What the new Congress means

It means more of the same. I realized this yesterday when Rep. William Jefferson, the Democrat from Louisiana who's under FBI investigation for bribery received a standing ovation from the Congressional Black Caucus. I was thinking "Has Tom Delay returned?" So much for ethics reform.

There appears to be little difference between Republicans and Democrats anymore. Both want to liberally spend the public's money for their own pet projects, mainly to ensure their reelection. Just the priorities are different, whether they go to new community centers or faith based initiatives.

Ultimately what is happening, as the legislature increases in corruption, divisiveness, and ineffectiveness, the executive branch will increase in power. We saw the first sign of this after 9/11 and a swelling of government interference after Hurricane Katrina. Even as the Left hoped to hurt Bush by choosing to blame him for the flooding of New Orleans, they were giving the President increased powers to meddle in state affairs.

This demise of the legislative branch is what Democrats fear most, yet by refusing real reform they are not losing power, but giving it away. The people will demand it.