Happy Thanksgiving
by mcjoan

On this Thanksgiving Day, I'm thankful to Sen. Jim Webb, Sen. Byron Dorgan, and Sen. Jack Reed. Why?

Hoping to preempt President Bush from making controversial recess appointments, Senate Democrats decided on Tuesday that they would stay in session over the Thanksgiving break. The move ensures that the President cannot install several disputed executive branch officials in Congress' absence....

"My hope is that this will prompt the President to see that it is our mutual interests for the nominations process to get back on track," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-NV, said of the parliamentary move. "While an election year looms, significant progress can still be made on nominations. I am committed to making that progress if the President will meet me half way. But that progress can't be made if the President seeks controversial recess appointments and fails to make Democratic appointments to important commissions."

Sen. Webb was on the floor on Tuesday, Sen. Dorgan will come in tomorrow, and Sen. Reed next week, on Tuesday and Thursday. Their willingness to interrupt their family celebrations, put on their suits, and speak to an empty floor to prevent Bush from forcing any more of his singularly unqualified nominees on the nation is truly a public service. Particularly as they are saving us from would-be Surgeon General James W. Holsinger, the anti-gay founder of Hope Springs Community Church, which includes in its ministry "curing" gays.

So thank you, Senators. We appreciate your diligence.