Colbert

I have no idea why Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats invited Stephen Colbert to testify before the House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law. Colbert is a funny guy and his satire is certainly pointed, but what was the point of displaying it here? Certainly he couldn't (and didn't) add any new facts that would be useful to the committee. Except for his sarcastic remark about the usefulness of congress, which drew a few laughs, his performance was actually a bit embarrassing since one expected a serious investigation of a serious topic. Other witnesses were reportedly miffed.

Once again the Dems have demonstrated a tin ear for politics. It's not that Congress doesn't waste time, but why underline the fact? There are "celebrities" who actually have done a lot of good things and have real expertise; Colbert does not seem to be one of them.

The whole thing is particularly sad because I have a strong feeling that the Dems are going to sell out on tax cuts for the rich when Congress takes it up again after the elections. Many of them are sorry excuses for representatives, and value their re-election more than they do passing laws that will benefit the country (and even their districts). The deserve Colbert's (and Stewart's and our) scorn -- but this was simply not the right time and place.

(The Republicans are, of course, beneath contempt -- or have I already said that?)