The folks at Powerline Blog agree with me that yesterday’s “Rule 21” stunt by Democrats in congress was a gift. Nothing like a little silliness on the part of Democrats to remind conservatives in general and Republicans in particular why it’s a good thing that Dems remain a minority party.

What mystifies me is the short-sighted nature of this stunt. I make my living in the corporate world, and it’s not an easy life. Despite what you may think, everyone works for their jobs everyday; from the newest recruit out of college to the CEO.

I work for a company that’s been pretty good to me over the years, both in the salary that I earn as well as the mentoring and training I’ve received from a lot of dedicated people. One thing drilled into me over and over again during my time as part of CorpAmerica is to ALWAYS think things out well in advance when launching a program of any kind.

Not only should you plan carefully in order to maximize the value of your program, you should think through as fully as possible both the intended and unintended consequences. Many times, in CorpAmerica, programs which are launched have a primary and secondary purpose, but there are ALWAYS unintended effects as well.

So, did DNC leaders fully consider the possible unintended effects of this stunt? I have some serious doubts on that score.

Their public statement spoke of the need to call attention to pre-war intelligence on Iraq and it’s use by the Bush Administration. And, indeed, Senate Dems did gain a commitment from Senate Republicans to form a committee to review the progress of another committee (don’t you love the way government works?), chaired by Pat Roberts, which is reviewing both the intelligence and the way it was used.

But is that it?

Did Senate Dems use what seems to me to be their own “nuclear” option just to get a committee appointed to investigate another committee? Yes, they received a bit of press as well, but, if that was their secondary purpose, it seems likely to hurt more than it helps them.

Even CNN commentators this morning were asking the question, “was this just some kind of stunt?” Needless to say, the initial press coverage may play better for Republicans than Democrats.

Why do I say this?

Because, upon hearing the initial reports regarding this move by Senate Dems, my very first impression, before rational thought took over, was that this was some kind of wierd ‘cout de tat’ on their part. But even as I read on into the AP story, I remained upset over the literal subversion of normal Senate business to complain about the same old thing that we’ve been
discussing, and debating, and investigating since almost the day Saddam was removed from power.

All this… for THAT?

No wonder they’re still the minority party.

David Flanagan
Viewpointjournal.com