One party, two party, three paries, ha

Juan Cole explains the hypocrisy at work in the latest Republican campaign meme — that we have to elected Republicans to the White House or the Senate to prevent one-party rule.

Moreover. the Republicans did have one-party rule in 2000-2006 and really did have all three branches of government under their control. Can anyone think of any major Republican leader in that period who argued that it was a bad thing and who urged voters to cast ballots for Democrats in order to restore some checks and balances?

On the contrary, the Republicans seriously considered abolishing the Senatorial tradition of requiring 60 for the passage of especially important measures such as confirming justices. They wanted to be more, not less, powerful, to exercise the prerogatives of one-party rule without let or hindrance.

Weird weather

Snow? In October? Maybe the Republicans can blame Barack Obama. Or, perhaps. Obama can blame George Bush.

And then there is the World Series — think Phillie fans are enjoying the weather?

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Intimations of winter

Yes. Winter is coming. Look at this morning temperature and weep. I'm not looking forward to this.

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