Timing is everything.

[Godiva]

Now that the Republicans are in the minority, they're complaining that they have no input.

I guess the gander finally got sauced.

In June 2004, Nancy Pelosi proposed a "minority bill of rights" that would ensure *all*
Americans would have representation in the House. She wrote a letter to Dennis
Hastert suggesting it was perhaps unfair that the minority party was shut out of
the legislative process, and suggesting a few simple principles to remedy the
situation.
Pelosi's proposed Minority Bill of Rights.
Among her "outlandish" proposals, that Hastert didn't think even worthy of a
response:

Bills should only come to the floor after full hearings, open subcommittee and
committee markup, and with members having a full 24 hours to review legislation
prior to consideration at the subcommittee level.

Bills should normally be considered under a procedure that allows open, full and
fair debate consisting of a full amendment process that grants all members the
right to offer amendments or substitutes.

Members should be allowed a full 24 hours to examine bills and conference
reports before they come to the floor, and rules governing debate must be
reported before 10:00 pm for a bill to be considered the next day.

Pretty ridiculous, right? How dare those pushy Democrats make such demands.

Fast forward two and a half years.

This week, three Republican members are circulating Pelosi's proposal -- the
identical one they rejected without consideration when they were in the majority
-- and demanding it be implemented. Here's a copy of their letter:
Republican's proposed Minority Bill of Rights.

They have seen the light. They now agree, wholeheartedly, that the minority
party in fact should be allowed to participate in government. Hallelujah.

p.s. -- Pelosi already said, two weeks ago, that she intended to adopt these
rules. But I guess the Republicans want to try to make it look like they forced her
into it.

Now timing is everything.

Bush wants a balanced budget.

"President Bush said Wednesday he'll submit a proposal to balance the budget in five years and exhorted Congress to "end the dead of night process" of quietly tucking expensive pet projects into spending bills."

Well, I'm thinking maybe the time for this was.....uh....six years ago? Even five years ago? Now I'm all for a balanced budget and getting rid of the midnight pork buffet. While it's never too late, I just have to laugh at the timing.

Now he's talking about cooperation and bi-partisanship. No more "my way or the highway."

How interesting that this comes when there is suddenly a Democratic majority. And with only two years to go? As if the next president doesn't have enough on his plate. I have to wonder if this would be such a priority if the Republicans were still in control. (And for that matter, if Pelosi's minority Bill of Rights would even be considered if there were still a Republican majority.)

Yes, timing is everything.

[Jack Kelly]

The Repugnantkins have forfeited their right to much input, and they know it. Whatever Pelosi gives them will be gravy.

[Godiva]

The saddest thing is, that whatever is given to them they will feel is a right. (A right they'll do everything to abuse.)

And when once again the shoe is on the other foot, they will revert to business as usual.