Smattering of quick notes
I have only a few quick observations today, so no long diatribes.
First off, three cheers for Stephen Colbert. If you missed it, go on C-Span’s website and check out his testimony before the House Sub-committee on Immigration and Border Security. He was testifying—in character, mind you—in favor of the AgJobs bill that would make it easier for undocumented workers to come fill vacant positions in the agricultural sector. Many produce companies are finding that, without migrant workers, they are unable to find people to work on their farms. Colbert participated in a program put on by the UFWA called “Take Our Jobs,” where they basically told Americans to put their money where their mouth is and come forward to take the jobs of migrant workers. 63,000 positions were available. 7 Americans, including Colbert, came forward. Colbert’s conclusion? The work is too hard and, if illegal workers want to do it, we should find a way to let them, legally. He was his usual smug self through most of it, until the very end, when a congresswoman asked him why he was interested in the topic. He paused and then, in an uncharacteristically genuine way, said he likes talking to people who do not normally have a voice. He want on to reference Jesus’s call to care for the least among us. He hit it out of the park.
The response has been resoundingly negative from both the media and politicians. The consensus is that he made a mockery of the United States Congress. (I was unaware they needed any help on that front). The fact is that politics has become increasingly theatrical. The best way to cut through it is with even better theater. That’s what Colbert delivered.
On a sadder note, Southwest is acquiring Air Tran, which will result in Baltimore ending it’s reign as primary hub between DC and New Hampshire. This may seem like an obscure thing to bemoan, but it is significant in terms of travel between the two during the New Hampshire primary. It is not a major blow, but it means less resources going into the Baltimore area. Hopefully, the damage won’t be too great, but I hate to see anything that deprives Balmer of what little capital/jobs base it has. The airport is not technically in the City, but it is an important source of jobs. Politicos are pleased about the added convenience, but the development looks gloomier from the north.
Dems seem to be slipping. Delaware looks a lot better, but now Wisconsin keeps looking worse and worse. I imagine a lot of people on the Left are holding out hope for Conway in Kentucky, but I find myself being rather incredulous. The crux of the issue is that when you’re neck and neck in the polls, but one side is more energized (as the Republicans are) the race isn’t really even at all. The fact that Washington is in play is especially unsettling.
