How a Bill Becomes Law, the Bush Administration Edition

1. President Bush outlays some absolutely ridiculous plan, using magic elves and giant favors to his buddies in Texas, to solve a problem his administration played a role in worsening. He explains it to us like we are all kindergartners, despite the fact that he clearly shows little understanding of what he is saying.

2. Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid stop their feet, say we won't stand for this, and we'll defend the public.

3. There is some debate on the bill in Congress, and the Democrats do come up with a mostly reasonable bill that won't be an extreme rollover to the President.

4. President Bush refuses to sign a bill that doesn't look almost exactly like the one he feels meets the necessity for his "reality". Unfortunately, the reality of the Bush Administration is in no shape the same as the real one.

5. "Democrats" in the House and Senate get nervous, worrying about being challenged by a 3G Republican in their district or state, and beg Pelosi and Reid to back down.

6. The two parties "compromise". In other words, the Democrats get one or two minor concessions, assent to everything else the President wants, and call the bill a win-win scenario.

7. The bill passes the house by mostly partisan lines, and moves to the Senate.

8. A few senators will try to amend the bill, but it will be for naught. Trusty "Democrats" such as Lieberman, Mikulski, Landrieu, etc... will make sure no filibuster or actual debate occurs, and the bill passes with maybe one additional concession to the left.

9. Bush bitches about the concessions, and threatens to veto.

10. One of the concessions is removed, so President Bush will sign the bill.

11. President Bush signs the bill, but invalidates whatever displeases him by using signing statements as legal text, allowing him to do whatever the hell he wants.

12. Any problems generated directly from the passage of the bill, or those not solved by the bill, are blamed on the Democrats, who just can't keep from limiting the power of the Republicans. After all, the Republican party has no power whatsoever.

13. Some Democrats celebrate the "victory", and start bitching about their presidential candidate who wants to change things. Because the Democratic party is in such great shape, and doesn't need a change in attitude.

I sure hope you've enjoyed your unsullied skylines along the coastlines of America. Because coming soon will be oil wells, brought to you by Dubya and the oh-so-loyal opposition.