The humor behind politics

I'm completely convinced that nothing, not even Season 2 of Chapelle's Show, is funnier than politics.

I could go on and on about President Bush, but he makes too easy of a target. I could sling a few insults at Rummy, Condi, the Supreme Court, or the rest of the GOP, but what fun would that be? I could poke fun at the idiotic team of Democrats who constantly make a fool of themselves, but that joke is getting old.

Rather, I've found a few stories that gave me a good chuckle...

For starters, please tell me that you've been following the story of a certain corrupt official from Louisiana. As it appears, Representative William Jefferson (D-LA) has been caught taking bribes. Though they are only allegations, the evidence is pretty convincing. Is it just me or is the whole hiding $90000 in a freezer thing a bit shady? I mean, I've read about some pretty ridiculous made-for-TV plots out there, but this one takes the cake (the ice cream is OK because it's probably where he's stashing the rest of his loot. But I digress...). This is a story of corruption worthy of Spiro Agnew.

What I found even more amusing was that House Speaker Dennis Hastert publicly spoke out about the search of Jefferson's office (and -- *chuckle* -- his freezer). You'd think that the GOP, who have been on the losing end of corruption all year long, would be more interested in going for the kill here. Instead, in a shocking turn of events, he actually attacked the seize stating that it violates privacy and damages the "delicate balance of power among the branches of government." To make this story even more amusing, your President has ordered that the documents and evidence seized in this search be sealed for 45 days. Hmmm...

Is he really concerned about privacy rights (though his support of the Patriot Act suggests otherwise) or is he worried that maybe -- just maybe -- someone from the Department of Justice will start peeking in his freezer? It's funny how legislators don't mind molesting the Constitution and selectively applying it to things; until it hits close to home.

To spice up the humor a little more, I read about how members of the Congressional Black Caucus got all riled up when Nancy Pelosi moved that Jefferson resign from the Ways and Means committee until this whole thing was over. Is the CBC willing to stand by a fellow Black legislator even if he's a crook?! Hmm...

It'll be interesting to see how this story unfolds; particularly how the GOP, the Dems, and Black political leaders will respond. Will this corruption give the GOP a little more equilibrium for the upcoming midterms? Will Jefferson pull a race card? Will the Dems respond to allegations? Stay tuned...

Next story: I literally laughed myself into a stomach cramp when the "sounds of gunshots" at the Capitol were actually the sounds of workers in a nearby garage. So, if I'm not mistaken, the sound of a man working his garage can strike fear in the Capitol while it boasts the "best defense in the world"?! You will forgive me if I can't stop laughing at this one. So much for faith in Homeland Security...

Besides that, what makes this story even funnier (if that's possible) is that it seems to me that our nation's Capitol is full of cowards who must be doing a lot of shady stuff to get them so up in arms and paranoid. But, I'm not in the mood for conspiracy theories right now. I just want to laugh this one up for a little longer.

Next story: Normally, I hate using internet shortcodes. But when Ken Lay and Jeff Skilling were both convicted for conspiracy and securities & wire fraud, I could only think of one thing: "LOL"!

It's interesting (and probably funny) to see how long -- or should I say, how short -- their terms are going to be. Likewise, I'm curious to see if the assets they stole from their shareholders and employees will be restored to their rightful owners. Regardless to what happens, I'm having my own laugh-a-pa-looza here.

Next story: New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin won re-election last weekend. I was watching Fox News when the story broke. LOL! You really should have seen how shocked the reporter looked after he shared the news. Even after the infamous "Chocolate City" comment that Fox News analysts were sure spelled his demise, he pulled off a suprise political victory. That probably made a lot of writers -- who couldn't wait to present their pieces about how Nagin was dumped -- upset because that story would never make it across headlines. It was classic.

Now, comes the work. Can he deliver for the people of Naw'lins, as the hurricane season approaches? Will the federal government support him and the rest of the people in the Gulf Coastal region? Will the rebuidling efforts be successful for the sake of the thousands of homeless and displaced?

Next story: Although this is an older story, I was amused to read the article which reported that the Bushes have essentially given Katherine Harris, the Florida recount queen, the cold shoulder as she attempts to run for the Senate. Now, to be clear, I don't feel sorry for her at all. In fact -- like the rest of these stories -- I'm getting a stomach ache from laughing. But, how's this for an example of political betrayal. After virtually handing Dubya the election, they don't have the simple consideration to throw her a political bone. Whether this whole thing really is political betrayal or there is some sneaky, underhanded, and nefarious plotting being done, one thing's for sure: this story is hilarious to me.

Sometimes I wish I was cartoonist. The daily news would definitely keep me with something to joke about...

- ACL