Congress Is A Lot Like Catechism

Earlier this week, Carol and I were rapped up in the slow-motion train wreck known as “passing the stimulus package.”  As we watched what now passes for debate, I was struck by its similarity to some previous experiences in my life.

Watching Republican after Republican walk to the podium in both houses and repeat almost verbatim the same talking points as the previous Republican speaker, I thought to myself, “this is just like 3rd grade Catechism.”  But instead of going to the front of the class and reciting the memorized question and answer, they go to the podium and recite four memorized GOP talking points (no time to read it, it's a spending bill, we have a better plan, there was no debate) ad infinitum.

The major difference between 3rd grade Catechism and Republican congressional speakers is that when I was a child, I faced the menacing glare of Sister Mary Charles Bronson, making sure that I did not veer from the path.  The Republicans imagine the unseeing eye of Father Rush Limbaugh, hovering over them in spirit, to keep them on the Right and Narrow. And should they veer, Father Limbaugh will call down the wrath of those whose minds he owns, to hound the wanderers – incessantly and forevermore.

Sister Mary Charles Bronson's wrath of the ruler on our knuckles, was nothing compared to the wrath of Father Rush on the GOP.

Dave Bradley is a self-described retired observer of American politics “trying to figure out how we got so screwed up.”  An Iowa City native, currently living in West Liberty,  Dave and his wife Carol have two grown children who “sadly had to leave the state to find decent paying jobs.“