Lies, Damn Lies and campaign promises

It was a solemn pledge, repeated by Democratic leaders and candidates over and over: If elected to the majority in Congress, Democrats would implement all of the recommendations of the bipartisan commission that examined the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

But with control of Congress now secured, Democratic leaders have decided for now against implementing the one measure that would affect them most directly: a wholesale reorganization of Congress to improve oversight and funding of the nation’s intelligence agencies. Instead, Democratic leaders may create a panel to look at the issue and produce recommendations, according to congressional aides and lawmakers.

In other words, we said whatever we thought would get us elected, and now we’re going to begin backpedaling as quickly as possible. Of course, if you expected different from politicians (and I’ll beat both sides with this particular stick), then you really have been living under a rock your entire life.

It’s like the old joke:

Q: How do you tell a politician is lying?
A: Watch his mouth. If it moves, he’s lying.

Of course, by going with a commission, they hope to avoid any major reforms that would effect Congress while at the same time passing the buck for their inaction to what is sure to be a “blue ribbon panel” of unelected so-and-sos. This means the so-and-sos can’t be held accountable, and no matter what the recommend, Congress can plead that “they’re were just following the recommendations of the panel.

It’s a lovely racket, and one that Democrats seem to specialize in.

Are all you people who “sent a message” happy yet?