The Commonwealth of Blogistan

Formerly known as "The People's Republic of Blogistan," we are under "New Management," so to speak. (cough). The "Real Westerners" pledge a democratic and clean government based on the virtues of honesty, decency, and hard work. We accept all major credit cards but are sometimes closed on weekends. No vaccinations are required, but a current passport and a visa are necessary. Inquire before traveling.

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Name: Ed Waldo
Location: of The West

I am a fictional construct originally conceived as a pen name for articles in the Los Angeles FREE PRESS at the 2000 Democratic Convention. The plume relating to the nom in question rests in the left hand of Hart Williams, about whom, the less said, the better. Officially "SMEARED" by the Howie Rich Gang. And now, smeared by Fox News and Sean Hannity, as well! Plus, FEARED by Ted Nugent! AND Hated by the Freepers!

15 November 2007

Former Speaker Hastert Speaks

Can you say "hypocrite"?

Hastert urges Capitol Hill civility in farewell


By Christi Parsons and Rick Pearson
Tribune staff reporters
8:43 PM CST, November 15, 2007

WASHINGTON - Delivering his farewell address to Congress, former House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) on Thursday bemoaned the "pool of bitterness" he believes exists in the nation's capital and urged his colleagues to try and work together in civility after he is gone.

"I continue to worry about the breakdown of civility in our political discourse," Hastert told lawmakers. "When I addressed this chamber for the first time as your speaker, I noted that solutions to problems cannot be found in a pool of bitterness. Those words are as true today as they were then."

Speaking to an audience that included his wife, Jean, and former House Minority Leader Robert Michel of Peoria, Hastert called upon fellow lawmakers to be passionate advocates for their beliefs but also to be "civil, open-minded and fair."

But soon Hastert won't be around to help with that cause. After more than two decades in the Congress, the west suburban Republican plans to step down—probably by the end of the month, friends say—to make way for a replacement. [more]

One wonders whether "stepping down" so that a hand-picked replacement can be named to run as an incumbent -- thus "gaming" the system -- falls under the aegis of "civility." The Commonwealth of Blogistan would welcome the return of democracy to the United States of America.

Fat chance.

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