With the question of a special legislative session being debated, you can rest assured that while public attention is focused on the Superferry, there are lots of agendas and personal conditions being put forward as individual legislators seek secret side deals to get something out of what looks like a politically stacked deck. Some are demanding the release of district CIP funds that Lingle has withheld, while I’m sure others are being more creative. In any case, the high pressure and time constrained decision making creates an atmosphere ripe for deal making. But, I suppose, that’s what politics is all about.
Speaking of politics, I think you can zap those rumors that Neil Abercrombie might return to the state and run for governor in 2010. With the Democrats in control of Congress and nearly two decades of seniority, Neil is finally in a position to get things done in Washington and to get the attention that goes with that status. That’s not something you walk away from.
Neil made the New York Times this week with the lopsided House vote in favor of his bill to add new criminal penalties for contract fraud in war zones, such as Iraq. This followed on the heels of passage of the Tanner-Abercrombie bill, another high profile piece of legislation carrying Neil’s name.
Even his particular brand of left-leaning pragmatic politics has been getting attention. A Congressional Quarterly story this week quotes a bit of Neil’s political wisdom:
Abercrombie, a former Vietnam War protester who now chairs an Armed Services subcommittee, said the choice facing today’s anti-war movement is much like the one that faced the Vietnam protesters: “Do you want to take a stand, or do you want to have an impact?
And Neil’s role in the Democratic Caucus was the lead in a story appearing in The Hill last month.
Neil’s paid his dues for a long time to get to this position, and I can’t image him walking away for a run at the 5th floor.
Now for something more serious. Food. New neighbor Doug put on another display of his cooking skills last weekend. Luckily for us, he has a lot of fun whipping up incredible meals. This time around it was a bit simpler but equally delicious. Pupus, followed by a fresh pesto on pasta (not homemade pasta yet, but I’ll be that’s coming soon), and then slow cooked beef short ribs in a marsala wine sauce, served with beautiful polenta. Accompanied with appropriate quantities of red wine. Even Mr. Toby came over to beg a few scraps of ham.
And, of course, it’s Friday again and time for the week’s felines.
This time I’ve got a few photos taken late yesterday afternoon. There was just enough light remaining to get some great shots of whoever happened to be around the house. As usual, bring out the camera and it attracts cats. Anyway, click on Ms. Wally and enjoy this week’s Friday Felines.
Sounds kind of like the superferry deal is a republican trick of getting your attention on nonsense while they steal all the money while you’re watching the nonsense
Tidbit from the Maui News (in a longer article about how the Superferry’s email campaign is backfiring):
“If there is a special session, English said, he will demand as Senate transportation chairman that public hearings be held on Kauai, Maui and the Big Island before the Legislature takes action.”
Good for him!
Good stuff, but Toby is conspicuous by his absence.