Congress: The pet theory

It explains how the loud snarling on healthcare reform has been reduced to a whimper. It also makes it clear that financial regulation will have most of its teeth removed — the same for cap-and-trade — anything that can threaten those who control that kibble we know as campaign contributions.

It is true a few members of a breed in the House and Senate are alpha dogs so powerful they can turn up their noses at these tidbits in disdain. They are such well-established leaders they only follow their beliefs.

Dominant individuals though they may be, they still have to placate the lesser members of the pack, all those yapping for the little treats that they use to fend off attackers back home. They need to perform if they want to keep coming back to the Capitol Kennel.

In this world, the political puppies are controlled by the fat-cats. They are the handlers who know just how to get them to roll over and play dead so the taxpayers fund their pet projects. They also make sure they don’t have to clean up the messes they make.

This is what always made the expression “Change you can believe in” seem so naïve. Pardon still another of these tortured canine metaphors, but the entrenched are well-aware they pay for watchdogs to protect their special interests with just a few of their crumbs.

They know that if you want a friend in Washington, buy a member of Congress.

Visit Mr. Franken’s website at www.bobfranken.tv.