Washington has become Constantinople

[^_^ 5,021]

A general breakdown in governance

Washington [has] basically become Constantinople.

Last night, the House of Representatives was actively working on a bill that would not even be brought to the floor in the Senate and would face certain death at the president's desk. But let's think about that fact for a minute. Is this the way American government is supposed to work? Seriously? Back room negotiations between the speaker and the president? Bills that are written up on the fly and go nowhere? Bills that never even get considered for a vote for the other body? Bills that are vetoed before they are even passed?

Think about this: Guess how many vetoes President Obama has issued. The answer is two. The average for presidents is 48. FDR vetoed an average of 53 bills per year and he never once had to deal with Republican majorities. President Obama has less vetoes than Warren Harding—and he was only president for four months! It seems to me the system isn't working properly when the president isn't seeing bills he doesn't like. That isn't a sign of a healthy separation of powers or checks and balances.

The Senate hasn't passed a budget in years. Bills that should be written the proper way, by the committee designed for the issue or policy, are not written in committee. They're written in backrooms by the leadership. Bills are not sent between the chambers for up-or-down votes. Filibusters stop even the most routine matters of business. The average Congressperson can't even write a bill, have it clear a committee, come to the floor for a vote, and then send it onward for consideration. This has gotten so bad, we can't even get conference committees established.

Now, as a result of all this, we have enabled a group of crazy people who have been given the power to cripple—literally cripple—the federal government itself. This, the richest most powerful nation on Earth, actually has to figure out how to do coin tricks in order to keep from default. What we are experiencing here is a general breakdown in the basic functioning of American government.

[TBoneTX 46,166]

They're really talking Turkey, si man.

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

I think your going to see democrats with the majority in both houses in two years. Just wait two years and it will fix itself.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Washington not Constantinople

Now it's Washington not Constantinople

Been a long time gone, Constantinople

Now it's Beltway Delight on a moonlit night

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

I think your going to see democrats with the majority in both houses in two years. Just wait two years and it will fix itself.

You won't see too many House seats switch, not with Republicans firmly in control of most of the legislatures and governorships, at least until after 2020.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Washington not Constantinople

Now it's Washington not Constantinople

Been a long time gone, Constantinople

Now it's Beltway Delight on a moonlit night

Love it!

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Love it!

And now that song will be caught in your head all day.

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

You won't see too many House seats switch, not with Republicans firmly in control of most of the legislatures and governorships, at least until after 2020.

IE redistricting?

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

IE redistricting?

Yep. After the next census, if demographics change enough to matter, and they probably will. 2010 was good for Republicans across the country.