The Half-Arsed Hundred Hours
by Patrick Ruffini :: January 18th, 2007 6:35 pmConsider this a lesson in how not to make news.
So, it was going to be the First 100 Hours.
Then it was going to be the first 100 legislative hours. It’s been 342 hours since the Democrats took over — plenty of time to squeeze in those 100 hours.
But no. It turns out we are actually in the 42nd hour of the Democrat 100 Hours — with all the agenda items complete.
Is it 100 hours? 342? Or 42? I’m thoroughly confused.
Talk about a monumentally mismanaged rollout. First, come up with a benchmark that means something different than it says. Then show people how little grasp you have of Congress by actually working less than half as hard as you promised over the “100 Hours” period.
And the 100 342 42 Hours is supposed to get people all excited and singing “Happy Days Are Here Again?”
Tagged: congress 
democrats nancy pelosi steny hoyer
Comments (47) 
Trackbacks (2) 
del.icio.us 
digg it 
subscribe
Both comments and pings are currently closed.
I noticed we aren’t hearing a lot about poll numbers these days. Knew there must have been something wrong.
Half-arsed is right. Those freedom loving donks are trying to take all your rights away in the first few weeks. But at least we are safe from the prying evil Bush eyes who we knows was after our library card information. I feel better already.
Hey douche, how many hours did your conservatard house meet in the last session, and what did they accomplish?
Keep counting those hours d00d, don’t consider how increasingly irrelevant you have become.
Kathy,
The poll in question also shows Pelosi’s disapproval at only 24%, much lower than Bush’s disapproval.
Very convenient that you forgot to mention that.
Rizelico
Given that Pelosi’s approval rating is 51%, and has more than doubled since the election, I’d say you don’t know what you’re talking about. http://www.mydd.com/story/2007/1/16/16545/9786
Hey, 6 big bills passed in 42 hours, with republicans eagerly and meekly going along with most of them (to help cover their butts in 2008). I can’t even think of anything the republicans accomplished in 42 hours or more in the last congress other than huddling together to ward off attacks for harboring a pedophile.
But, hey, if that’s all your side has… be proud of it… I guess.
So, wait… Kathy, did you not know that Pelosi’s approval rating is higher than Shrub’s? Or did you just hope no one would notice?
In other words, are you ignorant? Or disingenuous?
Either way, Shrub is your man!
What a splendid and really unique post. I simply cannot imagine a stupider concept than “They achieved all they promised in less than half the time that people didn’t really think they could do it in; therefore, they are losers.”
Sighhh. If only my managers back in the day when I was programming for a salary had had that attitude toward the idea of coming in under budget.
Hey, Patrick?
What did history sound like as it passed you by?
Here’s the problem. It’s January 18 - and if all they’ve done is work 42 hours this year, then that’s extremely poor. Most of us have done double that and then some in two weeks. Only a liberal can view that as a great achievement. And what happened to the much ballyhooed five day work week. Let’s see. They began Jan 4th. That’s 4.2 hours/day. Stellar. Absolutely Magic.
That’s what I meant about girls and math - her math is somewhat challenged. And then proof that vanity works on a weak mind, you guys are PROUD of it.
But hey, President George W. Bush, he’s not your guy.
CNN - don’t they only poll democrats? Sure looks that way.
So you’re upset that, even though this Congress has accomplished more to serve the American people as a force for good then the last six Congresses combined did, it’s not enough? Wow. Just… wow. Get a clue: that 42 hours represents legislative time, meaning time when the floor of the House was open for debate. To pretend that the Congress wasn’t working the rest of the time… well, again, are you ignorant or disingenuous?
And, of course, a scientifically conducted poll wouldn’t meet with your approval. Shrub’s 30% only believes in Faith-Based Polling.
Kathy,
Don’t talk down to me. I minored in math in college.
Of course 38 is larger than 33. The fact that you needed someone’s help in determining so says a lot about you!
So they accomplished their goals in half the time they set out to use, and somehow it’s a FAILURE?
Remember Dick Cheney’s prediction on how long we would be in Iraq? “It could last six days, six weeks. I doubt six months.”
How’s that turning out?
Rizelico,
I’m happy that you went to college, it wasn’t evident. The question was rhetorical.
Reason,
This congress has done six things (Reason, is that a misnomer?).
And you want to call those six things “hanging the moon”. It’s so sad as to be pathetic.
Hey - the hours thing - that was disingenuous at the outset - and you’ll recall is the topic of this thread. That would be the point- it’s all in how you count, isn’t it?
But if you want something to compare it to - look at the “Original Contract with America”.
The new democrat “Contract With Al-Qaeda” is a delight to all the terrorists in the middle east, and a few simpletons here at home.
Did Pelosi manage to keep Starkist’s Minimum Wage exemption? Imagine ethics reform at the same time she’s trying to wedge out special interest minimum wage exemptions while enforcing it for the everyone else, seemed ….. disingenuous….
Stellar. Yup - Magic. I’m surprised people aren’t dancing in the streets. That Pay-Go thing - be careful what you wish for, ’cause with the minimum wage hike, inflation moves up, things cost more and guess what you have to raise taxes to Pay as you Go. And attacking the oil companies - that’s an easy target. And that’s half of your miracle right there. That’s wondrous improvements to you? You need to get out more.
So let me get this straight, six bills in two weeks that are relatively non-contentious and hardly earth-shattering… is an achievement?
Here’s what Republicans did in 1994:
On the first day of their majority, the Republicans promised to hold floor votes on eight reforms of government operations:
* require all laws that apply to the rest of the country also apply to Congress;
* select a major, independent auditing firm to conduct a comprehensive audit of Congress for waste, fraud or abuse;
* cut the number of House committees, and cut committee staff by one-third;
* limit the terms of all committee chairs;
* ban the casting of proxy votes in committee;
* require committee meetings to be open to the public;
* require a three-fifths majority vote to pass a tax increase;
* and implement a zero base-line budgeting process for the annual Federal Budget
You can find that article here.
There’s more on what republicans accomplished in that article. Compare and you’ll understand why this ‘celebration’ is silly.
LOLLERS THEY GOT SHIT DONE FASTER THAN THEY EXPECTED DEMOCRATS SUCK HURRRRR
Moron.
Repack Rider,
The combat operations were over in three weeks.
But it’s so nice to see that our difficulties and loss of life in Iraq are a source of glee to someone. You and the insurgents can celebrate it together.
So why are we still in Iraq some 203 weeks later taking casualties today at levels that match the initial invasion…
hmmm let me guess you are going to blame that part somehow on a liberal or the media or the Iraqis….but never ever ever ever on your heroes of ineptitude GWB and Dick Cheney….Republicans have little credibility left when discussing matters regarding Iraq ….cowboy “diplomacy” has failed and it will take your pathetic, self serving and incompetent party down with it…..
If Repubs would take responsilbilty for something anything once in a while, I and alot of others would have more respect for your party….
Here’s the problem. It’s January 18 - and if all they’ve done is work 42 hours this year, then that’s extremely poor. Most of us have done double that and then some in two weeks. Only a liberal can view that as a great achievement. And what happened to the much ballyhooed five day work week. Let’s see. They began Jan 4th. That’s 4.2 hours/day. Stellar. Absolutely Magic
Are you deliberately playing stupid? Between this and the “disapproval ratings” for Ms Pelosi, it makes me wonder.
Well you’ve sealed it for me…..you arestupid, as evidenced here:
Repack Rider,
The combat operations were over in three weeks.
But it’s so nice to see that our difficulties and loss of life in Iraq are a source of glee to someone. You and the insurgents can celebrate it together.
As someone else so ‘gleefully’ pointed out, we are still taking casualties.
The combat operations are still ongoing as evidenced by those injured, maimed, and killed, along with those who are being referred back for another tour.
Here’s what Republicans did in 1994:
Here’s what the Republicans have done since;
Kitt, I know you have a point - somewhere?
Your logic is lacking. Too succinct, perhaps?
There’s a difference between combat and what we are doing now- do you KNOW any soldiers? Talk to them.
Do you know any soldiers? Really, do you? Because there is NO difference within the Iraq theater.
And another thing - it’s not about celebration; it’s about doing the job they were elected to do. Doing their job….not a desirable trait for the free-loading Rethugs who suck from the gov’t tit, then sign on all their trailer-park relatives and friends.
You guys are funny. There is a big difference between combat and training troops while establishing order.
This is the problem - you guys have no ability for discernment. You can’t tell the difference between combat and what is happening in Iraq, well then any discussion of the difficulties they encounter there is lost on you.
Yes Kitt you are so succinct - so as to avoid real thought. Congratulations.
I notice that the sum of you lefties are incapable of comparing the “Contract with America” with the 42 hour farce - which by the way is the topic - you guys have such short attention spans - but I understand why you want to change the topic. But why do you pick one you understand even less - Iraq?
The poll I quoted was reported on Fox news last night. But it’s as reliable to you as CNN is to me.
And Kitt it is about celebration. Here’s another poll you won’t believe, only 51% of democrats hope the new plan in Iraq will succeed.
How does it feel to actively support our nation’s enemies, hoping for their success? Sickening.
So, all those troops who are getting blown to little tiny pieces by roadside bombs are “in training.”
Okay then.
How does it feel to actively support our nation’s enemies, hoping for their success? Sickening.
Dichotomy is apparently lost on you. Everything done by this administration has deftly played into “our nation’s enemies” hands. But you wouldn’t know that, now would you?
As for this: There is a big difference between combat and training troops while establishing order.
Yes, there is. Which just goes to show YOU not only do not know any one in the military nor anything about the military. It is NOT the military’s job to ‘establish order’ in the sense of a establishing a government. ‘Training troops’ - you really are laughable.
As to your point regarding the contract with America and 42 hours…the job is done. Typical whining bullshit to cry over being not only on time, but under the time constraint.
You’re not even a worthy discussion opponent. I have family who differ from me politically and we have fine discussions because our goal is the same - to make this country work. None of us accuse the other of being unpatriotic because it is patently NOT TRUE.
My thinking would be that if you’re going to help “Republicans achieve dominance” you better do a hell of a lot better than playing weak semantics with “100 hours.” Try judging the Web sites of Democrats more. That’ll put the GOP right over the top,in a networking era.
–WKW
Wow, I think this is the stupidest post I have ever read. I mean that completely literally.
Kitt,
I must have struck a nerve - but I don’t worry that it went to your brain - nothing goes there.
Training troops - that has been ongoing for two years - but you’ve somehow missed it.
Do you know how long our Revolutionary War lasted, the casualties, and the failures along the way? Obviously the McWar scenario is all you JohnnyComeLately types are capable of.
Here’s the issue - 42 hours to pass six sweeping reforms??? or six pieces of crap.
Obviously “the sky is blue” legislation is going to pass - but is it an accomplishment? Well to some of you it is - akin to getting out of bed in the morning, eh?
WKW - ???? Establish Republican dominance????
Hoping for America to fail in a war is unpatriotic which is precisely what all this failure talk about Iraq is about. That this rhetoric is unpatriotic is not a mischaracterization. If the heel fits, Kitt, you wear it. I’m glad you have people with some sense in your family to disagree with you. At least your defects aren’t genetic.
Kathy, you are really, really stupid.
And that is a huge understatement.
I really can’t believe you actually thought that the first 100 hours referred to less than five calendar days to get the first agenda items passed in the House of Representatives. Purely from a proceedural point, you’d have to know that it referred to working hours. In any event, Pelosi and Reid have shown that they intend for both houses of Congress to actually work for their money. In point of fact, the 110th Congress has already accomplished more for the people of the country in its first couple of weeks than the entire 109th during its entire existence.
Obviously “the sky is blue” legislation is going to pass -
And what color is the sky in your world?
Why don’t you go run along and polish your jackboots or something.
Here’s the problem. It’s January 18 - and if all they’ve done is work 42 hours this year, then that’s extremely poor. Most of us have done double that and then some in two weeks. Only a liberal can view that as a great achievement. And what happened to the much ballyhooed five day work week. Let’s see. They began Jan 4th. That’s 4.2 hours/day. Stellar. Absolutely Magic.
Here’s the problem - you’re either an idiot or deliberately dishonest.
Or do you believe that a Congressman clocks in at 8.30, sits in the legislative chamber for eight hours each and every day with half an hour for lunch, and then clocks out at 5.00 sharp five days a week?
Here’s the problem guys - you can’t admit that the 42 hour announcement was a bomb. No traction.
And why? Because there was nothing out there that the public responded to with a great big sigh of relief - or even one measly “boy I’m really glad Congress did that.”
And no I don’t believe that Congressmen clock in and out- so when Perilosi touted her five day work week I thought how stupid she thinks we are for just that reason. You guys need to nail your other shoe to the floor -you are going in circles.
But I do think that somewhere in the two weeks they would have spent more time than four puny hours per day on the floor. These aren’t exactly stunning numbers.
But it goes to the fact that you guys would cheer a dead horse, and call it a winner, even if it died before the finish line. You’d just move the finish line.
That’s fine. I love it. As long as the standards you set for your leaders are so minimal, your leadership will be short.
You are correct that republicans fell on their own petards by not accomplishing what they should have in the last two years, but who voted them out? Not you die hards.. it was dissatisfied conservatives and moderates. We clean out our dead wood but you guys promote them. A party of Peters. You’ve heard of the Peter Principle, eh?
Put lipstick on that pig all you guys want - it’s entertaining. Can’t hardly wait until one of you truly refined intellectuals comes up with a more creative response than “you’re really stupid”
Wow - did you come up with that on your own?
I want to thank you in advance for your low low ethical and legislative standards. What you consider a feat of wonder has been met with a collective “Ho Hum.”
Here’s something interesting:
There’s no subcommittee meetings for mark-up,” the Iowa Republican explains. “There are no rules committee meetings that allow amendments to be offered and considered, and there are no amendments allowed on the floor,” he says.
Considering the state of affairs, Kings admits he feels sorry for the newly elected House Democrats, who are apparently being used by the majority party leadership. “The Democrat freshmen who campaigned on being an effective voice from their district have not had a voice yet,” he says, “and they’ve got to be wondering what’s happened here in this congress.”
If one compares Pelosi’s 100-hour clock to the actual time Congress has been in session, the Iowa representative points out, these lawmakers have only been working 3.7 hours per day. In other words, he asserts, U.S. taxpayers are spending nearly $8,000 every minute while nothing is really getting done in the new Democrat-controlled Congress.
So, to reinforce your specious point that “nothing is really getting done,” you point to some statements by a Republican congressman who is, apparently, just as clueless as you are?!?
Wow… bitter much? The people have spoken, and the people want real leadership. That’s why they put the grownups back in charge.
Training troops - that has been ongoing for two years - but you’ve somehow missed it. [January 19th, 2007 at 3:17 pm]
“U.S. forces had one of their costliest days in Iraq on Saturday when 21 troops were killed, including 13 in a helicopter and five in a clash in a Shi’ite holy city the U.S. military said was triggered by militiamen.”
Did those troops get the ‘training memo’?*
* Reuters: http://tinyurl.com/36qbke
Kitt - truly - you need to find a thread on Iraq.
And a good milblog. Try Michael Yon, who unlike Reuters, doesn’t report from his hotel in the green zone.
Or Bill at INDC, reporting from Iraq, or Michelle Malkin, also recently returned, or Bill Roggio, or Blackfive….
Try reading Iraq the Model, written by an Iraqi…
And get back to me when you have done some reading.
Reason - I still say that’s a misnomer - but ok - I’m delighted to see this is what you guys think an accomplishment is. Good for you.
You didn’t win this election. The frauds in congress like Foley and Ney and Cunningham lost it.
See now if Foley had been a democrat like Studds (MA) he could have served four more terms. But republicans hold their representatives accountable.
Jack Murtha - now do you think he looks younger on that ABSCAM video…
There’s so many ethics problems that poor old Pelosi had to search and search for committee heads…
This is fascinating stuff. But you’ll find some of it in Schumer’s new book, Positively American, and he says it plainly. You didn’t win, you just didn’t lose.
Let me explain this 42hour thingy - Perilosi didn’t want an unfavorable comparison between dems and the reps of 1994, so she created this little show.
All style and no substance.
And grown ups - you guys want the government to take care of you - that’s not the behavior of a grown up - its the psychological dependence of a perpetual adolescent.
Now to demonstrate, which one of you intellectual wizards will call me stupid next?
One of you had me confused with our gracious host. Another had to practice before figuring out how to do a link. I’m so impressed with your eloquence and finesse. It’s right up there with what constitutes your standards for effective government.
Don’t get used to it. With your leaders, you won’t have leadership long.
OK, we’re done here. Kathy, when you reply to this, you will be getting in the last word; as I understand the rules of Freeperland, that means you WIN! Yay, you!
I’m not going to change your mind, you’re not going to change mine; any further discussion is pointless. I (and, presumably, the others,) only replied to let you and the mouth-breather who runs this blog know that we can see right through you; you’re frustrated and upset that the Democratic Congress is accomplishing good for the American people, while the Republican Congress was raping the treasury and stalking young boys. The facts are on record, and no amount of wishing and hoping on your part can change them.
Again, this discussion is now closed; have fun talking to yourself from here on out.
Just for the record, ya tool, I wasn’t practicing, it was simply a typo.
And I stand by what I said.
When We Win They Get… Nitpicky…
As my readers can easily tell, I have and will enjoy the hell out of watching the GOP deal with being in the minority (and will enjoy it even more when the Democrats recapture the White House). Today’s bit of…
They Really Have Nothing…
42 hours is failure?…