IMAGINE, just for a second, if the Kansas Highway Patrol worked like Congress. It might look something like this:
“Look, Al, I think that’s another speeder.”
“I think you’re right, Frank.”
“We sure do get a lot of speeders on this road, don’t we, Al?”
“You’ve got that right, Frank.”
“Do you think we ought to do something about it? Like maybe pull somebody over?”
“I don’t know, Frank. This is kind of a dangerous traffic situation. I’d hate to interfere and wind up making matters worse. And nobody likes getting a traffic ticket.”
“You’ve got a point, Al. But I can’t help feeling we should do something.”
“Hey, I got it! Why don’t we just stand by the side of the road and shout ‘Slow down!’ at the cars as they go by. We’ll be on record as opposing the speeding but without actually impeding the drivers’ progress in carrying out their goals.”
“Sounds good to me, Al. All in favor?”
A regular profile in courage, don’t you think? And if you don’t agree, I’m sure the U.S. House of Representatives will.
For the last couple of days, the House’s Democrats have been patting themselves on the back for challenging the president. Their victory: a non-binding resolution that opposes sending any more troops to Iraq.
It’s been called a turning point by some, a disaster by others. I prefer to simply call it what it is — a wasted effort.
Congress had the chance to take a stand. Instead, it took a photo op.
I have nothing against non-binding resolutions. As a columnist, they’re my stock in trade. I take all sorts of positions that I have no power to enforce, just to get a conversation going, make someone think and fill 18 column inches for another week.
But Congress is a different animal. It not only has the words, it has the power to back them up. And with President Bush’s call to put more troops into Iraq, it even had the opportunity.
The House could have decided the president’s actions went too far and denied funding for the reinforcements.
It could have decided to swallow its distaste for the move and let the surge go ahead in the interest of trying to salvage something from Iraq.
Instead, it wasted three days of time and energy on a vote that did nothing except say ‘Bad boy, bad boy” to the White House. A vote that gave the appearance of opposition without the consequences.
Forgive me for failing to see the heroism.
Action can still be taken. The one vote that matters — the vote for funding — is still ahead. But it could have been closer to hand if Congress had spent less time debating symbols and more time considering reality.
Shouting from the sidelines only does so much. Sooner or later, you’ve got to make a decision.
As Al and Frank might say, that’s the ticket.
Scott Rochat’s e-mail address is rochat@emporiagazette.com.