I've seen the clip of the Democrats standing and applauding at the point where President Bush in commenting on the failure of his social security reform last year at least half a dozen times today--I don't think too many people were impressed.

Hillary Clinton's beaming smile at the recollection of having perpetuated the biggest boondoggle in U.S. history is a golden opportunity for a future campaign spot.

For me, it was just a reminder at how closely the Democrats resemble the Mafia. As a matter of fact, I simply don't know whether the Mafia copied their exploitation of the Teamster's Pension fund from the Democrats plan for Social Security, or the other way around.

George Pataki was on television a few moments ago mouthing platitudes that make me wretch--"the American people are sick and tired of the atmosphere of partisanship in Washington..."

A guy with clearly no clue about what the American people want should just forget about running for president.

From my observation, what Americans want is tied to their support of a specific set of policies. They in fact want obstructionism when those favored policies are threatened and cooperation when those policies are being advanced. Nobody cares whether Ted Kennedy and Bill Frist get along or not.

Finally, the moaning about record profits for Exxon is simply ridiculous. While the liberal-left were quick to point out who got hurt when Enron collapse, they conveniently ignore the fact that these are also the people who are clicking their heels and walking with a spring in their step when they got the news. Democrats are calling for Exxon to give the money back, but to who? The money belongs to millions or ordinary American shareholders who deserve a return on their investment. The whole thing is made even more outrageous by the fact that oil companies are taxed like crazy to begin with. The profit on a gallon of gasoline amounts to a nickel or so. If you dismantle Exxon tomorrow, you'll pay 2.25 a gallon instead of 2.30 (Actually you'd probably pay more since reduced competition drives up prices...)

Fundamentally, politics is all about this group, that group, this party, that party, this politician or that politician exploiting your colossal ignorance, your fear or your greed. We can't do much about the latter to, but it occurs to me that that bloggers do the most good when they make a sincere effort to educate and persuade (by legitimate means).