numbered years. You may be sure the trend will continue in the future.