The 112th, 1st Session Agenda...maybe

I'm going to go out on a limb and predict something: Congress will return to session in the coming week or so and spend a great deal of time pounding its chest about 1) the victory in November and 2) the legislation passed before it left for its winter siesta. That's great. I'm glad they're going to gloat. At $800,000 per day for the cost of their service (The quotient of $174K times 1.3 (for benefit burden) times 538 all divided by 150 days), it's likely money well spent. Right?

So, then, where was I? Ah, yes. After their ham and turkey have digested, our fellow citizens will get about to the business of the people. What does the session promise to deliver? Here's what I see.

• More blather about health care. My guess is the Republicans will try to overturn it, but when push comes to shove, the less fortunate, who make up both parties, will speak up and everyone will understand the implications that votes are on the line and then back off. It should have never been passed in the first place. We need incentives for healthiness. Holding breath. Turning blue.
• Energy independence. I sense that this will come up again, climate change and all. Look. We have choices to make. Better, more energy-efficient choices or less. I see nothing coming from those wanting changes in energy policy. If there is, it will be, as other legislation has been, lip service to real problem: America has decided to outsource its buying power to other nations in the interest of letting everyone play in the sandbox. Until that stops, we're lucky if candle prices remain steady.
• Debt ceiling. We love debt. I see continued mushrooming of our national debt. We'll still get our $4 lattes and sigh when we read how inflation is running rampant and interest rates are climbing higher. Who's getting all that interest? Not you and I.
• Pork fat. I don't see a tremendous amount of change in Washington. I think there will be continuation of earmarks and pork barrel projects. Some owl somewhere is thankful. Look, I like owls. I do. I don't like government being their caretakers. "Well, then, who should be their caretakers?" comes the question. Other owls, of course.

I'm sure we have had these topics in the past and they will surface in the future. The ultimate outcome: more or less the same as it has been for the last fifty years. Still pounding that chest? Does it hurt? It's okay. Congressional health care perks are the tops.

As always, be thankful for what you have, buy only what you need, and work diligently for peace. Call your representative today and urge him or her to introduce and support legislation backing term limits.